About Us

Development Engineering Consultants

Development Engineering Consultants Deliver Hands-on Engineering Solutions With a Commitment to Client Satisfaction

Development Engineering Consultants (DEC) is a dynamic civil engineering consultancy based in Perth, Western Australia specialising in land development and infrastructure projects across WA.

Established in 1998 by Steve Allen and David Watson, our firm was founded on the principle of delivering high-quality, hands-on engineering solutions with a strong commitment to client satisfaction.

With a proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget, we have earned the trust of major developers in Perth and the South West. Each year, we oversee the design, documentation, and contract administration of approximately 900 residential lots, with a total project value exceeding $20 million.

Our expertise spans all facets of civil engineering design, including earthworks, roadworks, stormwater drainage, sewerage, water reticulation, telecommunications, and underground power.

We also develop District and Local Water Management Strategies, Urban Water Management Plans, and specialised infrastructure such as wastewater and potable water pumping stations, supply systems, and treatment facilities.

OUR Team

Our People, Our Strength: Driving Innovation and Excellence

At DEC, we take pride in our people – their expertise, dedication, and collaborative approach are our greatest assets. As a team, we are highly proactive, always seeking innovative and efficient ways to enhance our processes and deliver superior results.

Steve Allen

Director & Principal Engineer

With over 30 years of experience in land development and civil engineering, Steve brings a wealth of knowledge gained from both local government and consulting roles.

His recognised expertise in drainage management and design ensures technically sound, practical, and forward-thinking solutions for every project.

David Watson

Founder

David played a pivotal role in establishing DEC and shaping its strong foundation. With more than 50 years of experience in land development engineering, he provided invaluable leadership and expertise in planning, feasibility studies, service authority liaison, and project management.

While David has now retired, his legacy of excellence and dedication continues to inspire our team. He remains a valued friend of the firm and enjoys his time focusing on his passion for viticulture at Woodlands Wines in Margaret River.

Warren Burnby

Senior Civil Designer & Assistant Site Inspector

Warren brings over 20 years of experience in civil design, including 17 years in leadership roles. He plays a key role in mentoring staff, providing IT support, and standardising 12D Model and CAD systems to maintain clarity and consistency across all DEC plans.

Robert Graieg

Principal Civil Engineer

Robert has nearly four decades of experience across local government, consulting, and land development. His expertise in drainage design, contract management, and financial acumen ensures a strong engineering and project management foundation. Having worked as a developer client, Robert understands the importance of balancing timelines and budgets.

Our Resources

DEC is supported by an experienced drafting and administration team with in-house resources to manage our core workload.

Our drafting team consists of skilled professionals, each with over a decade of experience in land development, ensuring high-quality documentation and seamless project execution. During peak periods, we have access to external drafting specialists.

Development Engineering Consultants