hello!
We’re a diverse group of engineers, designers and thinkers who create structures big and small.
Thinkers,
Creators,
Collaborators,
Builders,
Adventurers,
Makers,
Movers,
Shakers,
Educators,
Influencers
hello!
We are…
Thinkers,
Creators,
Producers,
Builders,
Adventurers,
Makers,
Movers,
Shakers,
Educators,
Trailblazers,
Explorers,
Dreamers,
Influencers,
Orchestrators
We Are The Next Generation of Structural Engineering
who we are
Delivering world-class projects isn’t enough. Doing this with consideration for your triple bottom line – people, planet and profits is what sets us apart.
We’re pretty passionate about how we do things around here – we like to work with you, not for you, and with our diverse and mega-talented team, we deliver sustainable, thoughtful and forward-thinking projects. Our ideas and designs are steeped in pragmatism and we start by asking the right questions. We compromise. We focus on getting jobs across the line and incremental improvement.
With decades of experience under our belt, we’re brimming with industry-leading solutions to improve building efficiency, form and function, while always keeping cost front of mind.
Btw, we’ve also been told that we’re an 11 out of 10 to work with and that we just “get it”. Plus there’s dogs.
mission and values
We are the next generation of structural engineers. We focus on diversity and delivering industry-leading work, but aren’t boring, clunky or hard to work with. We don’t take ourselves too seriously… just the work we do.
We have an unquenchable thirst for personal, professional, and company excellence that underpins our entire ethos. We are unwavering in our pursuit of quality, and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standard of design. We believe that to deliver innovative work, we have to create a seat at the table for traditionally under-represented voices to bring unique ideas, strengths and perspectives. We check the egos at the door to work collaboratively – we know that our work is the triumph of true teamwork. We believe that great design shouldn’t compromise the planet, and aim to embed sustainability into everything we do. We set a new standard for what it means to be a structural engineering firm.
our services
At ASPECT, we pride ourselves on our understanding of the full project design, production, and construction processes. We can help explore the nuances of specific materiality (such as mass timber) and fabrication, while continuing to support the project no matter where the design takes us.
Often, this understanding leads suppliers to engage us later in the process, we’re happy to take on this role, or to get involved even earlier so that we can help avoid “rework” (thus, saving the client money).

our design philosophy
Every project centers around innovative design, robust engineering and creating value for our clients.
We leverage our wealth of experience to provide engineering solutions that improve building performance, aesthetics, form, efficiency and costs.
- material cost, quality expectations & waste reduction strategies
- construction timeline savings
- site condition requirements and challenges
- constructability and sequencing
- procurement and supply chain efficiencies

our firm
Born out of a collaboration between friends and industry colleagues, Aspect was founded to be the next generation of structural engineering: mixing innovative strategies with experience, technical expertise and modern project delivery methods.
At our core we believe:
- creativity, discipline and communication drive inspired and efficient design
- knowledge transfer and strong mentorship are essential to a well run team
- an egalitarian team structure allows for critical thinking, true professional development and advancement
our firm
Born out of a collaboration between friends and industry colleagues, Aspect was founded to be the next generation of structural engineering: mixing innovative corporate and design strategies with experience, technical expertise and modern project delivery methods.
At our core we believe:
- creativity, discipline and communication drive inspired and efficient design
- knowledge transfer and strong mentorship are essential to a well run team
- an egalitarian team structure allows for critical thinking, true professional development and advancement
our history
ACC Structural Engineers
is founded by Andrew Chad

ASPECT
forms out of ACC when
Bernhard Gafner, Gina Sheppard and Mehrdad Jahangiri
join Andrew in a cozy 400 sq. ft. office.
We cram in 8 people, 1 dog and 1 very needed espresso machine.

Vancouver Move
We move into a newly renovated Vancouver space
(we keep the dog and upgrade the espresso machine)
Switzerland
Our first European outpost opens in Switzerland placing us near the epicenter for mass timber construction, and to better service clients in Europe.
Toronto
ASPECT opens up in Toronto, ON allowing us to further service our clients and projects across North America
Super Boring Year
Definitely nothing unusual happened this year. Everything is fine.

Malahat Skywalk & Visitor Centre Completed
A stunning landmark on Southern Vancouver Island (and landmark project for ASPECT!) that went on to receive the Canadian Wood Council Structural Innovation Award at the 2021-2022 Wood Design Awards.

The First Tall Mass Timber Building on Vancouver Island is Completed
District56 Tallwood 1 opens in Langford, BC – the second tallest wood building in Canada at the time of construction, and the first Encapsulated Mass Timber Construction (EMTC) building that meets the BC Building Code.
The ASPECT team grows to more than 50 people
We added more top talent to the team…and we’re not slowing down!
our team
We’re fueled by true passion for design excellence, with an eye for the bigger picture and a look outside the box. We love what we do.
Find out more about us as individuals here
Thinkers,
Creators,
Collaborators,
Producers,
Builders,
Adventurers,
Makers,
Movers,
Shakers,
Educators,
Designers,
Trailblazers,
Programmers,
Coordinators,
Explorers
Dreamers,
Orchestrators,
Influencers…
our team
We’re fueled by true passion for design excellence, with an eye for the bigger picture and a look outside the box. We love what we do.
Find out more about us as individuals here
our news
ASPECT Structural Engineers named BC’s Top Employer
February 11, 2026
Global structural engineering firm is selected to be on a competitive list as part of the “Top 100 Employers” Project.
Creativity in a Systemized Approach
December 17, 2025
We sat down with Founding Principal, Bernhard Gafner and Associate Engineer, Thomas Brotschi to talk about ASPECT’s role within the global CREE Network, the…
2025 Wood Design and Building Awards: Four ASPECT Projects Recognized.
October 21, 2025
Every year, the Canadian Wood Council recognizes excellence in wood design and construction with the presentation of the Wood Design and Building Awards. This…










