who.

Nikeesh Prasad

Associate Director

For 10 years I have plied my trade in the multidisciplinary environment, leading and delivering outcomes on projects of varying scales, focussing on the research, education and commercial sectors. I am a structural engineer with a passion for materials, geometry and form.  

I have developed extensive experience with mass engineered timber construction with my role as structural lead on the award-winning Boola Katitjin Project for Murdoch University being a highlight thus far. I am acutely aware of the importance of adopting Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) principles in delivering a timber project and the collaborative effort required to do so. 

Project experience

New Engineering Research Campus Fishermans Bend Stage 1 | Melbourne, Australia | University of Melbourne

Structural Lead

A new world class engineering and design campus. The University of Melbourne aims to create distinctive facilities for innovative teaching and large-scale research that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and industry engagement.

Nikeesh as the structural engineer was responsible for engagement with user groups and researchers to incorporate the mass timber construction aspirations of the project, whilst ensuring the core research objectives were achieved.

Boola Katitjin | Perth, Australia | Murdoch University

Structural Lead

Constructed from glulam and cross laminated timber sourced from sustainable suppliers in Australia and Europe, Boola Katitjin, meaning ‘lots of learning’ in the local Noongar language, paying homage to its bush setting and location on land that has been a place of learning for over 60,000 years.

Nikeesh as the structural engineer on the award-winning mass engineered timber building that has demonstrated that designing for Country, with circularity, collaboration and innovation at the forefront, results in outcomes that benefit both people and the planet.

High Commission of Canada | Canberra, Australia | Canadian Embassy

Structural Lead

The new chancery building and its design underscores Canada’s commitment to truth and reconciliation with indigenous communities. The new building will serve as a medium for cultural exchange between Canada and Australia, placing design excellence at the centre of cultural diplomacy, focusing on shared values and common ground. The architectural concept features an ethereal floating box, representing Canada, resting respectfully on grounded stereotomic elements of the Australian landscape.

Nikeesh delivered the design through to construction.

Ngurra Cultural Precinct and the National Resting Place | Canberra, Australia | Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Studies

Structural Lead

This project is for the development of the Ngurra Cultural Precinct to include an upgrade to the conservation facilities and an extension to include an education facility, theatre and galleries. It also includes the development of the National Resting Place, a facility of national significance. The design intent is to draw on First Nations knowledge to inform the design strategy.

Nikeesh was responsible for the structural design during the Concept Design Phase, exploring options for structural solutions that respect the cultural significance and requirements for the National Resting Place.

Northumberland Companion Building | Melbourne, Australia | Grocon

Structural Engineer

The Northumberland Companion building is a six storey timber office building , which is part of an overall development at Northumberland incorporating an existing telephone exchange.

Nikeesh conducted an independent design review of the timber structural and connection system and assisted with design of concrete-CLT composite floor system. He continued on the project throughout construction providing construction support.

Allianz Stadium | Sydney, Australia | Infrastructure NSW

Structural Engineer

Structural Engineer on the team responsible for the delivery of the 42,500 seat bowl structure for the new Allianz Stadium (formerly Sydney Football Stadium).

Nikeesh was responsible for undertaking complex dynamic analysis to account for crowd induced vibration on the bowl structure. This resulted in efficiencies being gained in the structure and a reduction in steel tonnage.

Melbourne Central Tower Lobby Upgrade | Melbourne, Australia | GPT Group

Structural Engineer

Construction of a mezzanine level and upgrade of ground level of the tower to improve the entrance to the tower and create additional tenancies. Led the delivery of construction documentation and provided construction support. Of note was the removal of a column supporting the glass canopy at the entrance.

Nikeesh assisted the architect and contractor through the challenges of renovating an existing tower.

8 Barry Street | Melbourne, Australia |

Structural Engineer

A 4 storey multi-residential building with reinforced concrete podium and CLT and Glulam structure above.

Nikeesh undertook structural analysis and design of all mass timber elements in the building, including; design, detail and drafting of connections, review of manufacturer IFC models and shop drawings, design and detail of temporary works and preparation of ITP and site inspections, construction support and remediation of site issues.

Nightingale 3.0 | Melbourne, Australia | Austin Maynard Architects

Structural Engineer

A 7 storey multi-residential building based on the Nightingale Housing Model. Responsibilities included, Conceptual design of structural system for various structural materials. Design options included reinforced concrete podium with superstructure made of CLT / precast concrete panels / AFS, Ritek walls / light timber frame walls

Nikeesh undertook the design and detail of foundation and stormwater system including design of onsite detention system. He liaised with project stakeholders including the architect, contractor, building surveyor, landscape architect, etc

San Clemente High School Sports Hall | Newcastle, Australia | San Clemente High School

Structural Engineer

A glulam portal frame structure to form the Sports Hall of San Clemente High School in Newcastle. The project managers had requested the manufacturer to design and supply the portal frames.

Nikeesh liaised with the project architect, structural engineer, fire engineer, manufacturer and builder to understand the project requirements. He proposed connection types to manufacturer for cost and time estimation, designed and detailed an epoxied plate knee moment connection and intermediate doweled splice connection to break-up the 24m span of the beam. The epoxied-plate moment connection is believed to be the first of its kind. Nikeesh also prepared construction drawings; temporary works design and provided manufacturing & site construction support.