Our Team

Kevin Daly

P. Eng. President, Senior Structural Engineer

Kevin was born and raised in Ottawa prior to beginning studies in Civil Engineering at Queens University in 2007. Originally focused on the field of municipal engineering, Kevin began his career working as a summer student with the City of Ottawa. Following graduation in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Kevin continued gaining experience working as an Engineering Intern on infrastructure rehabilitation projects with local consulting firms.

Kevin transitioned to a career in structural engineering in 2015 that provided new challenges and the opportunity for further growth as a Professional Engineer. With projects ranging from the repair of century old buildings to the design of newly constructed dream homes, Kevin enjoyed the new challenges that were continuously presented requiring strategic thinking and a solutions-based design approach. In 2021 Kevin relocated back home to Ottawa and founded Daly Engineering Inc. (DEI). DEI specializes in structural design for new construction and structural repair/retrofit of buildings and miscellaneous structures, as well as determinations of cause of loss in a variety of residential and commercial failures.

As an ambitious, detail orientated engineer, Kevin appreciates straightforward yet relaxed professional interactions, and aims for that dynamic with all colleagues and clients. Kevin is a driven individual who looks to get the most out of everything, whether it be at work or in his personal life with relationships and hobbies, such as fitness and triathlon training, or attempting to master homemade pizza making or smoking brisket.

Ariane Hook

Junior Structural Engineer

Ariane is French-Canadian and grew up in Ottawa before starting a bachelor's of Civil Engineering at Queen's University in 2020. During her studies she completed an internship in quality assurance working on the Phase 2 Ottawa LRT project where she learned much about large-scale public engineering works. After her graduation in 2024, Ariane began working as a structural engineering intern at DEI before taking a gap year to pursue her passion for travel, visiting 26 countries across Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia. Along with a treasure-trove of memories, she came back with certifications in scuba-diving and Guinness pouring. 

On her return, Ariane rejoined the team at DEI and is excited to continue learning and pursuing her career in structural engineering while making time for other hobbies such as fitness, snowboarding and hiking.

Jelena Plecas

Architectural Technologist

Jelena is an internationally trained architect with a Master’s degree in Architecture and more than a decade of experience in design and operations. She has contributed to custom home projects in Ottawa and abroad, bringing together creativity, technical precision, and a passion for layouts that make daily life flow with ease.

Proactive and full of energy, Jelena is known for finding smart, practical solutions that balance function with elegance. Originally from Europe and having traveled widely, she brings a global perspective to her work - yet she feels most at home outdoors, whether it’s hiking a trail or enjoying a sunny day in the park

Lorna Daly

Office Manager

Lorna is semi retired and enjoys helping start ups get a head start automating their processes. After 40 years in software implementation, she has a unique insight into how to match applications and real life solutions together.

When not working she loves to travel, learn new skills and above all spoil her grandchild.