A Spotlight on Dylan: Partner & Structural Engineer
At co-elevate, we’re all about celebrating the people who show up with passion, purpose, and their whole selves — that’s exactly what Dylan has been doing since his first day in 2019 and as he continues to lead with that same spirit since becoming a Partner in 2023.
With a background in structural engineering and a passion for purpose-driven design, Dylan brings a unique blend of technical expertise, creativity, and heart to every project he touches.
From grad school to groundbreaking work
Dylan’s academic journey began at the University of Waterloo, where he completed both his Bachelor and Master of Applied Science in Civil Engineering with a focus on structures. While studying, he gravitated toward roles and experiences that combined technical challenge with real-world impact — something he found a perfect match for at co-elevate.
“My previous jobs and grad school really showed me that quality, caring, and giving back to the community were core values for me” Dylan shares. “When I saw how many of co-elevate’s projects were focused on community and societal impact, I knew I had to learn more.”
A Google search, a phone call, and a great conversation with Bill Fick later — the rest, as they say, is history.
Diving in head-first
Dylan hit the ground running, starting off as a designer on several key projects, including Northpoint II and Phase II of the Village at University Gates. Having previous co-op experiences, Dylan was soon able to take the lead on an eight-storey concrete building early on in his time here.
Since then, Dylan has worked on a wide variety of projects, but he’s especially proud of his contributions to affordable housing and long-term care buildings.
“These projects give me a deep sense of fulfillment,” Dylan says. “There’s something incredibly rewarding about working on solutions that directly address some of our biggest societal challenges, like housing affordability and the needs of an aging population. From an engineering standpoint, they often present opportunities to innovate and make a real impact.”
His advice to new grads?
“Co-ops and internships are invaluable. Try different fields, different types of work. It’ll help you figure out what you’re passionate about - and where you can really thrive”
Giving back in a big way
Dylan’s commitment to community doesn’t stop at work. He’s a regular blood donor (currently at donation #35 and counting!) and recently started donating platelets — a crucial component of the blood supply chain with a short shelf life. “Donating blood is such an easy way to give back in a big way. Most people don’t realize how much of a difference 15 minutes can make.”
He’s also deeply involved in student mentorship and development, including co-chairing the annual multi-day Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) student competitions that bring together over 400 students to test their skills in real-world design challenges like Steel Bridge, Concrete Canoe, and Water Treatment.
“These competitions and the team I led had a huge impact on me as a student and engineer. Helping organize them now is my way of paying it forward and giving future engineers those same life-changing experiences.”
He also gives technical talks on topics like light-frame timber in mid-rise construction — most recently applied to an affordable housing project in St. Thomas, ON — and continues to mentor student teams across Canada.
Beyond the blueprint
When he’s not engineering better buildings, Dylan’s out exploring the great outdoors. Hiking is his happy place, especially when he can pair it with a campsite, a camera, and a little calm and quiet.
That love of photography — which started as a teenager biking around London with friends — has stuck with him through the years. Today, he captures everything from landscapes and family moments to headshots and project photos. He’s even ventured into astrophotography (the recent aurora and eclipse were big highlights!).
And if that’s not enough? He also codes, tinkers with graphic design, works on his house, and dabbles in web development.
(Fun fact: Dylan led the revamp of the Gray & Fick website back in 2019 — helping kickstart what would become the Marketing team at co-elevate)
Hidden talents:
Nature photographer
Code whisperer
Graphic design dabbler
Serial hobbyist with a growing tool collection
Designations & Achievements:
P.Eng. (ON, BC)
Bachelor of Applied Science, Master of Applied Science
Task group member on Engineering Design in Wood (O86)
Member of CPCI and CSCE (including Student Competitions)