Interdisciplinary at his roots, Daria brings enthusiasm for structural design and building rehabilitation to his leading role in our Toronto structural engineering team. Meticulous data-gathering and analysis techniques on his part have laid the foundation for many of our large and sustainable projects. His cross-disciplinary competency reassures clients, staff, and end-users alike and ensures the success and enjoyment of his projects.
With a particular focus on structural analysis and post-disaster building design, Daria’s over 30 years of design and project management experience ranges from healthcare, recreational, and institutional buildings to heritage restoration, rehabilitation, and forensic / failure investigations. While an expert in steel and concrete structures design, he also has a long-standing affinity for timber design and construction. Daria looks forward to the challenge of creating innovative designs with this natural material that is now undergoing a resurgence in the industry. A hands-on management style means that he can be found on-site at any given time, kicking around the dirt with our clients.
Daria has been retained as an independent expert witness for the complaints and investigation department of Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) for nearly a decade. He has also reviewed numerous projects for the association and various insurance companies and testified before the PEO’s Discipline Committee.
What’s your favourite DIALOG project?
Although a small project, the Bill Fisch Forest Stewardship and Education Centre remains one of the most innovative projects I’ve ever worked on. As a Living Building Challenge project with all seven performance petals, it was literally the prototype of prototypes. This project shows our commitment to helping build a carbon-neutral future.
Where do you find inspiration?
With an erasable marker on the office windows – nothing like the sun’s energy shining on your face as you solve a challenging problem with a colleague.
How do you spoil yourself?
Some people have a wine cellar… I like to treat myself to the world’s best olive oils. Tinkering in the garage also cleanses my mind. I just have to be careful to not mix up the two different types of oil!
What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?
I turn the lights out and play my piano in the dark. There’s nothing more soothing.
I am a designer at heart, so when I have the opportunity to do so, I still get a thrill from dropping into the creative zone and dreaming.
Master of Engineering, Structural
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Civil Engineering
McMaster University
