Structural engineers · Brisbane, Queensland
Clear structural engineering advice when the cause matters
Cornell Engineers investigates cracking, movement, drainage problems and building damage—and provides practical, evidence-based reports you can act on.
Based in Brisbane and available for suitable forensic, insurance, drainage and expert matters across Queensland and New South Wales.
How we help
Start with the problem you need solved
We do our best work when a building problem needs to be inspected, understood and explained clearly—not simply documented with generic paperwork.
Forensic and damage investigations
Independent investigation of structural damage following fire, flood, storm, impact, water entry or other events, with clear evidence and causation reasoning.
Forensic engineering reports →Cracking, movement and structural inspections
Assessment of cracks, settlement, slab or footing movement, sticking doors, visible gaps and other signs that a building may be moving.
Structural inspections and reports →Drainage and overland flow
Investigation of surface water, stormwater, water ingress and drainage-related building movement, including difficult sloping sites.
Drainage inspection and advice →Independent opinions and expert matters
Independent structural opinions and reports for disputes, insurance matters, QCAT, court proceedings and other situations where the evidence must stand up to scrutiny.
Independent and expert reports →An experienced, focused practice
Engineering judgement—not a form letter
Cornell Engineers has provided structural engineering services since 2003. Today, our practice is deliberately focused on investigation, reporting and selected structural work where experience and independent judgement materially improve the outcome.
Led by RPEQ structural engineers Matt Cornell and Sayla Williams, the practice brings together long-standing forensic experience and careful, practical analysis. Engineer availability is confirmed when we review each enquiry.
- We inspect the relevant evidence and explain what it means.
- We separate likely causes from assumptions and symptoms.
- We write reports for the people who need to use them.
- We tell you early if your matter is not the right fit.
Is Cornell Engineers the right fit?
The right engineer depends on the question
We are selective so the work we accept receives the attention it deserves.
We are well set up for
- Cracking, settlement and building movement
- Forensic, causation and damage investigations
- Insurance and disputed-claim reports
- Drainage, overland flow and water-entry problems
- Independent opinions and expert matters
- Selected builder support and existing-building advice
New design work is limited
We review design enquiries case by case. Small alterations, decks, pergolas, carports, retaining walls, retrospective certification and urgent low-cost design jobs may not suit our present focus or capacity.
If the scope is clear and the matter involves an existing structure, a complex problem or higher-value work, send the details and we will let you know.
“You were the only one prepared to talk to me about the issue rather than just jumping straight into panic mode.”
— Sophie, first-home buyer
What happens next
A straightforward way to start
Send the details
Tell us what has happened and include the property address, photographs, plans, reports or claim documents you already have.
We review the fit
We consider the question, location, urgency, required registration and our availability. We may ask for more information.
Receive a clear proposal
If we can assist, we will outline the scope, deliverables and fee. If we cannot, we will tell you promptly.
Useful before you call
Practical structural engineering insights
Our articles and videos explain common building problems in plain English. They are general information, not a substitute for advice about your property.
Where we work
Brisbane based. Broader reach for the right matter.
Local inspections, certifications and selected structural work are generally focused on South-East Queensland.
For suitable forensic reports, damage assessments, insurance matters, drainage investigations and expert structural advice, we can consider work elsewhere in Queensland and in New South Wales.
Location, inspection requirements and any registration or compliance obligations are reviewed before we confirm the engagement.