ABOUT FRIENDS CIVIL ENGINEERING
Expertise you can trust, results you can rely on
Our team of qualified civil engineers bring years of experience and deep expertise to every project, ensuring that every detail is handled with care and precision. At Fe we do not just work with our clients, we partner with them to make a positive impact in the community.
Our Story
FRIENDS Civil Engineering was founded by two friends who are highly qualified, expert engineers.
At Fe we take pride in being different from other civil engineering companies. We never outsource to offshore design centers or employ inexperienced staff. Our work is prepared in-house, ensuring exceptional quality and safety standards. We value transparency and expertise, and our team consists of highly qualified civil engineers who deliver outstanding results. We are not interested in being the largest company or having the highest turnover. Instead, our mission is to provide an expert service and to take pride in every project from start to finish, no matter how big or small.
We believe that our role in the community is just as important as the civil infrastructure we build. Honesty and integrity are at the core of our values. We believe in building strong relationships with our clients based on trust, respect, and unparalleled expertise. Our team navigates complex challenges with creative solutions while ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and sustainability. We are also committed to promoting and supporting a positive work-life balance for our team, which is why we are closed on the first and third Friday of each month.
As experts you can trust, we deliver results that you can rely on. Our team are committed to making a positive impact through our work and we look forward to partnering with you to bring your vision to life.
We don't just work with our clients, we partner with them.
Civil Engineering Reimagined
"When we started Fe, we wanted to do things differently. We have harnessed our extensive expertise and experience from working at some of the word's largest engineering consultancies in order to build a company that's friendlier, approachable and refreshingly human. We are genuinely passionate about what we do, but also HOW we do it. Our secret sauce? A tight-knit team and a vibrant culture that sets us apart. We don't just claim it to care; we place our people at the heart of everything we do".
Grant Halcrow, Director of Friends Civil Engineering
Meet The Team
Dr Rodney Ronalds
Founder & Chartered Civil Engineer
Rodney has a First Class Honours Degree in Civil Engineering, a Master of Business Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering. He is a Chartered Civil Engineer and is currently registered on State, National and International engineering boards.
Rodney is a civil engineering expert that has held senior leadership positions in both large and small engineering consultancies during his career. He has experienced all aspects of the civil engineering life cycle and can reliably overcome all challenges that may arise during your project.
Rodney is also an active researcher in the fields of advanced civil engineering and hydrology, who has numerous published theory papers and regularly presents at national and international conferences. He is well positioned and respected in the development, legislative/authorities and educational sectors.
He is an “on the tools” guy who does the work and solves the problems. He won’t shy away from a challenge and will get the job done.
Call Rodney on 0415 704 063 or email rodney@friendsengineer.com.
Grant Halcrow
Founder & Chartered Civil Engineer
Grant has a Degree in Civil Engineering and is a Chartered Civil Engineer, holding current registrations on State, National and International engineering boards, including Design and Building Practitioner NSW.
Grant’s professional career has spanned across small consultancies up to large international firms. His involvement in projects can include client conception and master planning, through to the delivery of the project design and supervising the construction phase completion. He is a well-respected leader in his field and has a proven track record of success for his clients. Grant consistently delivers practical and innovative solutions across master planning, civil engineering design and construction.
Not only does Grant add value to projects with an in-depth technical knowledge, he is a hands-on, commercially-minded engineer. Grant is also comfortable working locally, nationally or internationally, and will draw on his extensive expertise for your projects – no matter how large or small.
Grant is a straight-shooter who cares about making your civil engineering project run smoothly and efficiently, and most importantly, will always be happy to assist you.
Call Grant on 0422 024 440 or email grant@friendsengineer.com.
Trent Mellier
Principal Civil Designer
Trent has an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering with a professional career that has spanned over 30 years.
Trent's involvement in projects starts at the development application stage and master planning, then carries through to the detailed design and drafting delivery of project design. His design and drafting skills are bolstered by a passion for practical construction, and Trent produces clear and concise plan delivery, always thinking long-term to ensure no unwanted project surprises.
Trent has a career project list covering all States for both Private and Local Government clients. He draws on this invaluable project experience and knowledge base for your project, regardless of whether in DA or detailed design phase.
Trent is extremely approachable and a class act.
Call Trent on 0421 334 584 or email trent@friendsengineer.com.
Jimmy Davies
Design Manager & Senior Civil Designer
Jimmy is a Senior Civil Designer with a decade of experience in the preparation of computer-generated design models and documentation of final detailed design drawings. He is a qualified designer with a Cert IV Civil Construction Design, as well as a BA degree.
As a designer and drafter, he has been involved in delivering a broad range of civil engineering projects throughout Queensland from preliminary design through to construction, including road design projects, built form projects, townhouse developments and greenfield subdivision developments.
Jimmy is a great bloke with impeccable standards of service and delivery of his projects.
Call Jimmy on 0403 545 670 or email jimmy@friendsengineer.com.
Alex Rowlands
Principal Civil Engineer / Construction Lead
Alex has a First Class Honours Degree in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Business. He is a Chartered Civil Engineer, holding current registrations on State, National and International engineering boards.
Alex’s professional career has focused on small consultancies seeking a personal hands on touch.
His passion for development application report and problem solving, through to the delivery of the project design and supervising the construction phase.
Alex adds value to projects with an in-depth technical knowledge, he is a hands-on, commercially-minded engineer. Alex is also comfortable working locally, nationally or internationally, with a focus on South East QLD and Northern NSW.
Alex has high standards of service and delivery of his projects and will always be happy to assist you.
Call Alex on 0414 970 818 or email alex@friendsengineer.com.
Stefan Heyward
Senior Civil Engineer
Stefan has a Degree in Civil Engineering and is a Member of Engineers Australia.
With a diverse portfolio of projects to his credit, Stefan has completed numerous urban and infill projects in South East QLD and Northern NSW, including regional assessment of trunk infrastructure. His skills set is bolstered by his 10 years as a Mechanical Fitter across Australia, where he was on the tools for several large civil construction and pipeline projects. His work experience includes stormwater quality and quantity, development approvals, bulk earthworks, road and drainage, sewerage and water reticulation design and construction.
Given Stefan’s track record and site history, he can deliver practical and innovative solutions across master planning, civil engineering design and construction.
Stefan has impeccable standards of service and delivery of his projects.
Call Stefan on 0457 598 928 or email stefan@friendsengineer.com
Bruno Pinheiro Dos Santos
Civil Designer / Drafter
Bruno has an Associate Degree in Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Property.
Bruno has designed and prepared documentation for a wide range of civil engineering projects in South East QLD including, but not limited to, concept design and detailed design (water, sewer, stormwater, bulk earthworks) for brownfield subdivisions and townhouse developments.
Due to his extensive property knowledge, Bruno can easily think from a developer’s perspective and is able to swiftly evaluate the diverse impacts a civil engineering solution might have and strives to minimise this whenever possible.
Bruno upholds exceptional standards in service and project delivery and is always eager to lend a hand.
Call Bruno on 0410 078 451 or email bruno@friendsengineer.com
Jake Butler
Senior Civil Engineer
Jake holds a First Class Honours Degree in Civil Engineering and has eight years of experience across both consultancy and construction environments, working on major infrastructure projects throughout South-East Queensland.
His experience spans the full project lifecycle, with strong capabilities in water and wastewater infrastructure design, hydraulic modelling, and project delivery. This well-rounded background enables him to effectively manage technical challenges while coordinating multidisciplinary teams and construction activities on complex projects.
Coming off a three year stint in large infrastructure construction, Jake played a key role in delivering water and sewer relocation. With his previous consultancy experience, including five years with design consultancy provides him with valuable insight into both design and client-side project requirements.
With experience across detailed design, planning, and construction phases, Jake brings a practical and solutions-focused approach to engineering delivery, supported by strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
Jake is approachable, team-oriented, and driven to deliver high-quality outcomes while continuing to grow his expertise within the civil engineering field.
Call Jake on 0488 392 159 or email jake@friendsengineer.com
Vignesh Hurkadli Satishbabu
Civil Engineer
Vignesh is a dedicated Civil Engineer with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering and a Master’s in Advanced Civil Engineering, specialising in water engineering.
With experience delivering civil infrastructure, stormwater management, and flood assessment projects across Queensland, New South Wales, and internationally, Vignesh has a strong foundation in hydraulic and civil design.
He has worked on diverse projects, including residential, commercial, and road infrastructure, with expertise in water, stormwater, sewer, and flood management systems.
Known for his problem-solving skills, Vignesh excels in assessing site-specific challenges, managing project approvals, and providing practical, cost-effective solutions.
His attention to detail and commitment to quality assurance have earned him a reputation as a reliable professional.
Call Vignesh on 0426 750 543 or email vignesh@friendsengineer.com
Industry Associations
Friends Civil Engineering have a strong and active relationship with the following industry associations:
The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) was established in 1971 and is Queensland's largest network of community creators who are an integral part of Queensland’s property development industry.
Stormwater Australia seeks to facilitate effective stormwater management by providing leadership, representation and services to the stormwater industry. They promote and advocate for effective stormwater management and raise the professional standards of practice.
The Griffith University Cities Institute are Australia’s largest research facility focused on all aspects of cities and urbanisation. They conduct quality research in collaboration with government, industry and community that aims to address the complex issues cities and communities face throughout Australasia
Industry Registrations
The team at Friends Civil Engineering are extremely experienced and qualified, with the highest level of industry registrations, including:
Chartered Members
APEC Engineers
Registered Engineers
International Professional Engineers
Registered Engineers
Professional Engineers
We pride ourselves on being friends, not just colleagues.
Friends Civil Engineering
Friends Civil Engineering
Friends Civil Engineering
Friends Civil Engineering
Meet Winston
Our Mascot
When you visit the Sunny Gold Coast you will most likely meet our adorable mascot, Winston.
Winston doesn't have a fancy degree, but he knows his way around a work site and loves pats and attention!
Get in Touch
