Lead Structural Engineer
BEng (Civil)
Qualifications:
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
Professional Overview:
Chris Strange is a seasoned Lead Structural Engineer with over 25 years of experience in structural design, engineering leadership, and the successful delivery of complex projects across Australia. His expertise spans industrial and mining infrastructure, defence, commercial developments, education, water infrastructure, and residential construction. Known for his technical depth and collaborative approach, Chris is a trusted advisor to clients, contractors, and project stakeholders.
Throughout his career, Chris has been involved in projects at all stages — from early feasibility and concept development through to detailed design, documentation, construction support, and commissioning. He excels at identifying structural risks and constraints early, developing strategies that are safe, practical, and aligned with the broader objectives of each project.
Since joining Ingenia in 2020, Chris has played a pivotal role in establishing and leading the company’s civil and structural engineering capability as lead structural engineer. He oversees the structural discipline across a diverse portfolio of projects, working closely with project managers, design teams, and clients to ensure technical excellence, code compliance, and design efficiency. He takes an active role in delivering structural design solutions that balance constructability, cost-effectiveness, and long-term performance.
Chris’s experience includes the design of steel and concrete structures, heavy and piled foundations, seismic upgrades, and materials handling infrastructure. He is highly proficient in delivering engineering solutions that integrate with mechanical, civil, and architectural requirements.
A key strength of Chris’s is his ability to bridge technical design with construction methodology. He considers site access, staging, lifting, and temporary works from the outset, helping reduce rework and de-risk delivery. This practical focus ensures projects are not only well-designed but are also buildable within real-world site conditions.
In addition to his technical contributions, Chris plays a significant leadership role within Ingenia. He mentors junior engineers and drafters, shares best practices, and supports the professional development of his team. He also oversees internal QA processes, ensuring structural documentation is clear, accurate, and consistent across all stages of delivery.
As a senior member of Ingenia’s engineering leadership team, Chris acts as a technical authority on structural matters. His leadership ensures high standards of design quality, compliance, and innovation are maintained across all projects, while continuously improving internal processes and technical outputs.
He has delivered work in both greenfield and brownfield contexts, often within operational facilities or constrained sites. His ability to lead cross-disciplinary coordination and resolve complex structural interfaces makes him a valuable asset to Ingenia and to clients seeking confidence in structural outcomes.
Technical Skills & Expertise:
As a highly capable Lead Structural Engineer, Chris brings a wealth of hands-on technical expertise and project leadership experience to every engagement. His capabilities include:
- Senior Engineering roles in industrial, commercial, construction, and water sectors
- Structural engineering design of steel and concrete structures
- Heavy foundation design
- Seismic upgrades of structures
- Early works design and specification
- Building inspection and dilapidation reporting
- Structural building certification
- Structural design of steel and concrete buildings and infrastructure
- Development of efficient and buildable structural systems
- Advanced analysis for wind, seismic, and dynamic loading conditions
- Foundation engineering, including design of heavy and piled footings
- Structural design for materials handling infrastructure
- Temporary works design for excavation, lifting, and construction sequencing
- Engineering management and coordination of multidisciplinary teams
- Structural assessment, inspection, certification and reporting
- Concept, FEED, and detailed design development
- Mentoring and technical leadership within project teams
- Stakeholder engagement and development of project return briefs
- Quality assurance and documentation control
Projects & Experience
Chris has played a key role in the successful delivery of many major engineering projects across Australia. His work includes high-value developments in the mining, materials handling, and water sectors, as well as complex structural upgrades to existing assets and new builds in education and commercial sectors.
Education, certification and memberships:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
- SPACE GASS structural analysis training
- ETABS structural modelling training
- Green Star training (sustainable design principles)
- Construction White Card
- Working at Heights certification
- MIEAust – Member, Engineers Australia
- On-Site Detention Systems (Stormwater management training)
