A family firm with engineering in its bones.

Founded in 2012 by a father and his two engineering sons, CEL has grown into a team of structural engineers, building scientists, a fire engineer and condominium specialists — with offices in Ottawa and the Netherlands.

View over downtown Ottawa from a rooftop

The firm

Consulting engineering and project management — with a specialty in existing buildings.

We are an engineering firm specializing in structural engineering, building science, condominium works and project management, serving industrial, commercial, institutional and residential clients. Our work spans design, maintenance programs, structural condition assessments, forensic investigations and fire engineering.

We are particularly experienced with existing structures — heritage, blast hazards, fire investigations, restoration, maintenance and forensic work. Understanding how buildings fail lets us design new ones that last longer.

Our building science team is recognized for its fenestration and building envelope knowledge, and we bring deep experience in Tarion RB-19 reporting. Above all, clients tell us they value the communication: you can reach your engineer.

Why clients choose CEL

Four things we won't compromise on.

Integrity

We take ethics seriously. Quality, reliable and honest service — every time.

Leading standards

Our engineers stay current, and in several cases help write the standards.

Experience

Decades of experience across Canada and more than a dozen countries.

Efficiency

Prompt, professional results — and an engineer you can actually reach.

Reach

From Ottawa to Auckland.

Our engineers have worked across Canada and in more than a dozen countries — on a highway leading to the Gulf of Oman, a water supply system in Kabul, and Eden Park, the Rugby World Cup stadium in Auckland, New Zealand.

Kanata Research Park

Ottawa

400-505 March Road
Ottawa, ON K2K 3A4
Canada

45.3437° N, 75.9285° W

GreenOffices

Harderwijk

Goede Reede 1
3845 MD Harderwijk
Nederland

52.3460° N, 5.6200° E

Milestones

2012
Capacity Engineering is founded in Ottawa by James, Maurice and Jason Quinn.
2020
Integrated systems testing to CAN/ULC-S1001 and RB-19-style field reviews join the practice.
2021
CEL is growing — time to move. The first of several office expansions.
2022
Our in-field fenestration testing methodology is presented at WinDoor 2022.
2025
Fifteen years of the crack-gauge business card.
Today
Kanata Research Park in Ottawa, and GreenOffices in Harderwijk, the Netherlands.