Team
Deeply committed to our work, our community, and exceptional results.
What can we say about the amazing Access team? This knowledgeable, process-oriented, detail-driven squad of structural engineering soothsayers drives our every success. They have made us who we are today – one of the best firms in the business. From design to delivery, they make every client’s project a priority. They deliver the best because they are the best.
Meet the Team:
Professional experts with a here for you attitude.
Bruce Johnston, P.Eng., CP, RSE, Principal
With over a decade in the field, Bruce’s portfolio and reputation speak for themselves. He holds designations as a Professional Engineer, Certified Professional, and Red Seal carpenter. As the Principal and managing partner at Access, he leads multi-discipline design teams, often as the structural lead and coordinating registered professional. He understands that a well-defined design process and effective project management are critical to successfully delivering building developments. Bruce’s tireless pursuit of knowledge contributes to our high standards. He is a collaborative leader who provides a clear vision for the company and everyone who works here. With community as a high importance to Bruce, he has continuously held a position on the Prince George Advisory Committee on Development and Design and completed a two-year term as committee chair.
Fergus Foley, P.Eng., Struct. Eng.
Fergus is one of only a few designated structural engineers outside the lower mainland. With in-depth knowledge of seismic design requirements and over 30 years of experience, he ensures each structural design is scrutinized appropriately and determines if it will work as designed. Armed with a wealth of knowledge, he is conversant on regional conditions, design and building regulations and is well respected by contractors and authorities alike. Fergus has been with Access Engineering since its inception in 1983.
Lyndon Martell, Structural, P. Eng.
Lyndon has a professional presence well beyond his years, and brings dedication, focus, and enthusiasm to Access Engineering. Born in northern BC and raised in Prince George, Lyndon is an avid learner who takes pride in each building project he works on. Lyndon has completed all the educational requirements to obtain a designation from the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction as a Certified Steel Connection Designer. With an eye for all things structural steel, he has broadened the company’s repertoire to include the design of complex industrial structures now completed regularly. Lyndon’s advanced knowledge of conventional steel building and connection design and time spent on mine sites and other processing facilities has given Lyndon a solid foundation to lead heavy industrial projects. His sharp mind and collaborative approach have earned him the respect of his colleagues. An avid golfer, he often spends his spare time on the links.
Tanner Braaten, Structural, P. Eng.
Tanner moved to Prince George from the Fraser Valley with years of commercial and residential structural design experience. Starting his career in the Fraser Valley provided an ideal environment to obtain extensive seismic design experience. Growing up in a logging family fostered a design passion for BC’s greatest natural resource, wood, later he added reinforced concrete design to his repertoire. As a structural engineer, he executes structural analysis and design, primarily for mid-rise multi-residential and commercial building developments. Tanner is a certified building inspector through the Building Officials Association of BC, with his attention to detail, management style, and congeniality all contribute to his success as a consulting engineer. Outside of the office, Tanner is passionate about lifting heavy things; he is a national level powerlifter and coach.
Braedon Cooreman, Structural E.I.T.
Braedon graduated with distinction from the UNBC Master of Engineering program in Integrated Wood Design in 2019. A proponent of modern wood structures, he welcomes the opportunity to design with and encourages the use of heavy timber and innovative engineered wood products. No doubt, Braedon will be a driving force in helping to guide our industry towards sustainable building design. Outside the office, Braedon can be found camping, hiking, swimming at the nearest lake, out on a golf course or trying out a new recipe.
Kris Talkington, Building Design Technologist
Kris completed the Building Design Technology program at the College of New Caledonia in 2000. Since then, he’s obtained extensive experience in architectural and structural design technology and interior design. His wizardry in BIM and breadth of knowledge in building design are impressive and enable comprehensive building design packages. From log homes to steel superstructures, this guy really can do it all. Kris enjoys hunting, snowmobiling and general outdoorsmanship.
Helmut Schoenfeld, Structural Design Technologist
Helmut graduated in 2018 with a diploma in Architecture and Engineering Technology from Thompson Rivers University. Perhaps the most interesting employee at Access Engineering, he has more than 20 years of field experience in structural steel fabrication. He knows just what field personnel need to build it right the first time; this results in outstanding design drawings. Helmut is an inventor in his free time and enjoys designing and building his ideas.
Ala’a Suheimat, Structural E.I.T
Our queen of concrete, Ala’a has a plethora of knowledge in reinforced concrete design and finite element analysis modelling. A graduate of the University of Jordan in Civil Engineering, Ala’a has over 10 years of experience designing mid to large scale building developments. Ala’a enjoys spending her free time with her family and friends, solving puzzles, watching movies, going for walks, and trying new recipes. She also has a passion for photography and loves to capture a memory.
Allisha Clemetson, Human Resources Manager
Allisha leads and directs everything Human Resources (HR) Management here at Access. She is also a top of her class graduate from the College of New Caledonia bookkeeping program and oversees our finance department and business related decisions. Allisha works closely with operations personnel to improve process and shape our corporate culture. We count on her for a lot, and she ALWAYS delivers – with a smile. She has a love for the outdoors and no matter the season, enjoys being out in nature.
Karisty Oliver, Office Manager
Meet the boss… A top of class graduate from the College of New Caledonia’s Bookkeeping Certificate Program and veteran of the fitness industry, Karisty is perfectly suited to her position as Office Manager. Born and raised in Mackenzie, BC, she thoroughly enjoys the warm climate here in Prince George. An explorer by nature, Karisty enjoys spending her free time outdoors with her son and dog, has a deep love for all animals, and display worthy coffee mugs are her kryptonite.
Kailey Lafond, Structural E.I.T
Kailey started her post-secondary education at SAIT, graduating from the Civil Engineering Technology program in 2016 with a major in Construction Management. Kailey was recruited by an industry leading engineered wood products supplier and worked as a design technologist in the residential construction sector. After developing her skills as a technologist, Kailey decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering and graduated from Lakehead University in 2023 with a B.Eng. She has a passion for wood design and building-information-modelling and an agreeable excitement for challenging projects! Outside of work, Kailey likes to unwind with a round of darts, video games, or finding the nearest lake for a swim.