Project Manager – Urban Development, Canberra

What did you study at University? Where did you attend University?
Civil Engineering at Sydney University, and later Engineering Science at the University of New South Wales (Canberra Campus).

How did you decide to become an engineer?
I studied Engineering Science at high school, which although difficult was one of my most enjoyable subjects. That was probably the first time I considered engineering as a career. I was attracted to engineering as I liked the idea of seeing the results of my work take shape in the real world.

My father is also an engineer, so I guess it runs in the family.

How did you come to work for Brown Consulting? How long have you worked for Brown Consulting?
I've been working for Brown Consulting for almost four years. I was introduced through a recruitment agent.

What did you know about Brown Consulting before you started?
I didn't know very much before the job interview. I knew that Brown Consulting had a very competitive Urban Development team in the ACT and I had heard from colleagues that it was friendly place to work. I have since learnt that Brown Consulting ACT also has a great roads division, too.

What is your role at Brown Consulting?
As a Project Manager for the Urban Development group I am responsible for delivering agreed documentation, design input, studies and contract administration services to our clients that support subdivisions and other civil infrastructure.

This can include a number of functions, such as:

• Coordinating project teams of designers, drafters, other engineers and consultants.
• Managing the client relationship.
• Preparing documentation.
• Providing technical input and review.
• Liaison with Authorities, Contractors and other stakeholders.

Describe a typical day?
I try and talk to anyone who is currently working on my projects once a day, generally in the morning, to make sure we are on track and to set priorities.

The middle of the day is generally spent on specific project tasks, which could include design/ design review, site investigation and preparing reports etc. I'll often need to meet a client to discuss a particular project or go to site and meet contractors.

Late in the day I often spend time catching up with senior colleagues to discuss strategies for dealing with project issues and catching up with general project administration tasks.

There's a lot of variety in my work, so many days aren't too typical.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your job?
I like the early phases of a project when you spend time formulating design concepts to meet the overall project requirements. I enjoy providing advice on possible options and then documenting the best outcome.

Other than that, I enjoy the variety of my job. Being able to undertake design, project management and construction administration tasks all in the one day keeps me busy and challenged.

What makes Brown Consulting a great place to work?
Brown Consulting has a great team culture, we work together well as an office. There is a lot of encouragement to grow your skills, take on more responsibility and there's a lot of support to do so from senior management.

Do you participate in any social activities?
I'd played in the inaugural Brown Consulting touch football team, which was a smashing success off the field. I go skiing or snowboarding as often as possible during winter, and occasionally I ride in the Brown Consulting mountain biking teams.

What does Brown Consulting offer you that other companies don't?
Brown Consulting is the lead civil consultant on some of the largest urban development projects in the ACT and NSW, so the opportunity to work on these projects is very exciting. We have an outstanding reputation for high quality service delivery and design, which is great.

Brown Consulting also provides ongoing training, and as a growing company, can provide a lot of development opportunities.

What does the future hold for you?
I'd like to continue in my current role for a few years, though working on larger and more complex projects and I'd like to be involved in winning more new projects from existing and new clients.