Structural Engineer & Business Development Lead
Name: Isabel Duffy
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Maths Extension 2, English Extension 1, French, Philosophy and Chemistry
Favourite: Maths Extension 2 - I loved the lateral thinking aspects to it
Further study: University
where and what: UNSW Bachelor of Civil Engineering with an Understanding in Architecture
"I didn't realise you could have a career in problem solving! I have always loved architecture, but after doing a stint of work experience in a studio, I wasn't sure it was for me."
the inside scoop…
What does a Principal Structural Engineer and Sydney Business Development Lead actually do?
I spend about half my time figuring out what the 'bones' of the building I'm working on need to look like. How big do the columns need to be, to support the loads? How strong does the concrete need to be? This involves a lot of calculations and computational modeling, as well as collaboration with the architect and builder to make sure it's going to look and feel aligned with the architect's vision, and be buildable.
The other half of my time is spent in a leadership role working on bringing new jobs into our business. This involves talking to a lot of clients (e.g. building owners or developers) to understand what they're trying to bring to life, and figuring out how our company could help. I have really enjoyed being part of building our business, as well as the technical engineering. I also get to work on diversity and inclusion initiatives like our parental leave policy, discussions about risk, insurance and contracts and developing and mentoring others as part of my role as a shareholder of the business.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I am usually working on about 5 or 6 different projects, all in different stages. A typical day could involve doing a few sketches for an architect and then meeting them to discuss - for example, options for a new spiral staircase for a museum. I would often spend some time with a junior engineer working through a technical challenge or reviewing their work. I might spend some time on the phone with a builder talking through a tricky detail they're building on site - sometimes we FaceTime, or I will head out to have a look (only about once/month at the moment). I also manage a team, so will often spend some time on business-building - e.g. doing an interview for a new engineer, or reviewing a contract for a new project. Every day is different!
What's the best part of your job? I love my job, especially seeing buildings I have designed coming to life on site. It is very rewarding to work through tricky problems with an architect and builder and see it resolved in real life.
What made you realise construction could be for you? My 'ah ha' moment was basically as soon as I understood what engineering actually was, by accident when I was about 16. I didn't realise you could have a career in problem solving! I have always loved architecture, but after doing a stint of work experience in a studio, I wasn't sure it was for me. When I overheard a school friend talking about engineering and looked it up, everything started to make sense.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? It's not that scary! You don't have to go to site all the time - but you'll actually find those days the most rewarding. You will meet some of your best friends - especially other girls working in the industry - and feel like you belong.
What do your friends and family think about working in construction? None of my family works in construction, so they were a bit confused when I chose this path. I asked my mum yesterday what she thought about it and she said it just 'made sense' for me - I always loved solving puzzles/problems, design and building things - even just IKEA furniture or origami.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Pick something you're passionate about, and the rest will figure itself out. If you're not sure, do some research, work experience - head to university/TAFE open days. Ask ALL the questions. If you do what you love, you'll never work a day in your life.
Isabel is open to engaging further via: Taking a student for work experience, speaking at a school.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Isabel Duffy" and we'll pass your message on.