About Dean Dehghan-Khalaji - Director & Registered Certifier
Dean Dehghan-Khalaji is a Chartered Professional Engineer and NSW Registered Subdivision and Strata Certifier with almost 20 years of experience across civil engineering, development engineering, and statutory certification. He leads Southwell Certifiers Pty Ltd, providing independent subdivision and strata certification services across New South Wales.
Why I Started Southwell Certifiers
After nearly two decades working inside Local Government and the Private Sector, I had seen the same problems repeat themselves. Developers and consultants stuck in approval loops. First-time property owners with no idea what the certification process involved or why it was taking so long. Mums and dads trying to subdivide a property or register a strata plan, with no one to explain what was actually happening or what they needed to do next.
The information and guidance that professionals take for granted simply isn’t accessible to most people. That gap causes real stress and real financial cost. I started Southwell Certifiers because I wanted to do more than issue certificates. I wanted to build a practice where all everyone, whether they’re experienced developers or first-time applicantsm get clear advice, honest answers, and a Certifier who actually takes the time to explain the process.
Background & Experience
I started my career at Penrith City Council in 2007, working through Traffic engineering, drainage design, and development assessment across two of the largest and most active Councils in NSW, Penrith and Blacktown. With 15 years in Local Government, I assessed hundreds of Development Applications, issued Construction Certificates and Subdivision Works Certificates, Section 138 and Section 68 approvals. Managed complex greenfield subdivision projects, and provided expert evidence in the Land and Environment Court. I have delivered 100’s of kilometres or private and public road and drainage infrastructure.
That Council experience is what sets Southwell Certifiers apart. Having spent years on the assessment side – reviewing engineering plans, applying consent conditions, and making statutory decisions. I have an understanding of what Councils look for, where documentation commonly fails, and how to identify and resolve issues before they become delays.
Since moving into private certification in 2022, I have issued Subdivision Works Certificates for projects ranging from single lot infill subdivisions to 100+ lot greenfield estates across NSW.
Qualifications & Registration
Registered Certifier — NSW Building Commission Subdivision, Strata, Road & Drainage, Stormwater and Hydraulic (Stormwater) Registration No. BDC05320
Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) Engineers Australia — National Engineering Register (NER)
APEC Engineer & IntPE(Aus) International professional engineering recognition
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) Western Sydney University, 2010
Member — IPWEA Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia
How I Work
Every project that comes through Southwell Certifiers is handled directly by me. That means you get consistent, technically sound decisions from someone who knows your project, not a different contact every time you call.
I focus on three things: getting the assessment right the first time, communicating clearly when there are issues, and turning things around as quickly as the documentation allows. If something needs more information, I’ll tell you specifically what and why, not send a generic RFI that wastes time.
For developers and consultants, that means fewer delays and a certifier who understands how development projects actually run. For property owners navigating this process for the first time, it means someone who will take the time to explain what is happening at every stage.
Get in Touch
Whether you’re a developer with an active project, a consultant looking for a reliable Certifier to work with, or a property owner trying to understand your options, get in touch.