Warrick is the Mechanical Section Manager in Vancouver, bringing over 18 years of experience to the table. He has strong technical knowledge and prides himself on his quality of documentation. Whether designing a project from concept to completion, performing quality checks on completed work or managing a multidiscipline design team, Warrick is an asset to any design team.
After spending 8 years working for a Perth consultancy, Warrick moved to a mechanical contractor to broaden his practical knowledge. In 2016, he left Perth to live in Vietnam and work on a range of large international projects. Since 2018, Warrick has worked for NDY in both Australia and Canada and continues to demonstrate strength in technical design, advanced understanding of digital delivery mechanisms and coordination passion.
Here are some reflections from Warrick on his career to date, including one of his favourite projects, Murdoch University’s Boola Katitjin building.
What inspired you to become a mechanical engineer?
At the end of high school I did not have a specific future career in mind, but knew that I wanted to work in a field heavy with technical calculation and problem solving. Engineering was the best fit for that criteria and would make the most of my mathematics and science skill set. Given that I wasn’t quite sure where I wanted to go, mechanical engineering seemed to have the most diverse career pathway of the engineering disciplines, so I chose that hoping that I would be able to hone my interest during my university years. As it turns out, I worked in a couple of different industries before discovering my passion for building services about 3 years after graduating.
What’s your career highlight project?
Murdoch University’s Boola Katitjin building is a highlight, with the NDY design team providing all building services. The client was setting out to build the first large timber laminate building in Western Australia, and one of only a handful in the country. The building was to be a statement piece – a gathering point for learning with flexibility to allow for unknown future technologies and education practices. The importance of this facility meant that all building services needed to be minimalist from a visual perspective, whilst still maintaining space conditions to facilitate effective learning.
Tell us about the mechanical engineering on this project.
All mechanical ductwork was concealed under a plenum service floor, and no maintainable mechanical equipment was installed in occupied spaces. The challenge was to be able to reticulate ducts from nominated plant locations to the education and office spaces, all while working within the limitations of the timber structure and flooring. No ducts could run at high level in occupied spaces, which meant we needed to be creative with return air paths and control of air movement. Given that low levels of acoustic noise are critical to a healthy learning environment the design also needed to comply with noise transfer limits and down duct acoustics, which applied further pressure to tight plantrooms. The installed system provided an efficient and quiet system that fades into the background of the visually stunning Boola Katitjin.
What innovative new approaches are you seeing when it comes to mechanical engineering?
Low cost electronic sensors is what will drive future mechanical system innovation. Previously CO2 and CO measurement were the main available air sensors (at a reasonable price point) that could be installed and used to adjust outside air flow rates to spaces, now there are available sensors that can measure 20+ VOCs and pollutants which can more finely tune system operation and reduce energy usage. Work has been invested into people focused sensors, that can detect number of people, distribution density, activity levels and clothing choices that can then be used to fine tune air conditioning, air movement and set points. Development and availability of this technology will lead to innovation and energy savings in the coming years.
If you’ve worked across regions, countries, and/or Tetra Tech operating units, can you tell us about the key similarities and differences you’ve encountered when it comes to mechanical engineering and your projects?
As a building services engineer I am fortunate that my skill set is transferable to many countries around the world, as the fundamental building methodology remains the same regardless of where you are. In moving to Canada, the most obvious difference is the increased level of detail required for design drawings, and the responsibility that the professional engineer (P.Eng) takes on. I expect that in the coming years Australia will adopt this approach for accountability and regulatory reasons. The British Columbia building codes are more detailed and prescriptive than the equivalent Australian codes, however are not as detailed on requirements for fire safety. Operating in areas that regularly drop below freezing point also requires a whole new design approach.
Where do you see the future of mechanical engineering heading?
Automation and software improvement will drive mechanical building services. As software becomes increasingly able to complete all calculations within a single suite and suggest mechanical system design based on input parameters, the role of the mechanical engineer will be less of calculation and more of client interface and options presentation. Understanding available products and their limits will be the key to providing a system that meets cost and energy requirements whilst maintaining occupant satisfaction.
What legacy do you want to leave, when it comes to your career?
It gives me a lot of satisfaction walking through cities of the world and seeing buildings that I have worked on being happily used by the public, so I’ll be content knowing that I have contributed to the built environment, even if no one else knows it.
