I have spent the last few years exploring the interactive capability of current analysis, design and drawing software and have become more convinced that a workflow conducted by a single (experienced) engineer can be more efficient, lead to a significant reduction in error, and provide a far greater sense of achievement in being able to visually see your 3 dimensional virtual structure come to life. Besides if you have to build it first virtually, you have the ability to interrogate how it should be built, which in itself will lead to a more streamlined design, and subsequent build process. The benifit - something you know will work, and can be simply built.
our services
About

I provide structural engineering advice for building, fixing or repurposing your asset.

I delight in being able to solve problems using a combination of common sense and mathematics, and visualize that solution in 3 dimensions. Seeing it built and perform as it was designed provides me with a deep sense of personal satisfaction and one of making to meaningful contribution to the built environment, and society as a whole.

My History

A legacy thinking of ways to make structures tenacious against the ravages of nature.

My Values

Leave ego out of it - Gravity and ego don't mix - many engineering disasters have been caused by the hubris of the design engineer. Be it concrete, structural steel, timber, post tensioning, fun or special structures, nature is indifferent to our endeavours. We should be humble in our ever so brief mastery over its power. In the end, it will prevail.
  • With due consideration for economy and enviromental impact,
  • provide advice respectfully and with humility,
  • seek to gain a deep understanding,
  • work with passion and commitment,
  • strive for continuous improvement,
  • be a better ancestor.
Our future selves and our communities will prosper (or suffer) the consequences of the decisions we make today. The notion of being a better ancestor resonates deeply with me as it can be the yardstick by which any decision can be evaluated. Does doing this make me a better ancestor? The answer can lead us to being better ancestors.
People and collaborators

The team

Craig Oldfield
Founder & Principal NZ Chartered Structural Engineer - 1022759 Area of competance: Structural design, assessment and project management of low, medium and high rise buildings and engineering structures. Member of: EngNZ, SESOC, NZTDS
After 9 years engineering in Africa, 14 years engineering in the Middle East and beyond, and then a further 11 years learning the ways of #8 wire, I started Simply in 2019 and reinvigorated it in late 2022 after becoming disillusioned with what I believed to be rapidly declining engineering standards over the pursuit of profit. For me, it's about engineering first, and getting it right with simple elegance.
The benefits of a well-engineered asset are realized in its material content, the fluidity of its construction, and ultimately in its superior performance. Unfortunately, these benefits are only really quantifiable after the fact, with the return on investment sometimes only appreciated (or lamented) by a different future owner. With the very real likelihood that insuring an asset is going to become even more expensive (if not un-affordable) isn't it time to focus some energy into being able to rely on a higher probability of future performance, both for your benefit and society as a whole? This is my passion. If this passion speaks to you, we should talk.