Facade Engineer
Name: Vera Tchikina
Career stage: 5-10 years' experience
Working: On site, Office, Remote working
High School Subjects: Maths 4U and 3U, Physics, English 2U, Ancient History
Favourite: Ancient History, because it was a different world and didn't feel like studying because it was interesting!
Further study: University
where and what: UNSW Civil Engineering (with Architecture) - this is a bachelor of engineering but with some arch subjects
"I love the outdoors ironically, and always thought if I could help in am architectural field I could help buildings be more connected."
the inside scoop…
What does a Facade Engineer actually do? A facade engineer is a structural engineer but for the more fun and beautiful things - aka the facade! Windows, glass, cladding, bricks... I not only do calculations. I look at waterproofing and also do a lot of sketches too. I work closely with the architect and builder from start to finish to check things are positioned correctly but still keep with the architects vision. Nobody likes an easy box! When it's being built, I go on site and check it's all correct, which is extremely satisfying seeing something go from paper to reality.
What does a day in your life at work look like? Yesterday I went to a site meeting with an architect and client representative to help pick the right colour of glass. After, back to the office to discuss a tricky detail with my boss where the screws had too much force in them and decided how to fix the detail so that the screws had less load. Reviewed some detail drawings for a project that will be built in a few months. Then organised to be on site on Monday where I will be going on a cherry picker to inspect the first few cladding panels being installed on another project.
What's the best part of your job? The things I'm designing are tangible because when the building is done, the facade is what everyone sees. I can point to buildings and say "I designed that! I know how it was built!"
What made you realise construction could be for you? I love the outdoors ironically, and always thought if I could help in am architectural field I could help buildings be more connected. I also liked math and knew I wasn't artistic enough for pure design
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Your career is very fluid! You aren't locked it by what degree you did or didn't know, by what job you went for, by what experience you have. Attitude is everything, opportunities are everywhere and it's very possible to move around. Get out there and ask questions and make connections because that will make you more informed and telling people your interests will help them think of you when opportunities come up.
Tell us about balancing work with your other interests, or family. First time starting full time work you think "great! I finish my work day and I don't need to study! I can do fun things all weekend!" But then you're exhausted come Monday. I've learnt that taking time for "life admin" and R&R is important. I sometimes do things after work and I have a consistent morning routine (gym included) and my weekends are 1 day fun 1 day in.
Who has inspired you in your career? During uni I was involved in a lot of extra curricular things, and those that were engineering related let me meet some people in years above me who I could see myself following. Seeing their careers grow just ahead of mine showed me what's possible. Now while working, I try to attend conferences and see what amazing achievements are out there to inspire me even more beyond.
Vera is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Vera Tchikina" and we'll pass your message on.