Driven by a desire to create a company where respect and efficiency operate hand in hand, our Principal Jeff Allester is a noteworthy leader in the engineering community of British Columbia.

A registered Professional Engineer for over 40 years, he has won numerous awards for his innovation and expertise. Allester Group has primarily evolved through word of mouth, a testament to Jeff’s high-quality work and relationship building. Jeff instills confidence in both clients and staff, communicating with clarity and an expert knowledge base. He believes strongly that his staff should answer their phones, reply to emails in a timely manner and be accessible for client needs.

Jeff has built an ever-growing company that takes pride in mentoring, valuing collaboration among all staff, and offering opportunities for advancement. When he’s not helping his clients and supporting his staff, Jeff is an avid cyclist and enjoys a good sudoku. Enjoying family time with his three children and their families at his cabin near Nanoose Bay, BC is a great joy for him.

Professional engineer and partner Scott Ash-Anderson has been an integral part of Allester Engineering since 2014. Based in our Vancouver office, Scott specializes in high-end residential designs and architecturally complex projects. He continually crafts innovative engineering solutions that highlight his exceptional understanding of architectural assemblies, while also staying true to the architect’s vision.

Scott leads our Sunshine Coast team and understands that building in this beautiful region comes with a specific set of engineering parameters. Having an in-house regional expert provides peace of mind to our clients and partners along B.C.’s beautiful Sunshine Coast. His strengths include the ability to lead his team by example, clearly convey plans to clients and whip up anything in the kitchen.

Scott is well-versed in designing seismic upgrades to commercial buildings, tackling multi-family housing projects and working with innovative mass timber products. In keeping with Allester Group’s philosophy of staff development, Scott mentors the new EITs (engineers in training) and ensures that industry standards are followed throughout all projects. He works hand-in-hand with all new staff to implement our full-spectrum training program.

You might run into Scott sharing his knowledge on a job site, or if you’re lucky, see him in his natural element – salt or fresh water fishing.

Cole is a valued partner of the Allester Group, having joined in May 2022 as the driving force behind Allester Engineering Interior Ltd. Based in the scenic Okanagan region of British Columbia, his team operates from Vernon. Holding registrations as a Professional Engineer in British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, Cole possesses the expertise to deliver comprehensive engineering services throughout Western Canada.
 
His extensive proficiency encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including industrial, agricultural, commercial, municipal, and residential building projects. With a deep understanding of steel, aluminum, concrete (cast/tilt-up/precast), wood, and masonry designs, Cole ensures that his clients receive exceptional engineering solutions.
 
At Allester Engineering Interior, Cole and his team prioritize active collaboration with clients, attentively listening to their unique needs. This collaborative approach allows them to provide practical and cost-effective solutions that exceed expectations.

Hailing from Saskatchewan, Cole enjoys spending time with his family and keeping active. You might catch him facing off on the hockey rink, camping under the stars or mountain biking throughout the beautiful Okanagan.

acob is a dedicated structural engineer whose academic journey centered around structural design. After university, he spent the initial years of his career in civil and municipal engineering, focusing on land development projects in the Lower Mainland, both in the public and private sectors. In 2017, Jacob decided to pivot towards his passion for structural design, joining Allester Engineering to specialize in crafting dream spaces for clients through the structural design of buildings, with a particular focus on single-family homes and residential renovations. He completed all his EIT training with Allester Engineering and is now a registered Professional Engineer.

Jacob’s expertise extends across residential and small commercial projects, with a growing emphasis on tenant improvements and the seismic restraint of non-structural components. His commitment to creating safe and aesthetically pleasing spaces reflects in every project he undertakes. Commercial clients enjoy Jacob’s wide breadth of knowledge and ability to provide innovative solutions.

Beyond the structural realm, Jacob finds joy in exploring the world through travel and road trips with his wife. He values time spent with family and friends, supports the Vancouver Whitecaps, and is known for his enthusiasm in discussing the intricacies of freeway design. Jacob passionately promotes the notion that the West Coast is the Best Coast.

Tim is an accomplished engineer whose journey in the construction industry has seamlessly blended practical experience with engineering expertise. Boasting a background in project management and hands-on construction work, Tim cultivated a wealth of practical knowledge that uniquely informs his approach to engineering design.

Having initially begun as an Engineer-in-Training in our Vancouver office, Tim achieved his certification as a Registered Professional Engineer in 2023. In his current role at Allester, Tim specializes in the design of wood frame, timber, concrete, and steel structures, catering to a diverse range of applications spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects. Tim’s strengths lie in aligning constructability complications and constraints with effective structural solutions that not only meet but exceed code requirements.

Beyond his work with clients, Tim finds joy in the outdoors. Whether tackling mountain biking trails, going for a run, or unwinding at a cabin on the Sunshine Coast with his two young children, Tim’s commitment to both professional excellence and a balanced life is evident.

Deana is originally from Sudbury, Ontario, and grew up on a hobby farm surrounded by animals. Her early years were spent being homeschooled from grades 5 to 10, a unique experience that fostered her independent and disciplined approach to learning. Deana pursued her passion for engineering by earning a college diploma in civil engineering in her hometown of Sudbury, followed by a university degree in civil engineering in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Upon completing her education, Deana began her career in civil engineering, initially focusing on transportation engineering and community and land development. Her interest in the structural aspects of engineering grew, leading her to our speciality. Over the past three years, she has maintained a keen focus on residential development and alterations. In November 2023, Deana achieved her professional engineering designation. She recently relocated to Vernon, BC, where she brought her passion for structural engineering to Allester Engineering Interior’s diverse projects.

Outside of work, Deana is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys a wide range of activities, including hunting, fishing, boating, sailing, mountain biking, snowboarding, camping, and hiking. Fitness and wellness are integral parts of her daily routine in the beautiful Okanagan valley.

Yasuhisa’s career has spanned diverse design landscapes, developing a unique blend of skills and experiences. Originally involved in designing industrial and commercial building projects in Japan as a registered architect, Yasuhisa later brought his talents to Canada. Here, he gained valuable experience in wood frame building through roles in prefabricated housing companies and as a wood truss manufacturer.

Since joining Allester Engineering in 2017, Yasuhisa has been on a continuous journey of learning and skill development, particularly in wood frame building design, as he honed his expertise as an Engineer in Training. His dynamic background enriches our team and adds depth for our client services.

Outside the world of engineering, Yasuhisa finds joy and balance in an active lifestyle. Whether on the soccer field or running distances ranging from shorter sprints to full marathons, Yasuhisa exemplifies dedication and commitment both professionally and personally.

Gurpal is a core member of our structural engineering team, and he demonstrates dedication, innovation and an amazing way with words. His engineering journey began through UBC’s co-op program, where he honed his skills in materials testing and conducted meticulous field reviews of diverse infrastructure projects. Once graduating from UBC Okanagan’s civil engineering program, he became an indispensable asset to Allester Group.

With his precision and passion, Gurpal has seamlessly integrated into the world of residential construction at Allester. His expertise spans a wide spectrum, from groundbreaking new builds on remote islands to the preservation of character homes in Vancouver. Gurpal’s keen eye for detail is visible in all his projects, and also in our Instagram feeds where he manages to make even early site inspections photograph beautifully.

Gurpal enjoys traveling with his family, and when he’s not jet-setting, he is a proud resident of Surrey, BC. To unwind, he enjoys cheering on our Vancouver Canucks and following MMA events.

Daven joined Allester Engineering as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) in 2022, shortly after graduating from the University of British Columbia. He initially worked out of the Vancouver office but when he approached us asking for a transfer, we were thrilled to offer him a position as part of our Allester Interior team.

Daven adeptly rotates between wood, concrete, and steel design as required for the needs of each project. His expertise extends to both residential and commercial structural design, and he showcases a commitment to incorporating clients’ wishes through collaboration.

Daven is always on the lookout for new design techniques and learning opportunities as he progresses toward becoming a Professional Engineer. His favourite parts of a project are the field reviews, where he’s able to discuss details with experienced contractors and see designs transition from drawings to reality.

Outside his professional priorities, Daven enjoys reading sci-fi and fantasy literature, learning new piano pieces and creating pixel art.

Dong Woo is an integral part of our structural engineering team at Allester Group, and excels at blending hands-on experience with a thoughtful approach to design. His engineering journey began at Dalhousie University, where he participated in their co-op program focused on suspension bridges. This experience ignited his interest in structural engineering and set him on the path to pursue this field professionally.

Dong Woo has residential framing experience from a previous role, which provides him with valuable practical perspective on his projects. This hands-on background enhances his ability to adapt and innovate across a diverse range of tasks, ensuring that his engineering solutions are both effective and grounded in real-world application.

Outside of work, Dong Woo enjoys playing pickleball, strumming his guitar, and exploring the hiking trails of the West Coast – a passion he has embraced since relocating from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He’s a positive asset to our team and we’re excited to mentor and support him through his EIT journey.

Meet John Gerencser, the backbone of our Allester Engineering Sunshine Coast team since 2017. From Gibsons to Powell River, Thormanby to Savary, he cares for our clients throughout the beautiful Sunshine Coast region.

Armed with a wealth of experience spanning over two decades, John has left his mark on the Engineered Wood product industry, designing truss systems that support homes across Canada and even reached the shores of Japan. His expertise extends to wide-spectrum structural inspections, ensuring every construction detail meets regional and local code requirements. Working in concert with on-site crews, John provides comprehensive feedback to the engineering team and ensures homeowners and designers achieve their vision.

When he’s not ensuring structural integrity, John is a tech enthusiast who enjoys building a new PC and capturing the coast with his gimbal camera. He has a passion for music of all genres, and both he and his wife are talented with a frisbee.

Jordan is an integral member of our dynamic structural drafting team at Allester Engineering. His passion for structural design and drafting led him to pursue specialized studies at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where he honed his skills and acquired in-depth knowledge in the field.

Jordan has been a valuable asset to our Vancouver team for almost two years, and his dedication and expertise contribute significantly to the success of our structural projects. With multiple years of drafting experience, Jordan brings a unique perspective to our projects, having previously worked in diverse industries such as telecommunications and land surveying. He collaborates well and is always up for a challenge.

He also enjoys challenges beyond the drafting board, finding joy playing soccer, watching football and anime, and indulging in a diverse taste in music. Jordan is always up for trying out new restaurants and attending concerts, embodying a vibrant approach to both life and work.

“I love seeing blueprints turn into reality.” Christy is a dedicated professional in the field of Drafting Technology and her passion to transform plans to palpable runs deep. After graduating with her degree in the Philippines, she embarked on a journey through various disciplines within the engineering and construction industry before making Canada her home in 2019.

In June 2022, Christy became an integral part of the Allester Group, contributing her expertise from the Vernon office. Her role involves collaborating closely with both senior and junior engineers to craft conceptual and detailed structural drawings that cater to the diverse needs of clients across Western Canada. Her proficiency spans the industrial, agricultural, commercial, municipal and residential sectors, showcasing her versatility and flexibility.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Christy finds joy in reading and cinematic experiences that delve into historical narratives or true stories. Her enthusiasm also extends to sports, as she enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle and cheering for local and Canadian teams in soccer, football and basketball.

Helen is a seasoned structural drafter at our Vancouver office, with a career that spans continents and over two decades of dedicated service in Canada. Helen kick-started her professional journey as a structural engineer in China, contributing her expertise to an Industry Design Institute. Having been in Canada for more than 20 years, she has not only embraced the diverse landscapes but developed a love for this beautiful country.

For the past 18 years in Vancouver, Helen has excelled in the role of a structural drafter, specializing in her craft at Allester Engineering Ltd. She finds immense joy and fulfillment in her present role, expressing her happiness in collaborating with talented colleagues. Outside the drafting room, Helen unwinds on weekends with her passions for hiking and the culinary arts.

Alex is a structural drafting technician with international experience and vast technical expertise. Originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, he holds a Masters degree in civil engineering. After moving to Canada in 2016, he registered as an Engineer-in-Training and began earning numerous diplomas and certificates in structural and architectural technology. This ongoing education, coupled with his background, bring valuable knowledge to our team.

With diverse experience spanning continents and industries, Alex excels in construction, civil engineering, and project management. From overseeing renovations at Kyiv’s national stadium to contributing to the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s New Safe Confinement, he’s adept at handling complex challenges. In Canada, his focus lies in structural design and drafting, specializing in various building types and utilizing software tools effectively.

Beyond his profession, Alex enjoys motorcycle riding, surfing, woodworking, and learning Spanish. He’s always eager for new experiences and challenges, with aspirations in paragliding and wingsuit flying. With his wife Zoia, daughter Mishel, and faithful companion Bruno, Alex enjoys living on the west coast.

Courtenay is our dynamic office manager who holds a unique background bridging science and administrative expertise. Originally from New Zealand, Courtenay brought her scientific acumen to the forefront while working in a wine laboratory for the Ministry of Primary Industries. There, she played a pivotal role in providing chemical analysis and securing national and international certifications.

Having moved to Vancouver six years ago, Courtenay continued to expand her skill set. Prior to joining Allester Engineering, she served as a Client Project Manager in an Environmental Laboratory and also spent a year as an office assistant/client liaison for a Development Company. At Allester Engineering, Courtenay seamlessly blends her administrative prowess with her commitment to ensuring the office runs smoothly. Her linchpin role in our organization involves handling various managerial activities and supporting the team with day-to-day duties.

Beyond the professional sphere, Courtenay finds joy in diverse hobbies. From crafting culinary delights to navigating the slopes as an avid skier, and later curling up by the fire with a good book alongside her wiener dog, Sid, Courtenay showcases a well-rounded lifestyle.

Angela is a dedicated professional with a background in elementary education and a master’s degree in educational leadership from UBC. She discovered her passion for social media during the pandemic, leading her to embark on an Instagram journey where she found joy in crafting captivating captions and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Angela is thrilled to channel her enthusiasm for storytelling and connection into showcasing the remarkable work of the Allester team throughout British Columbia. With four regional Instagram accounts and a dynamic website, she is excited to provide a glimpse into the innovative projects and accomplishments of the Allester Group across the region. Angela takes pride in cheering on her colleagues and highlighting the collaborative efforts of the exceptional teams we work with.

Outside the world of structural engineering, Angela is a dedicated mother of three. She and her little crew are happiest spending quality time exploring the lush forests of North Vancouver and the serene beaches of Vancouver Island.

Jennie is an invaluable member of our team, bringing a unique blend of skills and experiences to her role as an administrative assistant. With an impressive educational foundation including a Bachelor in Commerce, Bachelor in Education, and a Masters in Education, Jennie approaches her work with a keen eye for detail and a dedication to getting it right. Her background not only equips her with administrative skills but also instills in her a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and effective communication strategies. Whether it’s coordinating events, managing schedules, or handling paperwork, Jennie’s adeptness at multitasking and problem-solving allows our team to operate smoothly and efficiently.

Beyond her role in the office, Jennie is an amazing maker. Her talents in painting, sewing and baking showstopping cakes are enjoyed by her family and friends. Her zest for life and her commitment to work-life balance serve as an inspiration to everyone who knows her, and especially to her young family.

Grace brings a unique academic background and diverse professional experience to her role at Allester Engineering. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, Grace holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music and Italian from University College Dublin, followed by a Master of Arts Degree in Music and Cultural History from University College Cork. Her academic background reflects her passion for music and cultural studies, highlighting her love of interdisciplinary learning and intellectual exploration.

With over five years of combined experience in administration and customer service, Grace has honed her skills in managing diverse tasks with efficiency and precision. Her previous roles include serving as a Residential Rental Coordinator at Sherry FitzGerald Lettings in Dublin, where she played a pivotal role in assisting tenants and relocation companies. Additionally, her tenure as a Membership and Operations Specialist at Recorded Artists Actors Performers (RAAP) showcased her adeptness in membership management, social media coordination, and meticulous attention to detail.

Grace finds joy and fulfilment in her hobbies, including crafting, playing the piano, and ukulele. As she continues to adapt and thrive in her new environment in Vancouver, her multifaceted background and positive demeanour bring a welcome energy to our office.