Diane Chen

Passive Fire Team Leader | Senior Fire Protection and Passive Fire Engineer
BEng(Arch.), MEngNZ, NZQA-L4 Passive Fire Protection (Building Consent Inspections)
Mobile: 021 1553913
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Diane began her career in the fire engineering industry as a freelancer, working with various fire protection contractors. This experience provided her with a diverse understanding and hands-on expertise in fire safety and protection measures. Seeking a more collaborative environment, she joined Origin Fire, where she found the team spirit and direct human interaction she was looking for.

At Origin Fire, Diane holds both technical and leadership responsibilities. As the team leader of the passive fire protection team, she oversees passive fire design, coordinates with other consultants, liaises with councils for inspections, and devises solutions for complex fire safety challenges. She also leads the company’s marketing efforts, shaping how Origin Fire communicates its values and expertise to the market.

Diane enjoys the significant impact her work has on safety and protection, finding fulfilment in designing effective fire protection solutions. A memorable project is the Central Rail Link (CRL), where she collaborated with manufacturers to develop innovative fire protection systems that were both compliant and practically built.

Her approach to problem-solving involves collaboration, data-driven analysis, and considering diverse insights from her team. Diane stays updated with industry trends through professional workshops, seminars, conferences, and reading industry journals. She is particularly proud of leading the Tremont Apartments project, which required innovative solutions and close collaboration with manufacturers.

Diane’s professional goals include advancing her expertise in fire protection design, taking on larger projects, and contributing to fire safety research. Outside of work, she enjoys ballroom, Latin, and social dancing, practicing yoga, and engaging in creative and cultural activities like movies, stage shows, and exhibitions.

“Designing effective fire protection solutions offers intellectual challenges and a deep sense of fulfilment. I relish the collaborative environment and the opportunity to address complex problems with innovative solutions.”