Founded in 2014 with a clear mission to provide high-quality, innovative, and client-centered engineering solutions, Design Works Engineering & Inspections Ltd. has grown from a small operation in Grande Prairie, Alberta, into a global engineering powerhouse. This year, the firm celebrates its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of excellence, growth, and the realization of an ambitious vision.
A rapid ascent
From its humble beginnings, Design Works Engineering has expanded across Canada and beyond, now serving clients from coast to coast, as well as internationally. The company’s first office in Grande Prairie quickly proved inadequate for the demand, leading to expansions into Edmonton, Toronto, Vancouver, and more. Most recently, the firm opened an office in Halifax, establishing a presence on both coasts of Canada. Internationally, the firm broke into the U.S. market with an office in Nevada in 2021, followed by projects in the Middle East.
Design Works Engineering’s rapid growth can be attributed to its unique approach, which combines traditional engineering excellence with forward-thinking innovation. As Haydar Al Dahhan, the company’s President and CEO, explains, “Our team is made up of passionate professionals dedicated to delivering the highest standards of engineering excellence. Every project is an opportunity to challenge ourselves and push the boundaries of what’s possible.”
Client-centric relationships built on trust
Over the past decade, Design Works Engineering has built a reputation not only for technical expertise but also for forging strong, lasting relationships with clients. Many clients have returned for subsequent projects, thanks to the company’s transparency, dedication, and ability to deliver. One client in particular shared: “Working with Design Works Engineering has been a breath of fresh air. Their commitment to meeting deadlines, managing costs, and delivering exceptional results is unmatched.”
These long-standing partnerships are a testament to the company’s core values of trust, open communication, and relentless pursuit of excellence in every project, whether large or small.
Industry recognition and awards
Recognition from industry peers has also played a pivotal role in Design Works Engineering’s rise to prominence. The firm was ranked among Maclean’s Top 100 Canadian Growth Companies in 2020 and received the prestigious HOTFIRM award in 2022, further cementing its position as one of the fastest-growing engineering firms in North America. These accolades reflect not just rapid growth but a deep commitment to delivering quality services across multiple sectors and geographies.
Adapting to challenges with resilience
In the face of significant challenges, Design Works Engineering has consistently proven its resilience. During the Alberta economic downturn in 2015 and more recently during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company adapted quickly and efficiently, ensuring that projects stayed on track while maintaining the safety and well-being of its employees.
“Our ability to pivot during difficult times speaks to the strength of our team and our processes,” says Haydar. “We’ve learned that adaptability is one of our greatest assets, allowing us to serve clients in any environment.”
Innovation at the core
A key factor behind the firm’s success is its unwavering commitment to innovation. From adopting the latest technology, such as Revit and BIM, to exploring sustainable design solutions, Design Works Engineering stays at the forefront of the industry. The company’s investment in energy modeling and building science ensures that clients benefit from the most efficient, environmentally responsible designs possible.
“Our focus on sustainability isn’t just about meeting current regulations,” says Haydar, “it’s about setting the standard for the future. We want to ensure that the buildings we design today are prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”
The firm’s energy modeling software allows for sophisticated simulations that optimize building performance, reduce water consumption, and minimize environmental impact. This proactive approach has not only earned Design Works Engineering accolades from industry peers but has also led to cost savings for its clients.
A notable achievement in sustainability is the work done on the Edmonton Business Campus, where Design Works Engineering successfully implemented a suite of green building technologies that reduced the building’s carbon footprint by over 25 percent. This project stands as a beacon of what’s possible when cutting-edge technology and sustainable design principles come together.
Building for the future
Design Works Engineering’s portfolio boasts a wide array of projects, ranging from high-rise apartments to sprawling commercial campuses. Highlights include the 88 James Street Apartments in St. Catharines, the KW & Stratford Perth Humane Society in Kitchener, and Durham Modular Supportive Housing in Beaverton. Each of these projects showcases the firm’s ability to balance technical excellence with creative design, all while meeting client goals for sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
In Alberta, the Edmonton Business Campus stands out as a tour de force of sustainable design, while the PolyKar Building and the Mickelson National Golf Club in Calgary further demonstrate the firm’s versatility and commitment to excellence. Across Canada, from The Regatta Apartments in Nanaimo, British Columbia, to The Crossroads Development in Prince Edward Island, Design Works Engineering has left its mark on communities coast-to-coast.
Expanding internationally, the firm recently made waves with its work on the Mysk Resort & Condo Hotel in Orlando, Florida. As the team continues to expand its global reach, it’s clear that Design Works Engineering is well-equipped to meet the needs of clients across diverse markets and industries.
A people-first approach
At the heart of Design Works Engineering’s success is its people. Haydar and his leadership team have cultivated a culture that values diversity, creativity, and collaboration. The firm’s staff hail from more than 30 different countries, bringing a wealth of perspectives and experiences to each project.
“Design Works is not a company where people hide; it’s a company where the best in people is exposed,” says Haydar. This ethos has led to a work environment where innovative ideas flourish and employees are encouraged to think outside the box to solve complex problems.
To further support this culture, the company has embraced Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, ensuring that every team member, regardless of their background, feels valued and empowered to grow. DEI efforts have resulted in an environment where unique perspectives are not just welcomed but celebrated, enabling Design Works Engineering to maintain a globally relevant outlook.
The company’s leadership places a high premium on professional development, continuously investing in its people through training, certifications, and opportunities for growth. “Our success is built on the shoulders of our team,” Haydar emphasizes. “We’re proud to have a group of professionals who are not only experts in their fields but are also passionate about what they do.”
A decade of giving back
Beyond its business success, Design Works Engineering is deeply committed to supporting the communities it serves. Over the years, the firm has contributed to numerous charitable organizations, including the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alberta Health Services, and local initiatives such as the Grande Prairie Hockey Legends Program and the Swanavon Playground Society. One particularly close-to-heart project has been the firm’s collaboration with various Humane Societies, where its engineering expertise has helped enhance local infrastructure.
As the company looks forward to the next decade, Haydar is clear about one thing: “Our success is not just about profits or projects. It’s about the impact we’re making—on our clients, our communities, and the industry as a whole.”
Looking ahead
With 10 years of success behind them, Design Works Engineering is poised for even greater accomplishments in the future. The company’s continued focus on sustainability, innovation, and client satisfaction will undoubtedly guide its next phase of growth. As the firm expands into new markets and industries, it remains committed to its core values: delivering exceptional engineering solutions, fostering a collaborative and creative environment, and making a positive impact on the world.
As Haydar concludes, “Each year brings new challenges and opportunities. But through it all, we remain steadfast in our commitment to innovation, quality, and client satisfaction. We’re excited for what the next decade will bring.”
