Meet our People:
Infrastructure

Everybody knows it’s the people that make a place. However with Arup, you get both. The best people. The best place. Don’t just take it from us. Read what our employees say about life with Arup:

Nigel

Senior CAD Technician
With Arup for 8 months

I worked on a CTRL project in London in a consortium with Arup people. They were very complimentary about the company and how they look after their staff ¬– something that was very lacking with my then employer. This is what made me choose Arup.

On any given day my work mainly focuses on the design of rail/highway projects. This includes creating, amending and producing drawings for all aspects of infrastructure, along with determining the swept path of various vehicles. I also draft up engineers’ details to a deliverable standard – not as easy as it sounds given the legibility of most engineers’ handwriting!

I’d say the thing I like most about my job is the variety of work. Also delivering a product that not only has functionality i.e. has all the information necessary to carry out construction, but looks good as well.

Sydney is a great place to live. If you prefer beach living it’s got that in abundance. It’s also got many fantastic and eclectic inner suburbs, and if you prefer mountains, they’re only a couple of hours drive away. There are great places to eat and drink, catering for every pocket and taste (the pub food is superb, if you know where to go!).

Outside of work I enjoy eating, drinking, and going to the cinema and theatre.

Something people might not know about me: I can sing.

Karen

Civil Engineer
With Arup for 4 months

The variety of different types and sizes of projects available at Arup was what initially attracted me here. I saw the smaller projects as being an opportunity to learn a broad range of technical and management skills, and hopefully in the future look towards a more senior role on major projects for Arup.

The people at Arup are skilled, friendly and approachable. They will always find time to provide assistance and guidance when you need it.

On a day-to-day level my strong history in drainage design is called upon. I’m frequently designing drainage networks, specifically to size and detail on-site stormwater detention systems. As a general civil engineer, you may also find me detailing external civil designs including roads, car parks, landscaping or utility relocations.

The variety of projects available at Arup helps to keep my mind busy and challenges my creativity for developing the optimal design solution. Each project has its own unique characteristic that lends itself to a particular design – there isn’t always one solution to solve every problem.

Some of the more interesting experiences I’ve had include involvement in projects with Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) elements. Specific aspects that I’ve really enjoyed include rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling and reviewing the reliability of water supplies to meet the irrigation needs of the Australian environment.

I’m Australian, but joined Arup after a 2-year stint in London. London was great and the opportunities to pursue my desire to travel were extensive. However, when it comes to lifestyle, nothing beats the long, hot summers, the beach, the fresh food and everything that comes with Australian lifestyle.

Outside of work I’m an avid traveller and enjoy getting away as frequently as possible, enjoying the simple things in life such as camping trips. Oh and you’ll often find me working on house renovations, but I’m not sure I’d class this as enjoyable!

Something people might not know about me: I’m a keen recreational cyclist, both mountain biking and road biking.

Greg

Senior Cad Designer
With Arup for 13 years

I was initially attracted to Arup as they were seen to be trying to strengthen their position in the market, getting involved in more major road design tasks. The appeal of joining a company that was looking beyond its current status was a major factor in my decision to join.

During my 13 years here I’ve been based in the Melbourne office, however I have worked in other offices around Australia, as well as overseas. My wife and 3 children had the opportunity to travel with me to Ireland, where I worked in the Cork office for 15 months. This gave me the opportunity to expand my road design and business knowledge, whilst the whole family gained a truly invaluable life experience.

On any given day you’ll find me at my desk with a MicroStation CAD file and the 3D modelling package InRoads open. The applicable road design standards manuals would be near by and I’ll be going about my task in designing the latest road. Creating a roadway for construction provides me with the greatest satisfaction, knowing motorists will enjoy it in the future.

I’ve found working on some of the major freeway and tollway roads, as well as civil works including sporting fields, extremely interesting. It provides me with diversity and travel opportunities – making it much more than just a job.

Outside of work I’m very heavily involved with my local hockey club. All of my family are participants and on a weekend you’ll find me playing, umpiring and coaching junior and senior teams. During the warmer months I enjoy heading down to the coast, where I’m trying to rediscover my lost surfing skills!

Something people might not know about me: In my hockey club’s 70-year history, I’m the only player to win the junior and senior Club Champions Award in the same year.

Vanessa

Senior Engineer
With Arup for 17 months

On returning home to Australia from working overseas, I was lucky to find plenty of work opportunities for me. Arup offered me the opportunity to explore my interest in environmental sustainability, so I chose them over other consultancies. I’ve learnt that Arup is a flexible company that has adequate resources to support and encourage its employees to follow their interests.

Recently I have been working on one of the office’s large infrastructure projects, which is currently at a preliminary design stage. So a typical day for me involves:

Communicating with the Design Team to discuss and resolve any design issues
Liaising with statutory authorities
Managing sub-consultants
Providing technical support to graduates and CAD technicians
Monitoring project finances
Writing proposals to win new work

Within the first month of working for Arup I went on a site visit into the South Australian outback with the Project Manager and Urban Designers. We spent the days walking around the red sand dunes in sweltering heat, and then chatted over a cold beer in the evening to establish a sound master plan for the particular development. Not your ordinary site visit!

I enjoy being part of multidisciplinary team and working with a variety of professionals. I specifically enjoy the challenges associated with managing a team i.e. facilitating communication between each technical discipline to achieve a good level of design coordination.

I really value life outside of work. Spending some of the time keeping fit by cycling/swimming/running. I like to challenge myself by entering different sporting events throughout the year. My next sporting challenge is representing Arup in a 210km charity bike ride around Port Phillip Bay. I also adore food, and love going to the South Melbourne market and cooking dinner for friends.

Something people might not know about me: I have created a website called findachallenge.com, drawing upon my sporting and travelling challenges and experiences.

Mark

Geotechnics
With Arup for 10 years

I joined Arup in July 1997 – based in our London office. I worked there until September 2004 before moving to Sydney to head up the Geotechnics team here.

My role is extremely varied. I spend time each day undertaking or reviewing project work. I also spend time on various managerial issues such as business development, preparation of proposals, technical development within the group and so on. In Geotechnics we work very closely with our structural and infrastructure colleagues, we also work on our own projects with our own clients.

Presently we’re working on a range of building projects including the new National Portrait Gallery in Canberra, a new exhibition building at the Australian Museum and a $400m shopping centre development involving a 25m deep basement excavation. Infrastructure projects include a 17km realignment of the Pacific Highway and various rail related projects.

One of my most interesting experiences with Arup was travelling to Khorag in the Parmir Mountains, Southern Tajikistan. We were undertaking a geo-hazard assessment for the site of a proposed university campus. The site was located in a controlled area on the border of Afghanistan, a region of diverse culture, religion and very different way of life. A colleague and I were on the ground in Khorag for approximately 2 weeks. Given the topography of the area, the only way to undertake the risk assessment was on foot. This lead to 2 weeks of walking in the Pamir Mountains – absolute magic!

I chose Arup as I saw the opportunity to work in a unique environment. I get to work with the most talented engineers in the world. There is a rarely a problem posed that someone in the Arup world cannot solve!

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and friends. I’m a keen mountain biker, and also swim, run and ski. I enjoy camping and eating good food, washing it down with a nice glass of red wine.

I am a Kiwi by origin, but find Australia a great place to live. After living in London for so long I’m enjoying rediscovering the great outdoors!

Daniel

Senior Engineer (Civil Infrastructure)
With Arup for 2 years

I initially did work experience at Arup and really enjoyed the people, the managers, the working environment and variety of exciting projects. Upon completing university I worked at a number of other organisations, but none of them were as enjoyable as working at Arup. Accordingly, I decided to come back to the company, it’s the best work decision I’ve ever made.

Most days you’ll find me spending time acting as a construction manager on the development of a cinema complex. I meet with clients to discuss projects that I’m managing or coordinating the design of civil infrastructure for.

In my time here I’ve project managed a number of exiting projects including the MCG arena development for the commonwealth games, the Victoria Harbour development in the Docklands and the Burwood Square cinema complex.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work in England and India as part of Arup’s support of WaterAid. The company’s passion for development work and its corresponding partnership with WaterAid is another aspect that helped with my decision to join.

Outside of work I enjoy hiking, scuba diving, rock climbing, surfing, white-water rafting and travelling.

Something people might not know about me: I love working with people and solving problems. I’m a Captain in the Army Reserve and I’m passionate about music and the outdoors.

Mike

Project Manager
With Arup for 11 years

As an Associate in the infrastructure and rail group in Sydney, I mainly work across a range of rail projects in NSW. I was initially drawn to Arup as they’re one of the most respected engineering consultancies around, with a proven track record of working on exciting projects. I also recognised the opportunities Arup offered to work abroad, something that’s very important to me.

Currently I’ve been seconded to work directly for a client in Chatswood. I’m project managing the design of a multi-discipline rail project in Riversby, 40 minutes west of Sydney. On a day-to-day basis I spend my time between site and office, and am always busy chasing people for progress, arranging and attending meetings and so on.

I love being part of a team where there are lots of different disciplines involved. It can be very challenging, but always very rewarding.

Having worked in the UK, I love working and living in Sydney, and I’m making the most of what the city has to offer. I have a fantastic apartment on the beach and the Sydney folk are all friendly and welcoming here. We all work very hard – there is certainly plenty of work here in Infrastructure – but thoroughly enjoy life outside of work as well.
The good weather means I can enjoy speedboating in the harbour, going walking, and eating and drinking too much!

Something people might not know about me: I joined a dragon boat club soon after coming to live in Sydney. I was part of the team that won the 2007 Australian Dragon Boat Championships, which qualified us for the World Club Championships in Toronto. Unfortunately we were unable to compete due to the costs involved, however my gold medal takes pride of place on my mantelpiece.

You’ll be doing what you do over there, over here.
So if you’re interested...

Meet our People: Infrastructure