Engineering Excellence. Global Reach. Local Impact.

Who We Are

Founded in 2014 in Grande Prairie, Alberta, by Haydar Al Dahhan and John Lehners, Design Works Engineering was built on a straightforward premise: engineering should be responsive, innovative, and genuinely connected to the communities it serves. What started as a local firm has grown into an award-winning multinational consultancy — expanding steadily year over year to a team of 120+ professionals across 16 offices in North America and the Philippines.

Diverse group celebrating with blue number 10 balloon in city park
Wooden sign with tree-shaped cutouts in a forest setting

Our Story

That growth isn't accidental. It's the result of a consistent commitment to doing good work for clients who rely on us to get it right. Today, our global network of experts collaborate to solve complex challenges across 11 distinct market sectors — from residential and industrial to civic, healthcare, and education.

Stylized graphic of an eye with radiating lines

Our Vision

To shape a built environment that’s smarter, more resilient, and genuinely better for the communities that live and work in it.

Target or bullseye icon with nested concentric circles and an arrow

Our Mission

To deliver high-quality engineering through multidisciplinary collaboration, forward-thinking technology, and a real commitment to our clients’ success.

Hands cradling a group of people, symbolizing community support and care

Our Culture

Our people are the foundation of everything we do. We invest in a culture of continuous learning, diverse perspectives, and genuine collaboration — where experienced engineers mentor emerging talent and every voice contributes to better outcomes. Guided by principles of integrity, creativity, and innovation, we’ve built a workplace where great work comes naturally.

Network of connected user icons representing social networking or team collaboration

Our Communities

Our commitment to the communities we serve doesn’t stop at the project boundary. We design spaces that strengthen local economies, foster connection, and leave a lasting, positive legacy. From pro bono engineering for nonprofits to sustainable affordable housing, we apply the same rigour and care to community work as we do for our largest clients.

Highlights

Our journey is defined by sustained growth and a consistent focus on quality. With 120+ professionals across 16 global offices, Design Works Engineering has completed over 7,000 projects — and counting. These milestones reflect more than business growth. They reflect our team’s dedication to showing up for every client, on every project, with the same level of care and technical rigour.

hot firm zweig group logoGold circular badge showing 20% yearly growth percentage

Our Core Values

01 / OUR TEAM

The Heart of Our Success

Our 120+ engineers, designers, and strategic advisors bring expertise from across disciplines and backgrounds. We believe the best solutions come from diverse perspectives working together — and our team proves it every day.

02 / SUSTAINABILITY

Building for the Future

Sustainability is built into every decision we make. From LEED-certified schools to Passive House affordable housing, we integrate energy-efficient design, low-carbon technologies, and sustainable materials into every project — building for the future, not just for today.

03 / INNOVATION

Pushing Boundaries

Engineering is evolving, and we stay ahead of it. We leverage BIM, advanced energy modelling, and modular design methodologies to deliver smarter outcomes — validating performance before a single shovel hits the ground and finding efficiencies that save clients time and money.

04 / ADAPTABILITY

Solutions for an Evolving World

Markets change. Client needs evolve. Regulations shift. We’re built for it. Our multidisciplinary structure and 16 global offices mean we can scale expertise quickly and adapt to any challenge — bringing the right team to the table without missing a beat.

05 / COLLABORATION

Expert Integration, Seamless Execution

The best engineering comes from genuine collaboration — between disciplines, between our team and the client, and between design and construction. We’re structured to make that collaboration seamless, and we treat every project as a partnership, not a transaction.

06 / CLIENT PARTNERSHIP

Your Vision, Our Expertise

We don’t just deliver drawings — we deliver confidence. Our clients rely on us to stay engaged from first consultation through post-construction support, and we take that seriously. Every decision we make is guided by what’s best for the project and the people it serves.

07 / ACCOUNTABILITY

Delivering on Every Promise

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of professional and ethical practice. COR™ certified and committed to transparency, we own our decisions, stand behind our work, and remain available to our clients long after the ribbon is cut — because trust is the foundation of everything we build.

08 / COMMUNITY IMPACT

Engineering with Purpose

From the Design Works Centre in Grande Prairie to pro bono engineering for organizations like the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo, we invest in the places we call home. Our work goes beyond infrastructure — it strengthens the communities that give it meaning.

09 / AFFORDABLE DESIGN

Smart Solutions, Real Value

Cost-effective doesn’t mean cutting corners — it means engineering smarter. We apply Passive House principles, modular design, and advanced energy modelling to deliver projects that are affordable to build and economical to operate, without sacrificing quality or sustainability.

10 / SAFETY

Engineering with Confidence

Safety is non-negotiable. As a COR™ certified firm, every team member — regardless of role — has the authority and obligation to stop work if something isn’t right. We invest continuously in training, hazard identification, and a culture where no project is ever worth compromising the wellbeing of our people or the public.

Our Timeline

Design Works company timeline showing growth from 2014 to 2025