March is National Engineering Month #NEM2025—a time to recognize the problem-solvers, innovators, and technical experts who shape the world around us. At Pinchin, our engineers are the backbone of our work, helping clients build safer, healthier, and more sustainable spaces.

The Power of Engineering at Pinchin

Engineering is more than just numbers and blueprints—it’s about solving problems, pushing boundaries, and shaping the future. At Pinchin, our engineers play a crucial role in making buildings safer, healthier, and more sustainable.

• Optimizing performance: From mechanical systems to building envelopes, our engineers enhance energy efficiency and durability.
• Protecting the environment: Through geotechnical assessments and environmental solutions, they help create resilient spaces.

Every day, their work drives innovation, helping clients navigate challenges and achieve long-term success. This National Engineering Month, we celebrate their dedication and the impact they make!

---

Meet the Pinchin Team

Laurence Kao is the National Practice Technical Lead in the Building Performance and Sustainability group and has been employed by Pinchin Ltd. since 2022. Laurence is a Professional Engineer with project experience across Canada in a wide range of fields including decarbonization, recommissioning, retrofit design, and measurement and verification. He is a Certified Energy Manager and draws on his broad knowledge base to take an integrated approach to projects.

Laurence’s passion lies in developing functional and sustainable design solutions. He specializes in the energy and GHG reduction process from study to implementation and monitoring. He has worked on BC Hydro Continuous Optimization projects at UBC, SFU and the Children Family Research Institute. Additionally, he was a project manager for several Deep Retrofit Studies for clients such as Metro Vancouver, PSPC, CBRE, City of Brampton, and Home Depot.

For more information on Laurence Kao, visit his LinkedIn Profile.

---

Tim Speirs is the Operations Manager of the Environmental Due Diligence and Remediation groups in Pinchin’s Oshawa and Peterborough offices. Tim has been with Pinchin since 2018 and is a licensed professional engineer with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from the University of Guelph (UoG) and after several years in the consulting industry he returned to UoG to obtain a Master of Applied Science while continuing to work on a full-time basis. Tim’s masters research focused on contaminant hydrogeology and using high-resolution subsurface field investigations to inform conceptual site models with a multiple-line-of-evidence approach. This approach is something that he applies to all projects and today he proudly specializes in Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), contaminated site remedial solution design and implementation, Record of Site Condition (RSC) filings, compliance monitoring and other detailed subsurface investigations throughout Ontario.

Tim has always been passionate about the environment and helping others. He knew from a young age that he was destined to be an Environmental Engineer, but it wasn’t until he entered the consulting industry that he learned how truly rewarding it is to be part of a collaborative team that helps stakeholders manage complex issues.

When asked what it means to be an engineer, here’s what Tim had to say.

For more information on Tim Speirs, visit his LinkedIn Profile.

---

Paresh Patel is the National Director/Practice Specialist for Remediation Services with the Environmental Due Diligence & Remediation (EDR) group. Paresh has been with Pinchin Ltd. since 2010 and is a licensed professional engineer in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. He holds a Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering.

Paresh has over 20 years of experience in remediation of soil, groundwater, and wastewater. At Pinchin, Paresh oversees the remediation business across Pinchin. In addition to the remediation projects, he has conducted extensive remedial investigations, site assessments (i.e. Phase II ESAs) and working on a variety of Record of Site Condition (RSC) sites where remediation was required. He provides the key technical support to the sites undergoing redevelopment where clients and developers need to make key financial decisions which are dependent on the short and long-term environmental liabilities.

What Paresh finds satisfying when it comes to being an engineer is when a concept or idea born out of sound engineering and science takes shape and provides clarity for his client, so that they can carry out their business with peace of mind.

“I wear multiple hats; however, when it comes to engineering, I take pride in providing practical solutions based on sound engineering and science. It is satisfying to see a concept or unique idea taking shape in real life and alleviating the customer’s worries. Creating a safe environment and providing solutions that enable my clients to carry out their business and operations with peace of mind and considering Pinchin as their partner is rewarding!”

For more information on Paresh Patel, visit his LinkedIn Profile.

---

Jeff Dietz is a Senior Technical Manager in the Geotechnical Services (GEO) group and has been with Pinchin Ltd. since 2022. Jeff holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Waterloo. Jeff is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario; and, also has been designated as a Consulting Engineer by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO).

Jeff has 25 years of experience in geotechnical engineering. He has worked on hundreds of projects in both geotechnical investigation during project design, and geotechnical materials testing and inspection during construction. The projects Jeff has worked on have covered residential/industrial/commercial land development, building construction, road design or reconstruction, slope stability assessment, bridge or culvert design, utility installation, airfields, and light rail transit.

When asked about what it means to be engineer, Jeff gets a sense of pride when uses his skills that he has attained over a long career on projects that he helped design and build (locally around the area he lives in) both safe and efficiently.

For more information on Jeff Dietz, visit his LinkedIn Profile.

---

Lindsay Johnson is the Technical Manager for the Southwest Environmental Due Diligence & Remediation (EDR) Groups at Pinchin Ltd. Lindsay obtained her Environmental-Civil Engineering degree from the University of Waterloo in 2005 and has been a P.Eng with Professional Engineers Ontario since 2010 and is also a Qualified Person (QPESA) as designated with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks since 2011. Lindsay grew up in St. Marys, Ontario and has called Waterloo home since her time at the University of Waterloo.

Lindsay has 18 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry and is responsible for overseeing the technical work completed by all EDR team members within the southwest Ontario offices.  Lindsay is also responsible for the growth of Southwest Region’s EDR group through business development initiatives and active involvement in the local development community.  She enjoys working where she lives and being able to see her professional successes come to life in her community.

Lindsay realized she wanted to become an environmental engineer during a high school business course. An environmental engineering consultant spoke to the class and after offering Lindsay a co-op placement that summer to experience it firsthand, Lindsay knew she’d found what she was meant to do.  She loved the balance of the technical components of the projects coupled with the client management aspect that comes with consulting.

For more information on Lindsay Johnson, visit her LinkedIn Profile.

---

Graeme Terris is the Regional Practice Leader and Team Lead for the Mechanical Engineering & Design Team and has been employed by Pinchin Ltd. since 2019. Graeme received his Professional Engineer designation with Engineers and Geoscientists BC back in 2015 and is a Chartered Engineer with the Engineering Council (UK).

Graeme has over 40 years’ experience in the industry in the UK and Canada as well as internationally involving heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and plumbing design for all sorts of buildings from small residential developments through to large office and manufacturing projects for clients from Healthcare to Hospitality, all levels of Educational facilities, Theatres, Sports Centres, and specialist facilities such as workshops and radioactive facilities.

When asked what it means to be an engineer, Graeme feels there is a high level of respect as the designs and advice he provides is science based and thought worthy compared to current trends of fake news and conspiracy theorists.

For more information on Graeme Terris, visit his LinkedIn Proflle.

---

Mary Mekhail is a Project Engineer with the Emissions Reduction & Compliance (ERC) group and has been with Pinchin since 2017. She completed her Masters in Engineering Degree at the University of Guelph in Environmental Engineering, Mary also received her Bachelor of Engineering with Co-operative studies and completed her Minor in Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Environmental Analysis at the University of Guelph. Mary received her Professional Engineer designation with Professional Engineers of Ontario back in 2019.

Having completed her undergrad and Masters at the University of Guelph, Mary has had the pleasure returning to UofG to speak with fourth year Engineering students on Compliance Approvals and Environmental Permitting in air and water sectors.

• 

• 

When asked about what it means to be an engineer, here’s what she had to say.

“Engineering to me is an opportunity to incorporate creativity through hands on solutions to everyday problems. I grew up loving music, art, but also physics, mathematics, and environmental sciences. Now I’m a Project Engineer at Pinchin working to protect our environment in collaboration with air, noise and water engineers. Imagining and developing innovative strategies and consistently pushing myself outside my comfort zone. I love it.”

For more information on Mary Mekhail, visit her LinkedIn Profile.

---

Samuel Lingwood has a background in mining, mechanical and environmental engineering and is a Senior Technical Manager & Team Leader with the Environmental Due Diligence & Remediation Team, located in the GTA. His primary focus is on soil and groundwater remedial design, evaluation/costing, and implementation – predominantly within the area estate and development sector across Canada. As a project engineer and project manager, Samuel has widespread experience with challenging projects across Canada, including in northern and remote environments, for a variety of land use and contaminant scenarios with sites impacted with hydrocarbon fuels, waste oils, metals/inorganics, VOCs, PAHs, PCBs, paints, industrial effluents and dense and light NAPL chemicals.

Samuel received his Professional Engineer designation with Professional Engineers of Ontario back in 2012 and his BC designation in 2019.

One of Samuel’s more notable project experiences includes project management and execution of engineering services for the operation and maintenance of on-going remedial treatment for remote emergency spill response at a North Warning station in the Arctic.

When asked about what engineering means to Samuel, he noted that being an engineer “appeals” to his geeky side however he also understands there is a responsibility and time-honoured trust placed upon him.

For more information on Samuel Lingwood, visit his LinkedIn Profile.

---

Valeriy Tyshchuk is a Senior Project Manager in the Environmental Due Diligence & Remediation group and has been with Pinchin since 2018. Valeriy holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Western Ontario. He is a licensed Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists BC, Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba and Professional Engineers Ontario. He is also recognized by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) as a Qualified Person (QPESA) for filing Records of Site Condition (RSCs) in accordance with O.Reg. 153/04.

As an environmental engineer Valeriy is responsible for implementing environmental engineering solutions to assist a range of public and private sector clients in successful realization of various regulatory compliance, brownfield redevelopment, and due diligence projects.

When asked what being an engineer means to Valeriy, here’s what he had to say.

“To me, being an Engineer is synonymous with the word ‘accountability’. It is our job to be accountable for quality of work our team produces and ensuring it meets or exceeds the high standards our profession is known for. I also take pride in having the opportunity to mentor other future Engineers and diffuse my knowledge and experience in the same manner that my mentors have guided me throughout my career and continue to this day.  Being an Engineer also means I never stop learning. Our profession has an endless flow of new challenges that require critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration with many bright individuals, which keeps me mentally sharp and improves my overall well-being.”

For more information on Valeriy Tyshchuk, visit his LinkedIn Profile.

---

Vanessa Marshall is the National Practice Lead with the Geotechnical Services group at Pinchin Ltd. Vanessa graduated with her engineering degree from Queen’s University in 2003 and completed her Master of Science in engineering from University of Wisconsin in 2010. Vanessa has over 15 years of experience within the Civil Engineering Industry, most of which has been related to project management and geotechnical work. Vanessa’s experience includes the management of geotechnical investigations for municipal infrastructure projects, slope stability assessment, and the construction of commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. Vanessa has exceptional communication skills and has developed strong relationships with our employees and clients.

When asked about what it means being an engineer, Vanessa feels there is a great responsibility being an engineer.

Vanessa Marshall is the National Practice Lead with the Geotechnical Services group at Pinchin Ltd. Vanessa graduated with her engineering degree from Queen’s University in 2003 and completed her Master of Science in engineering from University of Wisconsin in 2010. Vanessa has over 15 years of experience within the Civil Engineering Industry, most of which has been related to project management and geotechnical work. Vanessa’s experience includes the management of geotechnical investigations for municipal infrastructure projects, slope stability assessment, and the construction of commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. Vanessa has exceptional communication skills and has developed strong relationships with our employees and clients.

When asked about what it means being an engineer, Vanessa feels there is a great responsibility being an engineer.

For more information on Vanessa, visit her LinkedIn page.

---

Lorena La Osa Gomez is a Senior Project Manager in the Environmental Due Diligence and Remediation (EDR) group and has been employed by Pinchin Ltd. since 2014. Lorena holds a Master of Engineering in Geological Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Research, Groundwater Modeling and Risk Assessment from the Polytechnic University of Madrid (Spain). Lorena is also registered as Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientist in Saskatchewan (APEGS).

When asked about what it means being an engineer, Lorena has credited her degree/designation as the backbone and growth to her career.

“I have never felt like a ‘real’ engineer as the discipline I work on is not directly associated to design, inventing, or maintaining anything. However, my engineering degree along with my professional designation, has provided me with the skills, ethics, and potential to improve and growth every day in what I like to do”.

For more information on Lorena, visit her LinkedIn page.

---

Brennan Anstey is the Operations Manager and Regional Practice Leader of the BC Environmental Science group and has been with Pinchin since 2014. Brennan holds a Chemical and Biological Engineering degree from The University of British Columbia (UBC) and is a registered Professional Engineer in British Columbia.

Brennan started his post-secondary education in the Metals and Minerals Engineering field at UBC because he was interested in better understanding where things came from and where they ultimately went. Eventually, Brennan would switch his studies to the Chemical & Biological Engineering program at UBC. In high school, Brennan always enjoyed physics and chemistry because it came easy to him, but it wasn’t until he attended University and got into environmental studies and sustainability theory that he realized that this was his passion and what he wanted to do.

One of Brennan’s proud moments as an engineer was when he was tasked with determining why the air quality of a large indoor pool was so bad. After spending time learning all about Trichloramines (a byproduct from the reaction between chlorine and nitrogen compounds) and analyzing the buildings HVAC system, which were both new topics to him, Brennan realized that the inlet and outlet pipes that supported the HVAC system were simply too close. The close proximity of both pipes didn’t properly allow the fresh air coming into the space to circulate before being pulled back into the HVAC system. Brennan believes it was the first principles thinking that he learned as an engineer that allowed him to focus on the main issue and find a simple solution to a problem that a number of specialists before him couldn’t solve.

As a young child Brennan remembers being told that humans were wrecking the planet and the adults didn’t know how to fix it, so it was up to us kids to figure it out – an unfair burden in retrospect, but one he pondered for a long time. While in university Brennan noted that many people were looking for a technological solution to the environmental problem, and realized that the problem with how we interact with our environment isn’t technological, it was social.

When asked what he would like to tell upcoming engineers, Brennan mentioned that the education he learnt in University was only a small portion of his toolkit compared to the wealth of continual learning and understanding he’s gained from every working and observational experience.

“From an engineering perspective, the world makes physical sense, so it’s important to stay curious about the things that seem off or that don’t add up. When something doesn’t add up, it usually means there is still something for you to learn about. It’s important for us all to keep the big picture in mind so we can contribute as meaningfully as possible in whatever we decide to do with our lives.”

For more information on Brennan Anstey, visit his LinkedIn Profile.

---

Byron O’Connor has over 30 years of environmental consulting experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, both from the University of New Brunswick (UNB). After receiving his geology degree in 1986 and working in the field for a short period, Byron was advised that getting an engineering degree would provide him more flexibility in the work he wanted to pursue – mainly anything to do with protecting water. Byron credits his first manager, a senior geotechnical engineer, named Paul Belyea for helping him better understand the roll of an engineer and fondly remembers Paul’s simple but important advice – as an engineer you don’t have to re-invent the wheel.

When asked what Byron enjoyed most about being an engineer, he noted that it was the freedom and responsibility of being in a self-regulated profession. He also said that being an engineer allowed him the luxury of being involved in a wide variety of projects that have taken him across the world.

“The high artic is incredibly beautiful, but a number of years ago I worked on a project in Grise Fiord, Nunavut in winter when it was -57 C and then two weeks later, I was working on a project in Saudi Arabia where it was +56 C.  Both were painful.  The most interesting places I’ve had the pleasure of working were Kyrgyzstan, for a gold mine situated 5000 m above sea level in the Tien Shen mountains, and Mongolia, for a gold mine on the steppe.”

When asked for advice for the next generation of engineers, Byron remarked that engineering is a very diverse field and it’s certainly not all about math and calculations.

For more information on Byron, visit his LinkedIn page.

Pinchin Services