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Our Team

Edward (Ted) Dowdall
CEO – Principal Structural Engineer

ted@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualifications: BSc (Hons), CPEng, CMEngNZ (Ret.), CEng (UK), MIED, MIET, MSAE

Ted is the founder of Structural Engineers NZ (SENZ) and brings over 50 years of structural engineering experience across the UK, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Chartered in both NZ and the UK, Ted has led SENZ since its inception in 2004 and will continue as a partner following his upcoming retirement.

His expertise spans seismic assessment, commercial and residential design, industrial structures, and specialist staircase design. Ted is highly skilled in Finite Element Analysis (Ansys, SFrame) and deeply knowledgeable in the NZ Building Act and Code. He is also trained to act as an Expert Witness in New Zealand courts.

Outside of engineering, Ted enjoys cooking—especially Asian cuisine—and lives in Thailand with his wife. A former sports enthusiast, he now enjoys a more relaxed lifestyle while staying active.

Sadeer Kattan
Managing Director – Principal Structural Engineer

sadeer@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualifications: BE (Hons), CPEng, CMEngNZ (Structural)

Sadeer joined SENZ in 2014 and now leads the team as Managing Director. A Chartered Member of Engineering New Zealand, he brings extensive technical expertise across residential, commercial, and industrial structural design.

His experience includes seismic analysis, damage assessments, and the design of alternative materials such as aluminium and clay block. Sadeer also contributes to product development and has a strong background in both initial and detailed seismic assessments.

Outside of work, Sadeer is a passionate bass player and has performed in bands across New Zealand. He also enjoys football, table tennis, fitness, and scuba diving.

Faris Kattan
General Manager – Senior Engineer

faris@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualification: BE Civil (Hons)

Faris joined SENZ in 2019 to help shape the company’s growth and operations. As General Manager, he oversees the company administration, pricing and estimating, client liaison, marketing, and new business development and strategy.

With a background in project and construction management, Faris has worked on major projects including the Newmarket Viaduct Replacement, National Library Refurbishment in Wellington, and the Abu Dhabi Airport Terminal. Over the past decade, he has transitioned into business management while remaining active in the construction sector.

Outside of work, Faris is passionate about food and travel—having visited over 60 countries. He also enjoys CrossFit, diving, and playing guitar.

Aness Kattan
Senior Structural Engineer

aness@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualification: BE (Hons) MEngNZ

Aness joined SENZ in 2016 and quickly became a key member of the team. With over 13 years of experience in structural engineering and construction project management, he brings both technical expertise and practical site knowledge to every project.

His work spans residential, commercial, and temporary works design, including site inspections, construction monitoring, and damage assessments. Aness leads our temporary works division and provides mentorship to junior engineers, ensuring designs are cost-effective and buildable.

Outside of work, Aness is a keen footballer and has recently taken up stand-up paddleboarding. He also enjoys camping and travel.

Marlon de Guzman
Civil / Structural Design Manager

marlon@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualification: BSc(Civil) MSc(Structural) MEngSt(Geotechnical) CMEngNZ CPEng IntPE(NZ) / APEC Engineer

Marlon joined SENZ in early 2022 as Design Manager, bringing over 19 years of experience in structural engineering across buildings and civil infrastructure. He is a Chartered Engineer with expertise in temporary works, seismic assessments, and new builds. Marlon holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and two master’s degrees in structural and geotechnical engineering.

Before moving to New Zealand 11 years ago, Marlon worked on major projects throughout Southeast Asia and the Middle East. He is proficient in structural software including ETABS, SAFE, and SAP.

At SENZ, Marlon leads design planning and implementation, ensuring technical excellence and operational performance across the team.

Outside of work, Marlon is a devoted church member, serving as Choir Director and Organist for over 500 members across New Zealand, Fiji, and Tonga. He also enjoys playing basketball and regularly competes in tournaments.

Shaneel Chand
Chartered Structural Engineer

shaneel@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualification: BE(Hons), CMEngNZ, CPEng, IntPE(NZ)

Shaneel joined SENZ in late 2023 and quickly became a valued member of the team. A Chartered Engineer, he brings strong expertise in residential, commercial, and industrial design—including bespoke features and large-scale developments with seismic considerations.

His role includes engineering design, project leadership, client liaison, technical reviews, and development. Notable projects include 154 Queen Street (Masterton), the Maanaki and Owairaka apartment developments, Bella Vista remedial works, and temporary works for SkyCity Auckland.

Shaneel is proficient in timber, concrete, and steel design, and skilled in software such as SpaceGass, Microstran, and ETABS. Outside of work, he enjoys gym workouts, travelling, socialising, filmmaking, and brewing.

Arun Cheriachan
Structural Engineer

arun@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualification: BTech (Civil), Grad Dip (Structures)

Arun joined SENZ in early 2021, bringing a strong engineering background and four years of New Zealand experience in structural design. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Structures from WelTec.

Arun has contributed to a wide range of residential and temporary works projects, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and compliance. His early career included three years as a site engineer in the public sector in India before relocating to New Zealand in 2018.

He is proficient in structural software such as S-Frame, ETABS, and SAP2000. Outside of work, Arun enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching movies, and playing badminton—when he finds the time!

Kro Liu
Structural Engineer

kro@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualification: –    BE(Hons), MEqEng

Kro joined SENZ in August 2022 after completing her master’s degree in earthquake engineering. With a background in mechatronics, she transitioned into structural design after working on seismic bracing for non-structural elements in her first role.

Her strengths include attention to detail, solid engineering fundamentals, and a drive to improve design processes. At SENZ, Kro has contributed to residential designs (new builds and renovations) and stability analysis for temporary structures such as scaffolds, propping, and accommodation units.

Notable projects include seismic bracing design for suspended ceilings and building services at the Christchurch Convention Centre, involving clash detection with a 3D integrated model.

Outside of work, Kro enjoys badminton, reading, walking, DIY projects, and is passionate about food and travel.

Morgan Wang
Structural Engineer

morgan@structural-engs.co.nz

Qualification: BE (Hons) MEngNZ

Morgan joined SENZ in 2019 and has focused primarily on residential design projects, including new builds, alterations, and extensions. He brings strong expertise in foundation and retaining wall design, timber framing, scaffolding, and temporary propping.

Outside of work, Morgan enjoys reading and spending time with his young children.

Natalie O’Donnell
Administrative Assistant

admin@structural-engs.co.nz

Natalie joined SENZ in March 2025, bringing with her over two decades of experience in administration. Since beginning her career in 2004, she has built a reputation for being highly organized, dependable, and committed to supporting team efficiency. Her role is vital to the smooth operation of daily activities, and she takes pride in delivering consistent, high-quality support.

Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time with her Husband and three children, traveling, gardening and baking.