Chris Bell

Chris is a Principal of Douglas Partners with over 20 years' consulting experience in geotechnical engineering, soil mechanics, earthworks and related disciplines while based in Australia, and the United Kingdom.

He commenced employment with Douglas Partners in January 2003 after completing a Master of Science in Soil Mechanics and Engineering Seismology with Distinction at the University of London, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London.

Chris initially graduated from the University of Sydney with Class I Honours in Civil Engineering in 1996 and worked for another consultant for approximately two years before picking up his backpack and heading overseas, where he travelled, experienced life and undertook contract geotechnical work prior to competing his post graduate studies.

In Australia, Chris has worked on projects in Sydney, greater Sydney, regional NSW, Darwin, Hobart, Brisbane, regional Queensland and Papua New Guinea. Whilst overseas, he has worked on projects in West Kalimantan (Indonesia), London, Sheffield and Chesterfield (UK), and site visits within the seismically active Naples region (Italy).

Chris has led numerous geotechnical and environmental investigations, acid sulfate soils investigations and preparation of management plans, route analysis, geotechnical analysis and design for temporary works (retention, piling rig and crane platforms, excavations, earthworks) and permanent works (basement and excavation retention systems, slope stabilisation options, subgrade improvement works), construction monitoring and advice. He has held various positions from site investigation management to project management of small to large jobs, to the role of resident engineer for piling works.

Chris was appointed Branch Manager to the Brisbane office in early 2019 and is a mentor for junior staff.