K&K Structures Ltd have three full time structural engineers, and a full time draftsman, and we rely on contract drafts-people for projects requiring any significant drafting involvement. We have a core team of four, very experienced contract drafts-people which we can routinely call upon. 

Karen Pettigrew CPEng, MIPENZ

Karen Pettigrew, the director of the company, is a Chartered Professional Engineer with 20 years’ experience in “hands-on” structural engineering.  She is the director of K&K Structures Ltd, and has extensive design experience in a large variety of material types and structures.  Her attention to detail and commitment to her project work are recognised in the industry.

Karen has 20 years extensive experience modelling multi-storey structures using ETABS. This experience allows for the interpretation of the results and the use of verification stratigies to make sure the results make sense, rather than just accepting the computer output. The identification of load paths and diaphragm design are key strengths. K&K Structures Ltd operate the latest version of three-dimensional seismic modelling software (ETABS).

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

Before starting K&K Structures, Karen held the lead engineer role on a number of substantial projects, where she was the sole principal design engineer teamed with a draftsperson/people.  Just a few examples include:  Hotel Formula One (Auckland Airport), The Physics Building University of Auckland,
the structural steelwork for Bernar Venet sculpture at Allan Gibbs farm (Kaukaukopakopa), Trinity Apartments (Parnell), University of Auckland Engineering School Atrium, the Waitakere Library and Unitec, and the Apartments and Atrium at Selwyn Heights Retirement Village (Hillsborough).  

The recent earthquake events in Christchurch have initiated a number of seismic reviews of existing structures throughout New Zealand.  Karen has undertaken various such reviews for clients both in Auckland and Christchurch, ranging from simple initial evaluations to more complex detailed examinations requiring full analysis and reporting.  Identifying specific structural gravity and seismic load paths is a key interest.

Ken Pettigrew BE (1st class honours), NZCE

Ken originally obtained a Bachelor of Engineering Degree with 1st Class Honours in Mechanical Engineering from Canterbury University in 1990. Ken has been involved in the construction industry, both as a site and project manager, since 2006.  During this time he has gained valuable on-site construction experience. Ken retrained as a design structural engineer, achieving the University of Auckland's top prize for steel design in 2011.  He provides substantial assistance to Karen as part of the structural design team.