Why mechanical engineering?
Coming from an age without the internet, I was always interested in how things worked and making things. I had a grandfather with a workshop under the house which allowed me to build things. A preference for maths over english also guided my path.
Where do you see the future of sports design heading?
Sports design has evolved from an open grandstand for a single sport, with limited facilities, to multipurpose spaces capable of accommodating many sports and events, with extensive facilities. Today’s precincts offer retail, food, function spaces, allied health services, gyms and offices which are activated year round.
Sports facilities now need to incorporate sustainable design principles to ensure the site incorporates renewable energy, promotes health and wellbeing, integrates smart building technologies and operates efficiently.
What’s an engineering myth you’d like to debunk?
A myth that’s always caused me frustration is that sustainable design can be achieved with tack-ons.
An example is the inclusion of co- and tri-generation systems which were added to projects to obtain ‘cheap’ Green Star points. These systems relied on burning fossil fuel which is now recognised as detrimental to decarbonisation.
Buildings should use all available passive design solutions, including building orientation, external shading, insulation and more to minimise energy consumption, improve occupant comfort and achieve truly sustainable design.
What professional relationships do you value the most?
My most important relationships are with my NDY colleagues. These relationships are essential for effective collaboration, problem solving and knowledge sharing in project delivery. This is followed by our relationships with clients and external project team members. These are critical to deliver successful project outcomes and Making Spaces Work.
If you could change one thing about the built environment, what would it be?
The one thing that I would change is the idea that everyone is comfortable at 24°C. There are many factors that impact comfort and fixation on a single number doesn’t provide the best outcome. Temperature should be varied throughout the year to take into account ambient conditions and clothing associated with changing seasons.
What does Making Spaces Work mean to you?
Making Spaces Work means working with the architect and design team to deliver the project vision. It’s about finding sustainable building services’ solutions which enhance the architecture and provide exceptional occupant comfort and amenity.
