Team

Sellick Consultants Pty Ltd has a strong team of five directors, and just over 45 staff spread over two offices in Canberra and Sydney.

The team has extensive professional and practical experience in delivering technically sound and functional design solutions that minimise complexity in construction. Team work is strong and communications (internal and external) is open and clear—important for the type of projects we handle.

Professional development is a high priority at Sellick Consultants with team members kept up-to-date with the latest industry developments through seminars and training programs both in-house and external.

The directors

  • Chris Buchanan
  • MIEAust, BEng (Hons, Civil)
  • Managing Director – Structural Engineer
  • Chris Buchanan CV

Chris started his employment with Sellick in 2006 as a Full-Time Junior Draftsperson where he progressed to Senior Structural Draftsperson, and then Graduate Engineer after completing his Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours at University of Wollongong. During his time, Chris became a manager of the Residential and Industrial Sectors and is now a proud director of Sellick Consultants.

Throughout Chris’s employment as a structural engineer, he has gained extensive experience in the field of structural engineering. Chris has a wide range of design skills which includes all stages of structural design ranging from conceptual design through to detailed design of residential, commercial, and industrial structures. During design Chris draws on experience in varied design strategies for analysis, from first principles and product specific tools right through to high end Finite Element Analysis software, such as Strand7, RAPT, Ram Concept and SpaceGass.

Chris has experience in all types of construction techniques including but not limited to timber design, structural steel, post tensioned and traditional reinforced concrete. Chris designs structures incorporating systems including lightweight steel framing, tilt- up and precast concrete panels, Ultrafloor, ECO Block, Glulam timber and steel/concrete composite flooring. Chris works in the capacity of a sole designer and project manager or in a supporting role as part of a design team.

  • Bernie Cusack
  • MIEAust CPEng EngExec NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)
  • Civil Engineer Director
  • Bernie Cusack CV

Bernie has been full-time with Sellick Consultants since he graduated with his Bachelor of Engineering, from the University of Sydney, in 1995—starting as an Engineer and then moving up to Engineering Manager and Civil Engineer. He became a company director in 1998.

Bernie brings to the Sellick Consultants’ team extensive experience in engineering design, project development, project management and project administration. He has a strong reputation for his meticulous attention to detail on behalf of the firm’s partner clients and is a strong two-way communicator.

Bernie operates with ease on residential, commercial and industrial construction development projects, including civil engineering design, roads and engineering services, storm water drainage, building services and water-sensitive urban design.

  • Darren Sault
  • BE (Hons I) FIEAust, CPEng, NER, MAICD
  • Structural Commercial Director Canberra
  • Darren Sault CV

Darren joined Sellick Consultants in October 2013 to head up our Commercial Structures Division. Graduating from The University of Newcastle with First Class Honours and the Dean’s Medal in 1998, Darren has 15 years of experience primarily in the Canberra region, specialising in major commercial developments in Canberra.

As well as project planning skills, Darren has high level analysis (linear and non-linear) skills, which result in more efficient and economic structural design. Darren has worked on a wide variety of different projects, structural systems, and client requirements in a considerable 15 year career thus far. It shows his ability to adapt to different client and building performance requirements, and still produce innovative and cost effective structural design solutions of a consistently high quality.

Darren has worked on many of Canberra’s buildings of note, from the New Acton precinct development (Acton East, South and New Acton Nishi) to the Brunei High Commission, AIS Aquatic Training Centre, Projects on Kingston Island, Hotel Realm Precinct (Bridgepoint, Dockside), Government Offices (18 Canberra Ave, Sirius Woden).

  • Adam Zahra
  • B.E. MIEAust, CPEng, RPEQ, NPER
  • Structural Commercial Director Sydney
  • Adam Zahra CV

Adam graduated as Structural Engineer in 1993 and has 20 years of Engineering experience in the Canberra, Sydney and Brisbane markets. Adam joined Sellick Consultants in 2013, to head up our Sydney and Brisbane Commercial Structures Division.

Adam brings his considerable experience in various sized developments, ranging from houses through to large residential and commercial developments, where his skills of economical design, efficient use of materials and innovative solutions combine to produce the right design for each project. Adam has good communication skills and works cooperatively as part of the design team to ensure the right solution is met for all projects.

Adam thrives on working as part of a team and enjoys the collaboration between the various disciplines on projects. It is these relationships which are necessary to deliver a successful project. Adam has been involved in number of projects including major institutional, commercial, residential, and industrial projects. Including NIDA Parade Theatre and Arboritum Visitors Centre (ACT).

  • Carl Sommerville
  • MEM, DipBld&Const, CertIVPlumbServ
  • Hydraulic Building Services Director
  • Carl Sommerville CV

Carl joined Sellick Consultants in February 2015 and brings over 20 year’s experience in the building industry from both a trade and engineering level, allowing him to have a solid understanding and appreciation of the processes involved to manage a project from beginning to end.

The level of experience and knowledge that Carl has from both a hands on point of view and lead design/project management level are a valuable asset to his growing relationships with new and existing clients as well as his close relationships with numerous tier 1 hydraulic contractors in the Canberra Region.

One of Carl’s main objectives in his role is to provide a service specific to each individual client’s needs and budget whilst walking them through ideal solutions/designs that are tailored to each and every project.

Key Personnel

  • Don Mclnnes
  • BE (Hons) MIEAust, CPEng, NER
  • Structural Project Director
  • Don Mclnnes CV

Don has more than 25 years experience in structural engineering and has built a reputation throughout his career for helping private and public sector clients meet their project goals. His structural engineering experience is extensive and covers timber, steel, concrete, composite and precast structures. With a focus on varying levels of residential, commercial and industrial developments, Don assesses and then formulates economic yet optimum solutions for clients.

After completing his civil engineering degree with honours at the University of New South Wales in 1986, majoring in structures and materials, Don joined KS Sellick & Associates in 1984 and took over the company following the retirement of company founder Keith Sellick in 1991.

July 2021, Don stepped down as a Director however, still performs a major role in project delivery alongside newly appointed Director, Chris Buchanan.

Andrew graduated as a civil Engineer in 1991 and has since gained considerable experience in the design and documentation for land development projects, roads and major infrastructure. He also has extensive experience in contract administration and site supervision of civil and structural engineering projects, as well as the creation and administration of quality management systems.

Andrew has had over 20 years’ experience in the design, documentation and site supervision of civil engineering projects. Most of these projects included the management of traffic (including vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists) and the consideration of the safety of both the public and workers on the projects.

Projects include land development design and documentation, roads and infrastructure, construction supervision and contracts administration, and quality management systems.

Amanda is an integral part of the Sellick Consultants business, responsible for the daily management of HR, Financial Management, Marketing, Administration and the Integrated Management System. Amanda is a driven individual who provides an essential leadership role supporting the technical aspects of the business and ensuring the delivery of projects to an exceptional industry standard.