Les Smit joined GHD as a Principal Structural Engineer in 2006. Prior to this, he was a Senior Associate of Arup Consulting Engineers. Les has over 30 years' experience in the design of major structural and civil engineering projects. His experience covers the full spectrum of structural design ranging from high and medium rise buildings, railway stations, exhibition and convention centres, major retail developments, through to major civil engineering projects comprising road and rail bridges, tunnels and other key civil works.Les's key strengths lie in his technical ability and extensive experience in the production of innovative solutions with various construction materials. Les's method is to actively participate in the complete design process. As a Project Director / Manager he has been responsible for leading the design team throughout all phases of the project and generally been the first point of contact for the Client and other project discipline leads. However his enthusiasm for design, ensures that he remains active throughout the design phase by personally preparing the concept designs and subsequently leading the structural team during both the detailed design and construction phases.