Engineering Journey & Professional Expertise

Can you tell us about your professional background and what led you to specialise in engineering?

From an early age, I had a strong interest in mathematics, science, and design. I was always fascinated by buildings and their structural intricacies. In my final year of high school, I consulted a career advisor, mentioning my interest in architecture. His response was that job opportunities in the field were limited and that I had the aptitude to pursue engineering instead. That conversation ultimately steered me towards civil engineering, and I’ve never looked back.

What key projects or experiences would you say have defined your career so far?

During my second year at university, the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011 struck, a catastrophic event that led to significant advancements in New Zealand’s building codes and engineering practices. This reshaped the landscape of structural engineering, and by the time I graduated, the industry was heavily focused on structural assessments, strengthening existing buildings, and large-scale reconstruction efforts. This unique timing gave me an exceptional start, exposing me to a wide range of structural engineering challenges early in my career.

One of the most formative projects of my early years was designing a new chapel for a private school. The architectural complexity of the structure made it a challenging yet rewarding experience, and I was involved from concept development through to project handover. The completed chapel went on to receive architectural awards, which was a testament to the collaborative effort behind it.

My ambition to become bilingual led me to Santiago, Chile, where I faced an entirely new set of challenges—adapting to a different language, engineering codes, and design methodologies. My work in Chile primarily involved the design of low- to mid-rise reinforced concrete structures across various regions of the country.

Upon returning to New Zealand, I played a key role in advancing seismic restraint strategies for non-structural elements, helping Holmes develop an entirely new service line. I also joined a specialist team focused on high-end residential designs for the US market, adding another international dimension to my experience. With my move to the UAE, I am now undertaking engineering design work on my fourth continent, further broadening my global expertise.

The Middle East is known for its ambitious engineering and infrastructure projects—what excites you most about working in this region?

The sheer scale and ambition of projects in the Middle East are unparalleled. Nowhere else in the world are visionary concepts brought to life as rapidly as they are here. The region’s ability to push the boundaries of engineering and architecture is incredibly exciting, and I am eager to contribute to the delivery of landmark projects that redefine global standards.

Joining 9E Global & Industry Impact

What motivated you to join 9E Global, and how do you see your role contributing to the company’s growth in the region?

What drew me to 9E Global was its dynamic growth and the opportunity to be part of a company making a significant global impact despite being relatively young. With my background in structural engineering and experience across multiple continents, I bring a diverse perspective and a wealth of knowledge in navigating different regulatory frameworks, construction methodologies, and cross-functional team dynamics.

I see my role as pivotal in driving engineering excellence within the company. By mentoring teams, enhancing project delivery standards, and leveraging my international experience, I aim to strengthen 9E Global’s position in the region. Additionally, ensuring that our structural solutions are both technically robust and culturally adaptable will be key to fostering sustainable growth in the Middle East market.

How does 9E Global align with your professional ambitions and expertise?

9E Global perfectly aligns with my career aspirations, as it offers the opportunity to work on high-impact projects while contributing to an agile and rapidly expanding organisation. My long-term goal is to continuously evolve as a structural engineer, taking on increasingly complex and innovative projects.

Having worked across multiple continents, I have developed a deep understanding of varying project requirements, engineering standards, and cultural considerations. This aligns well with 9E Global’s vision of international expansion, allowing me to apply my expertise in global project delivery. Furthermore, the company’s collaborative environment presents an ideal platform for me to refine my leadership skills, mentor junior engineers, and contribute to cutting-edge engineering solutions tailored to diverse markets.

What are some of the most exciting projects or challenges you anticipate working on in your new role?

Even in these early stages, I’ve already had the privilege of working on a project with the globally renowned architectural firm Killa Design—one that presents unique and complex design constraints. If this is just the beginning, I have no doubt that my journey with 9E Global will continue to be filled with remarkable challenges and opportunities to deliver world-class projects.

Engineering Challenges & Regional Trends

The Middle East is rapidly evolving in areas such as sustainable development and digital transformation. What do you see as the most pressing engineering challenges in the region today within your discipline?

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly critical factor worldwide, introducing new complexities to engineering and construction. The challenge lies in balancing rapid development with environmentally responsible solutions that align with the region’s long-term sustainability goals.

With the region’s focus on sustainability and energy efficiency, how do you see engineering playing a pivotal role in meeting these goals?

Every aspect of construction—from material selection to building methods—has an impact on sustainability. In New Zealand, it was becoming standard practice to calculate a project’s carbon footprint and actively design to minimise it. I anticipate that this approach will gain traction in the Middle East as well, as the global industry collectively works towards reducing carbon emissions. Engineering plays a crucial role in ensuring that sustainability is embedded in every stage of a project, from initial design through to construction and operation.

A Personal Perspective on Engineering

Engineering is often about problem-solving and innovation—can you share a project where you tackled a particularly complex challenge?

Following the Christchurch earthquakes, it was discovered that many buildings were demolished not due to structural failure but because non-structural elements such as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems were beyond repair. This led to a major industry shift towards improving the seismic resilience of these components.

When I returned to New Zealand, I became part of a team tasked with developing a comprehensive design strategy for seismic restraints on non-structural elements. While this may not have been the largest project in terms of scale, it was a highly complex challenge—one that required standardising solutions to account for 90–95% of real-world scenarios. It was a meticulous process of refining details and narrowing down variables to create effective, practical, and widely applicable solutions.

What advice would you give to young engineers looking to build a career in the Middle East?

Take that first step, no matter how small. Perfectionism can often hinder progress, so it’s important to focus on continuous learning and improvement rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity. Lastly, never underestimate the power of networking—building strong professional relationships can open doors to invaluable opportunities in this region.