CCE’s Top 10 Under 40: David Inglis

Photo courtesy Dillon Consulting.

This year, for the second time, Canadian Consulting Engineer launched an initiative to recognize up-and-coming consulting engineers across the country. We are now showcasing them on our website, in alphabetical order by surname.

David Inglis, 36, is a mechanical engineer and partner at Dillon Consulting, based in Halifax. He grew up just outside the city, building Lego, K’nex and Meccano sets as a child before helping build homes as a teenager. His interests in math, science and problem-solving led him to start a double major in physics and electrical engineering at Dalhousie University.

“As my social awareness broadened,” Inglis recalls, “I helped lead the local chapter of Engineers Without Borders and switched my focus to environmental engineering.”

Two work terms as a junior energy engineer honed his focus on improving efficiency through mechanical design. After graduating, he became a senior energy analyst for the government of the Northwest Territories, then joined F.C. O’Neill, Scriven & Associates (ONSA) and worked his way up to partner.

ONSA was acquired in 2020 by Dillon, where Inglis stepped up again to partner. Today, his largest local clients include Saint Mary’s University (SMU), the Nova Scotia Health Authority and his own alma mater, Dalhousie.

“David saw the potential pipeline of projects coming out of Dalhousie over the next decade and recognized we needed a strong relationship with the local architectural community,” says Glen Rockett, senior electrical designer and partner at Dillon. “He established that relationship and now our team is being awarded major projects.”

By way of example, Inglis recently led a multidisciplinary team through a $40-million, five-year, multi-phased renovation of Dalhousie’s dental clinic.

“These clients have buildings that are more than 100 years old,” he says. “I’m helping them figure out a path to carbon neutrality.”

He also recently stepped into a new role as national lead for Dillon’s mechanical engineering staff.

“Working with clients is made even more rewarding by our firm’s commitment to work-life balance,” says Inglis. “I am grateful for our firm’s understanding and support of my role as a professional with a young family. This balance enables me to bring my best self to the table.”