Tobias Fast

Tobias Fast became Partner at Fast + Epp at just 33 years old, a milestone that recognizes his exceptional technical leadership, business impact, and role in shaping the future of the structural engineering firm. A highly accomplished structural engineer, Tobias holds a Master of Applied Science in Structural & Earthquake Engineering and a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering from the University of British Columbia. Licensed as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng., P.E.) and Structural Engineer (Struct. Eng.), he began his international career working with top engineering firms in New York and London. He later spent time in Fast + Epp’s Frankfurt office before joining the Vancouver team, building a diverse portfolio that ranges from Manhattan skyscrapers and tensioned structures at the London Zoo to major civic and institutional developments.

As Engineer-of-Record, Tobias leads several of the firm's most significant and complex structural projects across North America. His project portfolio includes Sixth & Blanco in Austin, Texas—a hybrid mass timber mixed-use development spanning an entire city block—and the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre in North Vancouver, which stands as the city’s largest capital project to date. He also led the structural design for the Williams College Museum of Art in Massachusetts, a 76,800-square-foot mass timber structure defined by a highly complex, warped cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof that demanded precise coordination between architects, engineers, fabricators, and contractors. Additionally, he served as Engineer-of-Record for the Smith Athletic Park indoor soccer facility in Langley, BC, featuring expressive glulam arches.

In addition to his project portfolio, Tobias oversees Fast + Epp’s Concept Lab, the firm's dedicated research and development hub focused on driving structural engineering innovation. Under his oversight, the Concept Lab explores novel materials and computational design approaches through physical testing. This work has yielded commercialized solutions for the built environment, such as the TCN timber connection detail to streamline on-site assembly, while validating structural strategies that have directly influenced building code changes and broader industry standards. Tobias has also spearheaded the firm's digital practice by refining BIM workflows, creating internal software tools, and launching applications like the Bay Design Tool to accelerate emerging tech adoption.

Tobias combines technical excellence with a collaborative, people-first approach. Known for his calm decision-making and ability to simplify intricate engineering problems, he creates an environment where multidisciplinary teams align ambitious architecture with practical constructability. He takes an active role in mentoring younger engineers, regularly shares practical lessons at industry conferences on mass timber and computational design, and helps foster a learning culture built on curiosity and trust.