Engineering is Our Passion
Our team of engineers possesses diverse expertise in civil and structural engineering
Luke Milstein
Director
MIEAust CPEng NER RPEQ APEC IntPE(Aus) PE0011444
Joining our firm in 2008 as a registered architectural draftsman, Luke quickly honed his skills to become an accomplished structural design-draftsman. Looking to further develop his skills, Luke completed his Bachelor of Engineering and is now a Registered Professional Engineer.
Luke is a Director of Chris O’Brien & Company and has a vast technical skillset in the civil and structural design fields.
Jack Downes
Director
BEng (Hons) (Civil) (Professional) GradIEAust
Jack joined our firm in 2020 and completed his Bachelor of Engineering in 2022.
Jack has quickly developed a strong skillset in the facets of residential, commercial and bridge structural design and civil design including hydrology, stormwater drainage and road design and is a highly competent structural draftsman. Jack is also responsible for preparing tender submissions for civil and structural investigation and design projects.
Chris O’Brien
Principal Engineer
FIEAust PE0000343
Chris has over 50 years’ experience as a civil and structural engineer and is a Fellow member of Engineers Australia.
Practising as a consulting civil and structural engineer under his own name since 1985, Chris has provided a broad range of engineering services to a vast array of clients. With expertise in investigation, concept and detailed design, contract administration and supervision, business management and development of our integrated management system, Chris has ensured the steady growth and ongoing success of the firm.
As Past President of the Rotary Club of Traralgon and Past Engineers Australia Gippsland Group Chairman, Chris is an active member of the Gippsland community.
Noel Ransome
Proof Engineer
MIEAust CPEng NER PE0000197
Commencing with the Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works in 1970 before moving to the VicRoads Bridge Division in 1974 for 26 years, Noel specialises in the design of bridge structures.
Noel joined our firm in 2015 following 15 years operating a structural engineering consultancy. Some of Noel’s high profile bridge structures include the Katrina Drive Cable Stayed Pedestrian Bridge over the Metropolitan Ring Road, the Walhalla Tourist Road Truss Bridge over the Thomson River and the Princes Highway Bridge over the North Arm Bridge at Lakes Entrance.
Noel currently provides technical advice and proof engineering services to a wide variety of consultants, contractors and government clients.
Paul Tucker
Senior Construction Engineer
MIEAust
Based in Wangaratta, Paul is a passionate civil engineer with considerable experience in bridge construction supervision.
Commencing employment with the Bridge Division of CRB in 1966, Paul gained 35 years’ experience including 6 years of bridge design and 16 years of bridge construction supervision and contract management on the Hume Freeway duplication. Paul then spent a further 18 years with the Rural City of Wangaratta and was predominately involved in bridge related matters and mentoring junior staff.
Paul joined our firm in 2020 and enjoys conducting bridge inspections and investigation works across Victoria and southern New South Wales.
Andrew Powell
Senior Civil Designer
Andrew is a highly motivated engineering draftsperson with over 45 years’ experience with consulting Civil and Structural Engineering firms. Able to work independently or in a team environment, Andrew is excellent in dealing with new and existing clients
Andrew returned to Chris O’Brien & Company 3 years ago and operates our Bairnsdale office.
Andrew specialises in civil drainage projects, geotechnical assessments, soil tests and land capability assessments, but also has vast experience and knowledge in all types of civil and structural engineering projects.
Andrew is actively involved in the East Gippsland community and is the President of the East Gippsland Football Netball League.
Will Howden
Design Engineer
BEng (Hons) (Civil) MIEAust
Will has over 5 years’ experience as a design engineer and has worked on numerous residential, industrial and commercial projects across Gippsland and beyond.
Since joining Chris O’Brien & Company in 2022, he has enjoyed expanding his skillset to include bridge design, developing his knowledge in prestressed concrete and steel construction.
Currently situated in the Bairnsdale office, Will enjoys working back in his hometown, providing clients with high quality engineering services.
Sally Downes
Administration Officer
With more than 35 years’ experience and qualifications in bookkeeping and writing and editing, Sally provides administrative and bookkeeping assistance to our firm.
Joining our team in 2014, Sally enjoys the diverse nature of our projects.