About Us

Our Business & Purpose

Based in Eltham in Melbourne's north-eastern suburbs, Donnelly & Co Consulting Engineers is a structural and civil engineering consultancy helping homeowners, architects, builders, developers and community organisations deliver projects across Melbourne, regional Victoria and beyond.

Established in 2023, our firm combines personalised service with the experience gained from thousands of structural and civil engineering projects. Led by Director and Principal Engineer James Donnelly, we take a practical, solution-focused approach to engineering, balancing safety, efficiency, constructability and long-term performance.

We work across a diverse range of projects, including renovations and extensions, custom homes, multi-unit developments, commercial fit-outs, community facilities, sustainable buildings and heritage projects. While our primary focus is Victoria, we have also delivered projects in Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland.

We believe good engineering helps create safer, more resilient and more sustainable communities. Our purpose is simple: to provide trusted advice, clear communication and practical engineering solutions that help bring great projects to life.

Our Team

We’re proud to work with a talented team of structural engineers, civil engineers, drafters and administration professionals who share a commitment to safety, integrity and exceptional client service.

Our team brings together technical expertise, practical construction knowledge and a collaborative approach to problem solving. We support projects across the residential, commercial, community and industrial sectors, from small residential alterations through to complex low and medium-rise developments.

Unlike many larger consultancies, every project benefits from Director oversight, ensuring our clients receive responsive service, consistent quality and access to experienced engineering advice throughout the life of their project.

Meet Our Leadership Team

Director and Principal Engineer James Donnelly grew up in Eltham and has a strong connection to the communities and built environment of Melbourne's north-east. With extensive experience across structural and civil engineering projects throughout Victoria and interstate, James is known for delivering practical, efficient and buildable engineering solutions.

His design philosophy centres on thoughtful engineering that reduces complexity, improves constructability and makes efficient use of materials without compromising safety, performance or durability. Every project is approached individually, with solutions tailored to the specific needs of the client, site and building.

James is a General Committee Member of the Association of Consulting Structural Engineers Victoria (ACSEV), helping to support and advance the consulting engineering profession. He is also committed to ongoing professional development and maintaining strong connections within the broader engineering community.

Qualifications & Registrations

  • Registered & Endorsed Professional Engineer – Victoria & Tasmania (PE0013597)

  • Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ 31229)

  • National Engineering Register (NER) – Civil & Structural

  • Member of Engineers Australia (MIEAust)

  • Bachelor of Engineering (Civil & Infrastructure), RMIT University

Complementing our technical expertise, Business Development Manager Elaura Carter brings extensive experience in business operations, stakeholder engagement, change management and sustainability. Elaura's background includes leading sustainability and social responsibility initiatives within a major Australian retail organisation.

A passionate advocate for community and local business, Elaura volunteers with several not-for-profit organisations and plays an active role within the local community. Her focus on communication, collaboration and client experience helps ensure projects are supported by responsive service and strong relationships from first enquiry through to project completion.

Together, James and Elaura are committed to building a business that delivers trusted engineering advice, meaningful client relationships and positive outcomes for both projects and communities.