Why mechanical engineering?
My two go-to hobbies I played with as a kid were Lego (both off the plans and freestyle) and Technics. I also really enjoyed technical drawing in Year 11 and engineering science in Year 12.
I’ve also spent many hours underneath the family car with my Dad as a teenager when he serviced it, seeing how parts come apart and go back together.
All of those things fuelled my interest in things mechanical.
What’s the trickiest problem you’ve solved?
At Crows Nest Metro Station, we were able to integrate the external facade of the station with the existing historical buildings to align with the aesthetic aspirations of the architect, Woods Bagot.
This involved having the large, horizontal-bladed mechanical air louvres screened by pre-fabricated brick columns – known affectionately as ‘brick pillars’. The combined arrangement, including finding the sweet spot for the separation distance between the louvres and brick pillars, was assessed in detail using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling.
The CFD modelling predicted:
- the resistance to airflow, borne by the station mechanical and tunnel ventilation fans, wouldn’t exceed that of a two-stage stormproof louvre (originally designed)
- there would be no impact on the original fan and fan motor sizing.
The facade looks absolutely amazing and has fantastic connection to the surrounding buildings and community.
My learning? You can teach an old dog new tricks!
What do you do outside of work that helps fuel your creativity and commitment to engineering?
I’m always amazed when I go surfing, standing on headlands and on cruise ships looking at the waves, marvelling at their incredible force and amazing variety of shapes.
I can’t help myself but look up when I go to any building anywhere, especially when I’m inside, and see how it’s serviced!
Which engineer has taught you the most?
Alan Irwin was a terrific mentor and experienced engineer in the latter part of his career at NDY. He was a great sounding board for me for many years as I developed and gained responsibility.
He helped me navigate professional relationships, maintain a good work-life balance, including getting in touch with nature. He also gave me many technical tips on my designs, and went bushwalking and camping with me and my kids, and a number of mechanical team, at times.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned at NDY?
After being with NDY for over 25 years, the biggest thing that I’ve learned is that people really are the greatest asset of a company. A close second is maintaining trust and integrity in everything you do and treating people at all levels with the greatest of respect.
What professional relationships do you value the most?
I really value those relationships where strong trust has been developed, communication is regular, open and honest, you and your company’s skills and experience are appreciated and sought after and the other party values your opinion highly.
There’s nothing more satisfying than to earn repeat business from a valued client or partner.
What does Making Spaces Work mean to you?
To me, it’s about creating a space that exceeds the expectations of the end users, looks amazing, functions reliably how it should, uses the minimum amount of energy to support and is a place where the user is proud to dwell.
I’m particularly excited to be involved in projects which provide a real benefit to the public, like transport and infrastructure projects. These are projects that improve the way that people, live, work and play, every day.
Tell us something that not many people know about you.
I love surfing, travelling, photography and riding my Vespa scooter around the Northern Beaches and cafes with my wife.
I worked in Hong Kong for almost a year on the designs for an underground railway station project.
I’ve been married to my childhood sweetheart, Leah, for over 31 years, and she has been my inspiration and support since high school.
One of the most satisfying aspects of my job is mentoring young engineers, to equip them to grow and develop, to solve their own problems, navigate relationships and thrive both within and outside of their jobs.
