Our Story
Where it all began
Cook Costello’s story began in 1976, when three engineers, David Cook, Terry Costello, and Frank Muldowney, met through the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand and decided to start a new practice in Whangārei. Originally named Cook Muldowney Costello, the firm was founded at a time of rapid growth in the region, with each director bringing unique expertise to deliver land development, building, and infrastructure projects.
Among our earliest milestone projects was the redevelopment of Portland Cement Works, which included a major chimney refit and the design of large concrete and steel structures. During this project, we pioneered innovative techniques such as using pre-cast supports for the conveyor belt at a time when cast in-situ methods were the standard practice. We were also part of the design group providing civil and structural engineering services for the Marsden Point Oil Refinery.
Beyond New Zealand, the firm contributed to international projects such as 450 kilometres of roading infrastructure in Vietnam. Closer to home, we designed a 1.5-metre-thick pavement to support the transport of an extremely large boiler, alongside numerous commercial and industrial developments across Whangārei and Northland. When Frank Muldowney later moved on to other ventures, the firm became Cook Costello, led by David Cook and Terry Costello, who continued to strengthen its reputation and legacy.
David Cook
Terry Costello
Phil Cook
From Whangārei to nationwide
In 1996, Phil Cook took over leadership and guided the company into its next chapter of growth. From its roots in Whangārei, Cook Costello has expanded into Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, establishing a nationwide presence. Our Christchurch office opened in the wake of the 2010–2011 earthquakes to support recovery efforts, while Auckland and Wellington followed in 2015 and 2016, extending our services where innovative and sustainable solutions were in high demand.
Recent projects demonstrate both the scale and diversity of our work, from delivering over 10,000 residential property assessments and guiding more than 1,000 repairs and rebuilds after the Canterbury Earthquake Sequence to landmark projects such as the Hundertwasser Art Centre, Palms Lifestyle Village, and The Landing at Marsden Point. Through it all, our enduring values of trust, respect, collaboration, initiative, and accountability have been the foundation of our success for nearly 50 years.