Who we are
Engineers that solve real building problems
At DTCE Consulting Engineers, we help homeowners, architects, and builders solve real-world building problems — from seismic problems to tricky alterations to temporary works that keep sites safe and moving.
We’re a Wellington-based structural and geotechnical engineering consultancy serving the Greater Wellington Region, Wairarapa, and Horowhenua. Our work is supported by our growing Manila engineering office, which helps us deliver projects quickly, consistently, and to a high standard.
Our focus is simple: make engineering easy to understand, easy to work with, and genuinely useful for the people who rely on it.
Whether it's a small residential alteration or a complex retrofit, we break down the “black box” of engineering so you know exactly what’s happening, why it matters, and how it affects your project.
Wellington Office
Manila Office
Our Tenets
What we stand for - and how it shapes your project
Support the People
Engineering is ultimately for people, the ones living in the homes, working on sites, and building their careers here.
Build Ability
We design for buildability, not just for drawings. And as a firm, we constantly improve our tools, processes, and technical capacity
Make it Easy
Engineering shouldn't feel mysterious. We simplify the process from first call to sign off, with clear communication and practical advice
Model for Others
We aim to set the standard - technically, ethically, and professionally. Good engineering benefits everyone
Our Story
From humble beginnings
DTCE started in 1987 in a small sleepout above founder Don Thomson’s garage — a humble start for what would become one of Wellington’s most trusted local engineering consultancies. Don built the company on a simple belief: engineering should serve everyday people, not just big developers.
By 2017, the team had grown, and Don invited Marlo Bromley to step in as co-director. Together, they modernised the practice and rebranded as DTCE Structural Engineers, cementing the firm’s place across Wellington, Wairarapa, and Kāpiti.
In 2021, Marlo became sole director and continued building on Don’s legacy — doubling the team, expanding geotechnical services, and shaping DTCE into a consultancy known for both technical skill and practical, client-friendly advice.
In 2023, Lee Huang joined as DTCE’s second director. While Marlo moved to the Philippines to grow our expanding Manila engineering office, Lee remained in Wellington to lead the New Zealand team on the ground. This step strengthened both sides of the business — combining Wellington’s local expertise with Manila’s growing engineering capability.
Today, we still hold onto that garage-sleepout mentality: stay grounded, stay curious, and always do right by the people who trust us with their projects.
Why People Choose Us
Engineering shaped around your project - not the other way around
Clients don't come to us because we are the cheapest or most technical consultancy in town. They come to us because we design with them, not at them.
Here are the values we focus on:
1. Engineering built around your goals
Every project is different. We listen first, then design solutions that fit your constraints: your site, your budget, your builder, your timeline.
2. Designs that actually work on site
Our solutions are buildable, realistic, and matched to Wellington conditions. Builders appreciate our details, clients appreciate not having cost blowouts from over-engineering
3. Human, approachable engineers
We are consultants first, engineers always. You'll talk to real people who take your project seriously. We are friendly, responsive, and easy to deal with
