John G. Cooke, P.Eng., RSW, FCSC, CAHP

Principal
jcooke@jgcooke.com

John Cooke graduated with honours from University College Galway, Ireland in Civil Engineering in 1977. He worked with Jennings and O'Donovan Consulting Engineers in Ireland from 1977 to 1981. In 1981, he joined Simpson Lester Goodrich Engineering Partnership in Calgary, Alberta, and worked there over a period of five years.

He joined Anrep Associates Limited in 1986 as a Senior Project Engineer, became an Associate in 1988, and in November 1989 he became Ottawa Branch manager, setting up the Ottawa Branch Office.

In September 1992, he became Partner and President of the newly incorporated company John G. Cooke & Associates Ltd. This company was set up to provide services in the field of structural engineering. John is the senior engineer in the firm. His responsibilities include technical review, specification writing and client liason. His particular field of expertise is in heritage and masonry conservation, including project management as Prime Consultant.

His technical knowledge and experience can be demonstrated by the number and size of the projects recently completed and currently under construction, on which he is the project manager.

John's organizational and managerial competency to perform the tasks can be demonstrated by his ability to keep past projects within budget, have them completed on time, and to the satisfaction of the client.

Mr. Cooke is currently working with CSA-A179 sub-committee to expand Appendix A to better address the issue of Historic Mortars.

He is Past President of Construction Specifications Canada, and has been conferred with a Fellowship in 2008. He is advisor to the Technical Sub Committee which is presently working with the Canadian Masonry Council of Canada to produce technical support documents to assist specification writers who are producing masonry specifications. These documents include a "Tek-Aid" on Historic Mortar Repointing.

He also assists with instruction of Construction Specifications Canada (CSC) courses on Principles of Construction Documentation. In 2008, he was the private sector engineer chosen to carry out a review of the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada




PROJECTS:

Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto, Ontario
(2007-present):
This project involves on-going masonry rehabilitation to a heritage building as well as copper flashing replacement. Repairs to the anchors to the structural steel backup have been required. The scope of work included a condition survey, preparation of bid documents and construction administration for each phase of work. Contract Administration must be timely and efficient to accomodate the highly sensitive nature of the project.

Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, Ottawa, Ontario
(1999-present):
This project involves on-going masonry rehabilitation and copper roofing replacement, to a heritage building. Repairs to the anchors to the structural steel backup have been completed as work proceeds. Re-waterproofing of several flat roofs within the courtyard have also been complete. The scope of work included a condition survey, preparation of bid documents and contract administration for each project. The constraints of a continuously occupied hotel provide for a challenging construction schedule and demand excellence in project management.

Gordon Hall Renovation, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario
(2005):
John was the structural and heritage consultant working on the renovation and restoration of this 1911 building. This included site investigation and review of all available documentation, assisting in planning with the design team, preparation of structural and restoration drawings and specifications and assisted with the tendering process and the structural aspects of the construction contract administration and site review. In 2005, the project received a Frontenac Heritage Foundation Award.

Tolley Building Renovation, Syracuse University, New York
(2005):
Intensive structural rehabilitation and restoration to the facade of this building construction in 1889 was carried out over a period of two years. The interior was completely renovated while retaining most of the original wood elements. The exterior stonework, a portion of the brickwork and roofing was restored as budgeting allowed.

EDUCATION:
Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering
University College, Galway, Ireland, 1977

ACHIEVEMENTS/AWARDS:
Recognized by the bestowal of multiple heritage awards from the City of Ottawa,
including Certificate of Merit for Plant Bath Restoration

ASSOCIATIONS:
Association of Professional Engineers of Ontario, Designated Consulting Engineer
Association of Professional Engineers of Alberta
Institute of Engineers of Ireland, Chartered Engineer
American Concrete Institute
Construction Specifications Canada – Past President and Fellow
Construction Specifications Institute
Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals
NRC Heritage Mortars Working Group
CSA Technical Committee for CSA A179 Mortars and Grout/Historic Mortars CSA A371 Masonry Construction for Buildings
International Construction Information Systems


PUBLICATIONS:
Masonry Wall Conservation, Sainte-Anne D’Ottawa Church: ICOMOS Canada, June 1993
Coordination Guide for Division 15 and 16, 1997
Preserving Old Landmark Buildings: Conservation of Stonemasonry structures: Construction Canada, July 2002. Presented with F. Ross Browne Award for editorial excellence.
Conservation of the Building Envelope: Construction Canada, November 2008











Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto


Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel, Ottawa


Gordon Hall, Kingston


Tolley Building, Syracuse