About Us
We exist to enrich life and the world around us
Built upon a philosophy to ‘enrich lives’, Xavier Knight was established 10 years ago with an ambition to raise the standard of engineering services available in our built environment.
Our values, combined with our passion and technical expertise has enabled us to become one of Australia’s most trusted and People-Centric engineering firms. The innovative minds behind XK are experts in their fields, solving our client’s most complex problems.
We respect the profound effects that extraordinary built environments can have on people’s lives – it’s why we challenge ourselves to think bigger about the opportunities that we’re faced with every single day. It’s our collective desire to enrich lives and the world around us that differentiates us from the industry.
We’re not afraid to cast aside the status quo in order to design built environments in ways that have never been done before and, after we’ve brought them to life, will never be forgotten.
We amplify the outcomes
of every project.
50
strong
TEAM OF ENGINEERS
AND TECHNICIANS
200
years
COMBINED LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
10
years
FOUNDED
IN 2012
multi
discipline
STRUCTURAL, FAÇADE,
CIVIL ENGINEERS
1200
plus
PROJECTS SUCCESSFULLY DELIVERED
>$10
billion
OF COMBINED
PROJECT VALUE
Our Team
excellence underpins all our projects.
Feris Chehade
Feris Chehade
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
Jyana Mareko
Jyana Mareko
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)
Johann Human
Principal Engineer
Johann Human
Principal Engineer
Johann’s strategic insights into the key steps of the property development cycle ensure that the structural solutions we provide are able to fully achieve the ultimate goals of the projects we’re bringing to life.
Johann has over 28 years of experience in the design and management of building and civil projects.
Appointed as Principal, he joined the XK team in 2018 after relocating from South Africa, where he was a shareholder at a large reputable engineering consultancy. Johann has delivered a substantial portfolio of major projects throughout Africa, the Middle-East, and the APEC region, providing significant international expertise and project management skills to his clients.
Johann is a passionate collaborator with a strong belief that with teamwork, all project challenges can be overcome to provide innovative, economical, buildable, and sustainable solutions. His dedication and pragmatic approach will ensure the highest-level of quality is delivered by his team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Engineering, Civil – University of Johannesburg, 1994 (Cum Laude)
- Master of Engineering, Structural – University of Johannesburg, 1996
Anthony Farah
Technical Director
Anthony Farah
Technical Director
Anthony is an accomplished façade architectural engineer, passionate about leadership, innovation and sustainability. He has a strong ambition to increase the standards of engineering services in the built environment while bringing to life the visions of his clients and the architects of their teams.
With over 30 years of management and engineering experience, his record of experience has built an exceptional reputation of technical expertise and leadership in multi-million-dollar projects including building envelopes, facades, curtain walling, glazing, cladding and green buildings across Australia, Europe and the Middle East.
Anthony’s vast knowledge and experience in façades and project management, including resources, financial, and risk aspects, allow him to provide clients with in-depth experience and advanced knowledge of materials. He has the ability to integrate his knowledge to create feasible solutions that honour the design and vision of his clients, making his project involvement and leadership highly sought after.
As the leader of our Façade Team, Anthony ensures the successful delivery of high-quality, innovative, sustainable, and practical solutions to our clients and partners.
Qualifications
- LEED Green Associate, Green Building Certification Institute, USA 2012
- Bachelor of Engineering (Architecture), University of Tishreen, Latakia, Syria, 1991
Rabee Kafina
Rabee Kafina
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
Jonathon Dymond
Jonathon Dymond
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 Mahoutian
Mehrab Mahoutian
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
- 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 Yacoubian
Mehair Yacoubian
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 Baeha
Melvin Baeha
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
Jason Moye
Jason Moye
With over 34 years of experience, Jason’s passion for façade design is evident in his career experience. Starting in the basics of façade installation and manufacturing, he moved into façade installation and site management, and has progressed in the field ever since.
Currently working as a senior in façade design and project management, Jason facilitates the architectural design for his clients. With a broad range of technical and management skills, Jason is analytical and quick to respond to and resolve any project challenges.
He has an impressive record in his field and has worked on many high-profile projects, taking full control and responsibility for the life cycle of his projects. He has often led and managed onsite construction teams, whilst also facilitating efficient project planning, construction quality and progress.
Jason’s attitude toward project challenges is a fundamental strength in project teams. He approaches such situations with a solutions focus, looking from all angles to resolve issues, learn and improve from them. As a knowledgeable façade specialist and leader, Jason brings great value to his projects.
Qualifications
- MSc of Façade Engineering, University of the West England, Bristol
- Certified Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Grad Certificate Masters of Business Administration, Griffith University, Queensland,
Dr Derrick Yap
Dr Derrick Yap
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
Kathy Chehade
Kathy Chehade
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 Piegay
Lydia Piegay
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
Our Approach
We bring to life sustainable built environments that elevate human experiences
1.Respect for the creative vision
We’re passionate about exploring the interconnectedness of people, creativity and science, and approach projects in a dynamic, open-minded way that makes the creative vision viable – taking the designs of architects and developers and bringing them to life.
2.Collaborative Experience
We put people first always, communicating and collaborating strongly across the entire design and build process. We highly value the strong relationships that we build with all key stakeholders, as they ensure that our process is one of frictionless collaboration.
3.Sustainable Designs
We create sustainable built environments that elevate human experiences. We’re committed to creating a sustainable world; our designs are economically, environmentally and socially sensitive, and designed to enrich life both now and in the future.
4.Buildable solutions
Our deep understanding of the construction process ensures that our designs are practical, efficient, and clearly documented. We also provide value-adding advice during the build process to ensure that your project is delivered with maximum effectiveness.
5.Commitment to Excellence
We’re relentless in our quest to always find a better way, searching for and employing innovative design principles to add value on every level. Absolute technical excellence is nonnegotiable – everything we design, we design well, using our expertise to create built environments you can trust.
Our values are at the heart of what makes us different.
These values aren’t just words on a page – they are deeply integrated into every aspect of our team, processes and approach, which is the reason why our clients come back time after time.
01
people-centric
At the core of our purpose, we prioritise people’s aspirations above all. We lead with passion, consistently seeking to add value beyond expectation to our people, our clients, and the communities we serve.