Feris established Xavier Knight in 2014 with a core philosophy grounded in the ambition to raise the standard of engineering services available to the construction industry. With a genuine interest in helping others, he leads with passion and builds strong relationships with clients.

With 20 years of experience in the industry, Feris has led many high-profile and multi-award-winning projects and contributed to projects of combined construction value of over $1 billion. His leadership, technical expertise and innovative approach are sought after by leading architects and building firms. He has extensive experience across various types of projects, with an emphasis on residential, commercial, education, retail and public buildings.

Committed to delivering the most practical, cost-effective engineering solution for our clients, Feris provides hands-on support on complex projects whilst achieving architectural design intent. Working closely with the Leadership team, he plays a critical role at key stages throughout the project; from project feasibility through to detailed design and completion of construction.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng Structural and Civil Engineering)
• DBPA Registered Design Practitioner and Professional Engineer – Structural, Civil and Façade Engineering
• Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ Structural and Civil engineering)
• Construct NSW Engineering Practice Standard Committee Member & Author
• UDIA NSW Infrastructure Committee 2019 Member
• UDIA NSW Urban Development Committee 2022 Member
• Property Industry Foundation Haven House Committee
• Bachelor of Engineering, Civil (Structural), Honours – University of Sydney
• Advanced Engineering Program Member of Engineers Australia (MIEAust CPEng NPER)
• Dean’s List of Academic Excellence & University of Merit Scholarship

As the General Manager of XK, Jyana leads the development and execution of our company’s strategy. She is responsible for driving the financial, operational and people’s performance in alignment with XK’s vision and strategic business goals. Jyana has the unique ability to strengthen our clients’ relationship while pursuing multiple growth opportunities.

Jyana possesses over 15 years of experience in strategy, business development and management across small-medium consultancies, start-ups and large corporate environments. Throughout her career, she built a reputation for her thoughtful leadership, ability to drive change, and people-centric approach.

Since joining XK in 2017, Jyana has been an instrumental player in our business achievements by driving innovative transformation initiatives and successful business development. She has managed the certification of XK management systems to ISO international standards, participation in the Australian Government’s Entrepreneurs’ Programme and XK’s acceptance to the NSW Government Pre-qualification Scheme for Consultants in Construction.

Jyana believes in combining strategic thinking with a people-centric approach to drive rapid growth and change, enabling her to push for high performance through focusing on individual strength and talent.

Jyana has a passion for diversity and inclusion, with a deep understanding of the role this plays in innovation. She is an advocate for female leadership and equality within STEM and shares her passion for creating an inclusive culture, where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Jyana is proud to be driving positive change in the construction industry through her leadership, hard work and mentoring. Her contribution reinforces a positive shift away from the preconceptions of women in the engineering and wider construction industries.

As a mum of two toddlers, Jyana balances (and continually rebalances) the demands of parenting, her successful career and her personal passions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Business – University of Technology Sydney
• International Business Program – Tongji University, Shanghai China
• Hatchery, Design Thinking Program – University of Technology Sydney
• Diploma of Financial Services – Australian Financial Markets Association (AFMA)

Bringing over 15 years of experience, including significant contributions to leading engineering firms, Nathaniel is a valuable part of our leadership team. He has built his professional success on the consistent and successful delivery of large-scale complex projects, earning a distinguished reputation through his collaborative approach and solution-focused design that supports architectural intent whilst prioritising the project’s overarching objectives.

His portfolio includes a diverse range of sectors, such as commercial and residential developments, educational facilities, student accommodation, retail developments, sports arenas, hotels, and aviation infrastructure.

Some significant projects Nathaniel contributed to include 2 Chifley Square, Sydney; 280 George Street, Sydney; The Glasshouse, Macquarie Square; Meadowbank Education Precinct; The Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Airport T1 Northern Expansion. Nathaniel’s technical expertise gained public recognition through his role as Project Engineer for the ACSE award-winning design of Hobart Parliament Square.

Committed to achieving the vision of his clients, Nathaniel consistently delivers sustainable and innovative design solutions. Grounded in the belief that “nothing is impossible” and “good design is easy to build”, Nathaniel consistently develops high quality design solutions tailored to each project’s unique requirements.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng Structural Engineering)
• DBPA Registered Design Practitioner and Professional Engineer – Structural Engineering
• APEC Engineer Australia (Structural)
• National Engineering Register
• Member – Institution of Engineers Australia
• Bachelor of Engineering (Hons I) Civil – UNSW​

Derrick is an enthusiastic, client-focused Façade Engineer with over 17 years of experience in research, professional consulting, manufacturing and construction industries. With a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, he is a passionate façade and structural expert specialising in design, prototype testing, project management and quality assurance with a focus on cost-efficient designs and ease of buildability.

Dedicated to building meaningful relationships with projects stakeholders, he has forged strong connections with many prominent clients, builders and fellow consultants throughout his consulting experiences, leading complex building and infrastructure projects.

Derrick is driven by naturally inquiring minds and has a passion for solving problems and advancing humanity, which led him to complete a PhD in Structural Engineering. This allowed him to transfer his skills while developing his critical mind in analysing problems and applying innovative strategies to solve them.

Passionate about inspiring the next generation of façade engineers, he works closely with his team to provide support, technical expertise and mentorship to younger professionals.

Qualifications

• Doctor of Philosophy – The University of Sydney, 2008
• Bachelor of Engineering (Aeronautical) Hons (Class 1) – The University of Sydney, 2003

A civil engineer with over 10 years of experience, Duncan specialises in complex and major infrastructure projects across various development sectors. His strong technical background lies primarily in urban development, land development, and building sectors, where he delivers efficient and sustainable solutions that align with client and community expectations.

Duncan has successfully led the design and delivery of major public space projects, such as the Inner West Council’s Greenway, Shale Hills Park and Hornsby Quarry Park. His strategic approach to project management ensures that he consistently meets timelines and budget constraints while maintaining high-quality standards.

With expertise in advanced engineering software, Duncan provides precise designs to help mitigate risks associated with challenging site conditions. His ability to navigate complex stakeholder requirements positions him as a valuable asset in delivering large-scale projects that drive urban development and enhance community outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering Civil & Architectural, Honours. University of Adelaide
• Dean’s Merit in Engineering and Golden Key Honour Society, University of Adelaide

Rabee is a Chartered Professional Engineer with 20 years experience in design and construction supervision, with a career portfolio that covers world class projects, with many located in Australia, Dubai and the Middle East. ​

Rabee masters digital engineering and possesses extensive high rise building technical expertise. His knowledge and expertise in these areas have seen him engineer projects standing at 40 or more storeys high.

His experience spans from developing scheme designs, tendering, contract award and construction supervision, through to project handovers. This has enabled him to acquire in-depth understanding of the multiple stages of large projects, and therefore effectively collaborate with all project partners and stakeholders within a project.​

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng Structural Engineering)
• Registered Design Practitioner and Professional Engineer under the DBPA 2020 – Structural Engineering
• M.Sc Structural Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford UK​
• B.Sc. Civil/ Structural Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Damascus SAR​
• Chartered Structural Engineer MIStructE – Institution of Structural Engineers UK​
• Chartered Engineer – Engineering Council UK

Radu brings over 30 years of expertise in structural engineering, known for his innovative approach and leadership in delivering complex projects across government, transport, defence, commercial and residential. His practical solutions, creative problem-solving and a deep understanding of evolving construction technologies have consistently optimised project outcomes.

Throughout his career, Radu has demonstrated a keen ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless integration and efficient project delivery. His strategic insights and commitment to technical excellence contribute significantly to delivering high-impact engineering solutions that enhance the built environment of communities worldwide.

Radu’s extensive experience includes his appointment as the Structural Lead for all underground stations in the Sydney Metro Northwest project, where he implemented an innovative precast solution for the structures. He remained in this role throughout the Construction Phase of the entire project, demonstrating his extensive experience and capability in managing large-scale infrastructure developments.

Radu’s award-winning work has been recognised by the Concrete Institute of Australia for Excellence in Concrete Research, highlighting his dedication to engineering excellence. Beyond project execution, Radu champions sustainable engineering practices, focusing on design for manufacture and assembly, constructability, and integrating low-carbon concrete solutions.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng Structural Engineering)
• PhD, Civil Engineering. UNSW, Canberra
• MEng and Bachelor of Engineering, Structural Engineering, Hons. UT Iasi, Romania

Jonathon is an experienced and dedicated structural engineer with an interest in bespoke engineering and a passion for resolving project challenges. His experience extends across the United Kingdom and Australia in a range of sectors including commercial, residential, education, hospitality, government, and rail.

As an experienced site manager, Jonathon demonstrates his deep understanding of the complexities of delivering projects on-site and the importance of constructability from the concept stage, through to completion of detailed design and implementation. He channels his expertise to provide succinct, technical design solutions that promote buildability, economy and time efficiency in a project.

He has a strong interest in temporary works, alternative construction techniques, past failures and forensic engineering. Dotted with great leadership and communication skills, he works effectively in collaboration with project partners to ensure the best outcomes for a project, honouring the vision of the client.

Taking ownership of each project he is entrusted with, Jonathon works diligently to deliver beyond the expectations of the industry, applying his technical excellence to positively impact clients, projects and communities.

Qualifications

• Master of Science Advanced Structural Engineering – Heriot-Watt University, 2022
• Postgraduate Certificate in Civil Engineering – University of Surrey, 2019
• Bachelor of Civil Engineering BEng (Hons) – Anglia Ruskin University, 2014

Mehrab is a driven structural engineer with over 17 years of experience in the design and project management of high-profile and large-scale complex projects. Highly driven, with great energy and passion, he leads and designs all his projects with people in mind.​

Working overseas and in Sydney, he has engineered multiple projects across various sectors such as high-rise residential, commercial, education and industrial.​

Mehrab leads some of the most complex projects in NSW, such as Paramount on Parkes, a 46 storey building that features a structurally challenging geometry. His outstanding technical abilities and areas of expertise include complex, architecturally challenging structures, structural optimization and value engineering, high-rise structures and digital engineering. ​

Mehrab is a delivery-focus and determined engineer who continually achieve the best outcomes for his clients. He takes ownership of all projects he is entrusted with, ensuring all deliverables meet the client’s brief and project objectives. His strong technical expertise brings value to any project and the design team he works with. He strives for design excellence while embracing advanced technology to deliver projects that are safe, efficient and add value to the communities that they contribute to.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng Structural Engineering)
• Master of Science, Structural Engineering, KN Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran​
• Bachelor of Science, Civil Engineering, KN Toosi University of Technology, Tehran, Iran

Mehair is a delivery focused, determined and motivated engineer with a strong interest in the advancement of engineering, which led him to complete a PhD in Structural and Earthquake Engineering. His research findings were featured in many renowned international and Australian journals.

Mehair is a client-focused professional who always promotes innovative and cost-effective solutions throughout various stages of projects by leveraging his strong technical knowledge and critical thinking skills.

He is experienced in analysing, modelling of different types of structures and particularly complex high-rise buildings.

Mehair is also an advocate of employing new sustainable materials in the construction industry. He is well-recognised for his pioneering research on developing seismic design procedures for high-rise and podium-tower form of building construction.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng Structural Engineering)
• Registered Design Practitioner and Professional Engineer under the DBPA 2020 – Structural Engineering
• PhD in Structural and Earthquake Engineering – University of Melbourne
• M.Sc. DIC. Concrete Structures and Business Management – Imperial College, London
• BEng Civil and Environmental Engineering – American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Melvin is a Chartered Professional Engineer with over 15 years of experience in various major multidisciplinary and specialist engineering consultancies. His project involvement spans across a range of sectors including residential, commercial, industrial, educational, infrastructure, heavy industrial and mining.

Bringing his collaborative, proactive and positive attitude to project partners, Melvin works tirelessly to ensure projects are delivered in high quality, on time and on budget. He is highly dedicated to the success of his projects and often extends himself beyond expectation to facilitate the best outcomes for the project and its stakeholders.

As solutions and people-focused Site Engineer, Melvin understands the challenges and difficulties encountered by builders on site, and through effective communication, works closely with construction teams to resolve any problems and significantly improve cost and time savings. From project conception to detailed design, he elevates his projects with his knowledge of structural behaviour and design, Australian Standards and construction supervision.

Melvin’s interests include structural analysis, lateral analysis, structural optimisation and composite structures, and he enjoys seeking innovative solutions to the individual challenges each project and site can bring.

Qualifications

• Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)
• Member of Engineers Australia (MIEAust)
• Master of Engineering Science (MEngSc) in Structural Engineering – University of New South Wales
• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering – University of Indonesia, Depok

Winnie is a driven and dedicated façade engineer with extensive experience in the design and project management of commercial and residential building envelopes and façades.

Her outstanding technical abilities and strong attention to detail saw her work on landmark projects such as Prime Macquarie Park, Vivacity Olympic Park and 88 By JQZ St Leonards.

Winnie contributes her expertise in providing innovative and cost-effective solutions on a wide range of façade projects. She works collaboratively with architects, builders and other project consultants to ensure the performance of the building’s envelope meets standard requirements.

Graduated as a civil engineer, she adds value by bringing her structural and thermal performance analysis expertise in curtain wall façade and aluminium and glass window wall. She has also gained substantial knowledge in Australian Standards and Australian Building Codes relating to the requirements of façade systems.

Qualifications

• DBPA Registered Design Practitioner and Professional Engineer – Façade Engineering
• Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Hons)
• Member of the Institute of Engineers Australia (MIEAust)

Mehdi is an experienced Structural BIM Designer with a proven track record of over 10 years, specialising in 3D modelling, detailing, and documentation of concrete and steel structures. His broad range of expertise spans across various sectors and includes Revit, BIM 360, model coordination and clash detection, visual programming, structural detailing, specialised structural steel frames and timber.

Mehdi brings a rich knowledge and innovative drive to his work.
He conveys complex design intent into clear and concise documentation, and consistently seeks to lift the standards of quality assurance.

Passionate about digital engineering, Mehdi utilises cutting-edge technology to proactively identify potential issues to address them before construction commences, resulting in cost savings, minimised delays, and an overall enhancement in project quality. He actively pursues innovative processes to improve the workflow from start to finish of the construction phase of his projects.

Working closely with clients and other stakeholders, collaboration is his key approach to ensure the successful delivery of his projects. He works to unite the understanding of all project partners, ensuring that the design and construction process is streamlined, efficient and error-free.

Qualifications

• Masters in Structural Engineering, Azad University (IAU), Iran
• Member of Engineers Australia (MIEAust)

Kathy has over 15 years of experience in Operations and Project Management. Her passion for forming and nurturing meaningful relationships led her to join the XK family in 2018.

As an integral part of our Leadership Team, Kathy leads the People and Operations arm of our business. She works in close collaboration with the Leadership Team to deliver XK’s strategic vision, which includes People & Culture, Customer Experience, IT, WHS and Business Risk Management to drive growth, positive change, and high performance.

Kathy is responsible and committed to providing a people-centric approach in everything she does, including empowering employee experience so that they become the best version of themselves to deliver successful client outcomes.

As the Operations Leader, Kathy leads XK Business Systems and is responsible for IT operations, information and cyber security, systems development, and its implementation across the business. With a drive to improve business performance while maintaining strong relationships, Kathy has been instrumental in maintaining ISO certifications and facilitating WHS and Risk Management training initiatives.

Diversity and inclusion hold a very important place in Kathy’s heart. She continually looks for innovative ways to ensure genuine inclusion and respect for diversity are embedded in our workplace’s culture. Committed to driving positive change in our industry, she has been appointed to the UDIA NSW Diversity and Inclusion committee.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Arts
• UDIA NSW UDIA Diversity & Inclusion Committee 2023 Member
• Organisational Coaching
• Training & Assessment Cert IV

Lydia is a strategic marketing and communications specialist with over 14 years of experience gained in Europe and Australia. Her industry experience includes professional services in Engineering, Construction and Manufacturing, where she has created and managed the marketing of several iconic Australian projects.

As a strategic thinker with a focus on achieving business growth objectives, Lydia develops strategies along with implementing marketing activities in close collaboration with our Discipline Leaders to ensure that Xavier Knight is recognized as one of Australia’s most trusted and People-Centric engineering firms. This includes the expertise and added value our team offers our clients and partners.

She leads all critical aspects of promotional marketing, internal and external communications, brand management, reputation and trust strengthening, campaign management, partnership strategy and sponsored events.

Lydia is passionate about people and enjoys working in dynamic settings where both creativity and teamwork are celebrated.

Qualifications

• Master of Business Management