OUR HISTORY

Pells Consulting was founded in 2009 by Dr Philip Pells to offer specialist services in his fields of expertise, namely geotechnical engineering and rock and soil mechanics.  He was joined in 2012 by his son Steven Pells, who was undertaking his PhD studies at the University of New South Wales at that time.   Steven’s skills in the complementary fields of hydraulics, hydrology and hydrogeology made an effective team with Philip when dealing with various projects in which understanding of these interacting (but often separate) fields were required.  Examples include forensic investigations for structural failures in embankments and mining emplacements, analysis of impacts from underground works to surface of ground water resources, collapse of tunneling works, or design of civil and geotechnical structures.  The complement of skills is also key in assessment of erosion of rock under high velocity flows – the subject matter of Steven’s PhD.

Dr Philip Pells has long been an advocate of applying the scientific method in engineering analysis, wherein matters of opinion should be supported by testable fact and hypothesis.  Philip’s characteristic drive, his scientific curiosity and wonder, thoroughness of research and quest for detailed understanding has set the culture under which Pells Consulting continues.

Pells Consulting went into abeyance from 2017 to 2021, when Philip attempted once more to retire, and Steven went to work in further commercial engineering consultancy.

In 2022, Dr Steven Pells reignited Pells Consulting, this time leading the charge, with Philip providing intermittent mentoring and advice, around the whims of his availability now that new interests developed during retirement seem to be setting in.