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Professional engineering consulting services for organisations and businesses
Based in Wellington, serving building projects throughout New Zealand

An independent mechanical engineer with decades of building services expertise

Business Summary: CPDT Consulting is a Wellington-based building services engineering consultancy, providing mechanical, plumbing and swimming pool design throughout New Zealand. To help improve your building’s performance contact us or call 04 280 6496 today!

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Specialist design, assessment and consultancy

CPDT Consulting provides building services engineering consultancy from the Wellington region for projects throughout New Zealand. CPDT Consulting works with architects, project managers, contractors and building owners and managers. We are experienced in balancing the many, often competing needs and goals of complex projects.

You work directly with the engineer responsible for your design.

The scope of services offered covers
HVAC design consultancy, hydraulic engineering and plumbing design and pool water services, alongside building reports, due diligence and controls performance specifications.

CPDT is a mechanical services consultancy, not a trade contractor and offers end-to-end service from early design through to construction oversight.
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An engineering philosophy grounded in fundamentals

The name CPDT comes from the foundational heat transfer equation, 𝑄=𝑚𝑐pΔT, a nod to pure engineering fundamentals over corporate marketing. It reflects Jonathan’s belief that good engineering starts with understanding the science, questioning assumptions and applying sound technical judgement.
Rather than relying on familiar solutions or accepted industry practices, he takes the time to understand each project, explore the available options and develop practical designs that balance performance, efficiency and long-term value.
His approach is grounded in a simple principle: “Physics does what physics does, whether you understand it or not". While computer models and simulations are very powerful tools, they cannot fully represent reality. In real life there are variables that cannot be modelled - that’s where decades of hands-on engineering experience matter.

Independent engineering expertise with a collaborative approach

CPDT Consulting is a single-person consultancy, with Jonathan providing direct involvement and personal accountability throughout each project. Where additional expertise is required, he can recommend trusted specialists who can be engaged under separate contracts. This keeps responsibilities clear while avoiding unnecessary administration and costs.

Holistic building services design for the long term


Your project begins with detailed investigation and a review of available information. We discuss possible approaches before defining the work and providing a quote or estimate.

Early involvement gives the team more scope to plan system options, plant spaces, service routes and maintenance access at the earliest opportunity.

Pool projects, among others, offer great opportunities to apply synergistic design principles, where the interplay of different systems offers scope for significant design and performance benefits.

Professional affiliations and independent design

CIBSE

CIBSE is Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers which Jonathan has been a long time member of. This is an internationally renowned professional engineering body, based in the UK, but with international membership of over 26,000. It offers a vast resource of accumulated industry knowledge and networking support.

ASHRAE

ASHRAE - American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers which Jonathan has been a long time member of. This is an internationally renowned professional engineering body, based in the United States, but with international membership of over 57,000. It is a fantastic resource of professional knowledge and also for connecting with building professionals in the same field.

ACE NZ

Cpdt Consulting is a member of ACE New Zealand - Association of Consulting Engineers. ACE provides an ear and a voice for over 260 engineering firms comprising over 16,000 people in New Zealand, from the smallest to the largest. We engage with them regularly.
These memberships support ongoing technical learning and industry awareness. We are well engaged with these. This includes engaging in local meetings where possible, writing articles and having feedback on others' articles published.

Jonathan brings independent thinking and a fresh perspective to each project. He questions conventional approaches, challenges assumptions and looks for opportunities to improve how building systems work together. Drawing on decades of experience and a strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, he develops practical solutions that may not be immediately obvious, helping clients achieve better performance and long-term value.

Contact Jonathan to discuss your project.

Five reasons to choose CPDT Consulting

Learning carried into later work

CPDT reviews lessons learned during projects and uses a planned programme of continuous improvement to refine its engineering designs and systems.

Collaborative approach to better outcomes

Jonathan believes the construction industry is a team sport. He works closely with architects, contractors and other consultants, sharing knowledge, considering different perspectives and working together to achieve the best outcome for each project.

Coordination through detailed modelling

Specialist 3D design software supports coordination with other designers and clear services documentation for building consent and construction.

Capacity based on calculation

High-demand hot water systems are sized to meet peak demand while balancing capital and operating costs, helping avoid unnecessary capacity and inadequate shower supplies.

Reports for informed investment decisions

Condition assessments, due diligence reports and running cost comparisons help clients evaluate building systems, understand their performance and make informed decisions about upgrades and refurbishments.
Professional engineering consulting services for organisations and businesses
Based in Wellington, serving building projects throughout New Zealand