Profile: Structural Engineer
Role: Senior Associate, Structural
Location: Sydney, NSW
In the specialised field of heritage conservation, the role of a structural engineer extends far beyond calculations. It requires a deep respect for historical fabric, a meticulous eye for detail, and the ability to integrate modern safety standards into structures never intended to meet them. As a Senior Associate at Partridge, David Leonard has become a key figure in this delicate balancing act, bringing a wealth of international experience to some of New South Wales’ most significant historical sites.
David’s academic foundation, which includes a Master of Science in Structural Engineering from Imperial College London, provided him with the technical rigor necessary to navigate complex structural behaviours. Over a career spanning more than a decade across the UK and Australia, he has developed a reputation for delivering sensitive refurbishment and conservation projects that prioritise the longevity of the original architecture.
At Partridge, David has been instrumental in the conservation works for several landmark institutions under the care of Museums of History NSW, including The Wentworth Mausoluem, The Mint and Rouse Hill Estate. These projects often demand a “touch the earth lightly” approach, where the engineering interventions must be effective yet remains almost entirely invisible to the public. The Burra Charter’s (2013) maxim: “do as much as necessary, and as little as possible” which advocates a “cautious approach” to conservation is always front of mind when engineering solutions and rectification works. David’s ability to assess the existing condition of aged timber, sandstone, and masonry allows him to develop remediation schemes that stabilise these structures while retaining as much original material as possible.
David is involved in conservation works to the 1870s Cape Bowling Green lighthouse at the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour and is working with City of Sydney to help preserve the historic Breezeway public passageway in Millers Point.
His portfolio also includes significant commercial and institutional heritage adaptations, such as the structural alterations at 76–78 Liverpool Street, the conversion of industrial buildings into modern office spaces in Alexandria, and conservation works to create a heritage plaza at the Corrimal Cokeworks as part of a larger residential redevelopment on the site. These projects highlight David’s skill in adaptive reuse, ensuring that historical buildings remain functional and relevant in a modern urban context. Whether he is navigating the unique hazards of a sealed 19th-century crypt or reinforcing the slender cantilevers of a mid-century icon, David approaches every project with a focus on robustness and technical clarity.
David is a Chartered Professional Engineer and a member of the National Engineers Register. His collaborative approach involves working closely with heritage architects and specialist conservators to ensure that the engineering logic supports the conservation goals. By bridging the gap between historical craftsmanship and contemporary structural analysis, David Leonard continues to safeguard the architectural stories of our past for the communities of the future.
