enovate
Auckland | Tauranga | Christchurch

Who we are

Enovate is an innovative structural engineering company.

Our team is highly trained and has experience covering a wide range of materials and construction methods.

We are capable of adding value to projects by providing cost effective structural solutions.

The Directors remain heavily involved throughout the design and construction phases, meaning as a client your project is getting the expertise and experience through to the end.

  • Hands on directors with varying skillsets

  • Extensive knowledge

  • Clear and robust communication

  • Low-carbon solution and engineered timber prefabrication

Meet the Directors

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Pat M
PATRICK MOHANDIRECTOR
B.E. Civil (Hons), CPEng, MIPENZ, MIEAust

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Pat holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons) from the University of Canterbury and brings over 20 years of experience, including national projects across New Zealand and international work in London, Dubai, and Sydney. As Co-Founding Director of Enovate, he oversees business development, team management, and structural design and review. With strong expertise in concrete and steel, Pat complements Mike’s mass timber specialisation, enabling Enovate to deliver versatile structural solutions. He remains actively involved in projects to ensure quality and excellence throughout all design and construction phases.

Specialises in:

  • TRADITIONAL CONCRETE & STEEL
  • BUILDABILITY
  • COST EFFECTIVE

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DR MICHAEL NEWCOMBE DIRECTOR
B.E. Civil (Hons), MSC, PhD, CPEng, MIPENZ

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Mike holds a Master’s degree from the European School for Earthquake Engineering and a Doctorate from the University of Canterbury, where he specialised in the design of multi-storey timber buildings. As a Co-Founding Director of Enovate, he leads business development, structural design and review across residential, commercial, and educational projects. While experienced in concrete and steel design, Mike is widely recognised for his expertise in timber technology and is regularly invited to teach and present at professional seminars and universities. His innovative approach to structural systems helps drive Enovate’s commitment to sustainable and efficient design solutions.

Specialises in:

  • ENGINEERED TIMBER
  • ALTERNATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN
  • MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
  • ENVIRONMENTAL

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DR BRIAN PENGDIRECTOR
B.E. (Hons), PhD, CPEng, CMEngNZ

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Brian holds an Honours degree and a PhD from the University of Canterbury, where he spent four years researching the seismic behaviour and analysis of reinforced concrete frame buildings with precast flooring systems. With more than 16 years of consulting experience, he has worked extensively on the design and management of new residential, commercial, and industrial projects, as well as the seismic assessment and strengthening of existing buildings throughout NZ. At Enovate, Brian focuses on technical development, project management, and quality assurance, supporting the company’s ongoing innovation and commitment to technical excellence.

Specialises in:

  • SEISMIC RESILIENCE
  • COMPLIANCE PATHWAY
  • QUALITY ANALYSIS

The Work

Since founding Enovate in 2016, we have delivered structural engineering solutions across New Zealand, Fiji, and the Pacific. From residential developments and industrial facilities to schools, community buildings, and large commercial projects, we work closely with our clients to deliver practical, efficient, and innovative structural outcomes.

Contact our team today to see how we can assist with your next project.

Tailored Solutions

Enovate can provide structural design to a wide range of sectors, including but not limited to Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Health, Aged Care and Education.

We utilise the diverse skill sets of the directors and senior engineers to develop multiple structural solutions at an early stage based on the clients key drivers. This early optioneering approach helps the client make an informed decision about what path may suit the project.

Enovate is structured such that Directors are engaged with the design process.
Unlike larger firms, the Directors of Enovate are at the coal face of delivering your project, which is one of our biggest strengths.

Having collaborated with Enovate across multiple projects, Metlifecare are incredibly grateful for the exceptional structural engineering expertise they brought to our developments across multiple villages. Their guidance, especially on CLT projects, was instrumental in helping us deliver cost effective, buildable multi storey care buildings.

Enovate’s designs were not only commercially astute, but their communication and support from project inception through to completion were consistently outstanding. No challenge was ever too complex and every hurdle was met with a proactive mindset and a commitment to achieving successful outcomes.

As a client with a diverse pipeline of different projects from Amenity/clubhouses, apartments and care facilities, we truly valued Enovate’s forward thinking approach. They continuously introduced innovative solutions and helped us navigate evolving industry dynamics, particularly around structural and potential seismic changes.

Gemma James, Group Design Manager - Metlifecare

We’ve had the opportunity to work with Enovate on two projects that are deeply important to us — a private house at Te Arai Links and a papakāinga development at Te Henga, Bethells Beach. Both projects required careful consideration of site, structure, and cultural context — and Enovate delivered with clarity, intelligence, and a collaborative mindset.

Pat and Mike bring a directness and clarity to the table that makes the engineering process feel less like a service and more like a true design partnership. They are highly responsive, communicative, and always open to discussion — whether we’re exploring timber solutions in a coastal environment or navigating the complexities of collective housing on Māori land.

We value Enovate’s ability to distill complex structural ideas into clear, considered solutions, and appreciate their commitment to architecture that is both beautiful and buildable. We would not hesitate to work with them again.

Hamish Monk, Director - Monk Mackenzie Architects

Enovate are a pleasure to work with. They work collaboratively with the design team to unlock solutions which are in the best interests of the specific client and project. As architects we really appreciate the fact their directors are hands on, bringing their skills to the table, enabling rapid options analysis and decision making.

James Whetter, Principal - JASMAX

Ignite Architects have had the pleasure of collaborating with Enovate, on quite a number of projects in the last seven years.

Pat & Mike, the two Directors are very hands on & run a very tight talented team of individuals.

They are very collaborative; solutions focused & prepared to think outside the box to ensure best outcome.

They deliver a full package, with great BIM delivery and expert advice whether it be on relatively conventional structures or more complex, including leading the way in CLT structures.

We would have no hesitation in recommending Enovate.

Mark Crean, Director of Living Environments Sector Lead – Aged Care - Ignite Architects

Dr. Michael Newcombe has collaborated with Red Stag TimberLab on a wide range of mass timber projects, both locally and internationally, over the past 15 years. This longstanding relationship has fostered a deep understanding of the manufacturing processes critical to a successful mass timber delivery.

 

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and Digital Fabrication rely on expert design consultants to ensure an optimal solution is realised upfront. This proactive approach helps avoid the costly redesigns and delays often associated with post-tender “value engineering”. Working with mass timber experts such as Enovate ensures an efficient design process is realised from the outset, and when this occurs mass timber truly is competitive with traditional building.

 

Applying new technology to old process is when mass timber is perceived to be expensive. MMC and Digital Fabrication requires a new process of early engagement with expert design consultants. Enovate consistently brings valuable insight into the manufacturing and fabrication side of the supply chain, ensuring designs are not only structurally sound but also practical and cost-effective to produce.

 

We are proud to have partnered with Enovate on numerous mass timber projects and look forward to continuing our shared commitment to advancing sustainable construction.

Sam Leslie, Technical Sales Manager - Red Stag Timberlab

I have enjoyed working with the Enovate guys since their very early days on a range of projects. Communication is critical with any consultant, and this is something that these guys are particularly good at. Pat is a straight shooter who can explain complex issues in simple terms for client’s to easily make decisions. Mike is also an excellent communicator and leading figure in mass timber design who has helped educate our staff and the industry. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Enovate as excellent structural engineers.

Matt Murphy, Senior Associate - RCP

Enovate lead by Pat Mohan have partnered with Safari Group over our last 10 developments — valued at $1 billion NZD — Enovate have demonstrated consistent understanding, quality, delivery, and professionalism in the structural engineering field for our hotel developments being mixed-use hotel, residential and commercial projects.  Enovate has a proven ability to bring our complex visions to life while allowing our architectural integrity and finish to be maintained and create investor confidence. Our vertically integrated approach with all designers means we always know who’s accountable — and the results speak for themselves.

Robert Neil, Managing Director / Owner - Safari Group

Envoate, led by Mike Newcombe, played a pivotal role as a key consultant in the development of Otago Polytechnic’s newest facility – He Toki Kai Te Rika (Trades Training Building). With prior experience on another major project at the Polytechnic, Mike brought a deep understanding of the complexities involved in working within an active educational environment. Envoate’s expertise was instrumental in applying the principles of the Living Building Challenge, integrating innovative technologies, and consistently offering practical, forward-thinking solutions that supported effective decision-making. Their professionalism, collaborative approach, and depth of knowledge made them a pleasure to work with throughout the project.

Tracey Howell, Project Director | Otago Lead - The Building Intelligence Group