BLOG

Can you reach your Engineer? Because our clients can...

Sometimes you need five minutes, and not in two weeks...


Three things caused the founding of CEL:

  1. The co-founders were passionate about training and engineering quality.
  2. The market clearly had a need for forensic and maintenance engineering services that were prompt and thorough.
  3. The existing services, while often very good, proved nearly impossible to contact when and where needed.


There are, in effect, no 24/7 engineering firms.  Other than CEL.  Our staff answer the phone around the clock, and respond to emergencies of all kinds for clients.


Even during the regular working day, it can be hard to get in touch with an engineer.  In the years since we have been in operation, the most common complaint we see is that no one can reach their engineer.  It is a very common complaint for clients, and it is not at all surprising for the first call with a new client to include a rather detailed conversation about how it can take weeks if not months to arrange a conversation with the engineer from another firm.


With a focus on existing structures and leveraging the lessons learnt for our new construction side, CEL recognizes that there is a higher than average chance we'll be working on complex infrastructure.  We do this routinely, and are known for being adept at this work, and so tackle the most complicated undaunted by the challenge. This also means that the company's engineers work on projects where quick decision-making and adaptability are essential. To ensure that clients receive the best possible service, CEL's team of experienced engineers and technical professionals places a strong emphasis on technical excellence, fair value, and diligent report production.


One of the ways that CEL demonstrates its commitment to client needs is through its rapid delivery project schedules. By leveraging the time zone difference between its offices in Ottawa, Canada, and Harderwijk, Nederland (the Netherlands), where necessary CEL is able to provide clients with faster turnaround times and more efficient service. This is especially important for clients with urgent needs or tight deadlines, as it allows CEL to respond quickly and effectively to their requests.


CEL's team of engineers and technical professionals is also highly skilled in a wide range of services, including structural design, building envelope assessment, failure analysis, and construction review. This means that clients can rely on CEL for a broad range of engineering and construction needs, from new builds and additions to zoning changes and critical failure investigations.


In addition to its technical expertise, CEL is also committed to building strong relationships with its clients. The company's employee-owned structure and strong commitment to protecting the unsuspecting public mean that CEL's engineers are highly motivated to provide excellent service and ensure client satisfaction. This commitment to client needs is reflected in CEL's approach to project delivery, which emphasizes clear communication, timely reporting, and proactive problem-solving.


CEL's team of engineers is also highly diverse, with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. This diversity allows CEL to bring a unique and global perspective to its projects, incorporating a broad range of recommendations for remediation, repairs, and facility longevity. Whether working with municipal agencies, public sector organizations, or private sector clients, CEL's engineers are dedicated to providing the highest level of service and support.

We are quite confident that clients who need prompt access to Professional Engineering, rapid delivery, and robust services undergirded by a 24/7 team with a strong work ethic will find our services to be a spot on match.  We look forward to the opportunity to impress you; please reach out and let us know your needs today.

June 13, 2025
The Original Professional Engineering Crack Gauge Business Card: A 15-Year Legacy of Innovation At CEL innovation has always been at the heart of what we do. Fifteen years ago, we pioneered a unique idea: integrating a practical crack gauge into the design of our business cards. This wasn’t just a gimmick, but a thoughtful addition and a solution born from our early planning to make our business cards more than just contact information. From our call to action "How may we help you?" run up the right hand side, to the use of a bright yellow in order to be able to leave cards in place as tell-tales to save clients costs, we wanted to set ourselves apart as the pragmatic problem solvers we set out to be. We envisioned these cards as tools that engineers, contractors, and property-interested parties could carry in their wallets, ready to assist them in seeking our structural advice on the spot. The Origin Story Back in 2010, our team brainstormed ways to stand out in the competitive engineering industry. We wanted our business cards to reflect our commitment to practical, problem-solving innovation. The crack gauge was the perfect fit—a compact, functional tool that embodied our expertise in structural analysis and our dedication to providing value beyond expectations. After months of design and testing, we launched the first crack gauge business card, a concept that was entirely novel at the time. A Global Influence Over the past decade and a half, our crack gauge business cards have gained recognition worldwide. From our staff attending the ICCRRR International Conference on Concrete Repair, Rehabilitation and Retrofitting in Leipzig Germany through to attending Restoration, Seismic, and Engineering conferences in Japan, Italy, France, New Zealand, and the USA, our little idea has travelled far and wide. Companies in Germany, France, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia have adopted similar designs, inspired by our original idea. We’re flattered by the global reach of our concept, but we’re also proud to set the record straight: Capacity Engineering was, to the best of our knowledge, the first to bring this idea to life. The Most Recent Imitation Recently, we’ve noticed a local Canadian competitor incorporating crack gauges into their business cards, positioning themselves as innovative. While imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, we believe it’s important to celebrate the true origin of this idea; a backyard and a beer, 2010, with the birth of CEL. For 15 years, our crack gauge business cards have been a hallmark of our brand, trusted by clients and imitated by other professionals, worldwide. This latest instance marks the first time a Canadian firm has followed suit, joining a line of international engineering firms inspired by our work. Why It Matters Our crack gauge business card is more than a marketing tool, but is in fact a testament to our commitment to innovation, functionality, simple solutions, economic results, and quality that maximises value. There is often little need for expensive monitoring and data collection. It can be as simple as a fractional cost of a dollar, and a free giveaway, conveniently placed on the back of the business card. Call to action? No; it is a call to simplification, and a way to offer clients more value out of our services. It is a reminder that true innovation isn’t just about creating something new; it’s about creating something that lasts, solves problems, and inspires others. We’re proud to have led the way and will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry. Thank you to our clients, partners, and community for supporting us over the years. Here’s to 15 more years of innovation, and beyond. Reach out if you have a need; we're more than happy to help.
By Admin CEL January 7, 2025
Understanding that words matter.
By Maurice Quinn December 19, 2024
To heat, or not to heat, that is the question...
By Admin CEL June 14, 2024
Bad News Early Is Better Than Bad News Late
By Maurice Quinn June 13, 2024
Stress, Strain, Steel, Plastic, Bondage, Finish, and Exposure
By Adam Hosny June 6, 2024
Nickel Sulphide Inclusions in Glass and Canadian Regulations
By Admin CEL May 10, 2024
Three offices in as many years... Create · Enhance · Sustain(ing) our growth through Engineering Excellence...
By Maurice Quinn April 16, 2024
Something is Rotten in the State of The Art...
By Maurice Quinn April 9, 2024
Grammar aside, we do add value and safety...
By Maurice Quinn October 17, 2023
If you're familiar with steel design, aluminum might just surprise you, and be a welcome technical challenge...
More Posts