supporting your building through
every stage of its life.
Who we are
Originally established as Drinkwater Engineering by John Drinkwater, the firm evolved into DG Engineering as its leadership and expertise broadened. With aligned strengths and a shared focus on practical, trustworthy building‑envelope solutions, DG Engineering reflects a unified commitment to cultivating a firm built on sound engineering, thoughtful guidance, and enduring client trust.
We have extensive experience in the construction and maintenance of buildings, with a specialization in building science (also known as building envelope or building enclosure) engineering. Our mission is to provide timely, high-quality expertise and advice to our clients. We serve the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky. We offer a full range of services, contact us today, or read more about what we offer.
DG Engineering Ltd.
info@dgeng.ca
(604) 844-5188
John Drinkwater, P.Eng.
Principal
John Drinkwater, P.Eng.
John specializes in working with existing buildings and their Owners. He has managed the design, tender, and execution of numerous repair projects of all sizes and types. His most challenging and rewarding work involves comprehensive leaky‑condo remediations, where he ensures not only that water ingress issues are resolved, but also that major improvements are made to energy efficiency, thermal performance, and overall occupant comfort. His additional repair experience includes roof replacements, painting and caulking renewals, and targeted scope repairs.
John works hands‑on with Owners and Strata Councils, explaining complex technical concepts in clear, accessible terms. He regularly presents at Strata Council meetings and AGMs, and clients consistently value his patience and clarity—especially when navigating contentious or high‑stakes projects.
He also has an extensive portfolio of new construction projects across all building types. John leverages his remediation experience to develop solutions that are cost‑effective to implement and straightforward to maintain. He works proactively during the design stage to ensure architectural details are both functional and constructible.
John’s professional work in Building Science began with the preparation of Depreciation Reports and Building Condition Assessments, where he combined his Mechanical Engineering and construction backgrounds to deliver concise, informative reports. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from UBC and maintains memberships with the B.C. Building Envelope Council (BCBEC) and the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Division of Engineers and Geoscientists B.C.
Patrick Grzelak, P.Eng.
Principal
Patrick Grzelak, P.Eng.
After graduating from Concordia University with a degree in Building Engineering, Patrick moved to Vancouver to begin his career in building envelope consulting. Over more than a decade in the industry, he has built a reputation for delivering thoughtful, technically rigorous solutions across a wide range of project types.
Patrick brings extensive building science expertise in new construction, from single-family homes to multi‑tower developments, spanning residential, commercial, and institutional sectors. He has also led numerous rehabilitation projects, including full re‑clads, window replacements, roof renewals, and building coating renewals. Drawing on years of assessments, warranty reviews, and leak investigations, he approaches each project with a focus on durability, constructability, maintainability, and long‑term performance.
Known for combining deep technical knowledge with a practical, collaborative approach, Patrick is dedicated to advancing sustainable, high‑performance building enclosure design. He provides clear, actionable guidance aligned with client goals, helping teams navigate complex decisions with confidence and clarity.
Patrick is a Registered Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC), where he also serves as an Engineering Experience Competency Assessor. He maintains professional memberships with the British Columbia Building Envelope Council (BCBEC), the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants (IIBEC) Western Canada Chapter, and Passive House Canada, reflecting his ongoing engagement with the broader building science community and his commitment to industry best practices.