As a drafter, whenever my profession is recognised as more than just a support role, I feel inspired and motivated. What we offer is unique, full of all our idiosyncrasies and poetic license, we provide a critical link in the construction process, clients buy our engineering intelligence, and it is delivered through our documentation. “Flying the flag” as a passionate drafter and highlighting drafting as a rewarding career filled with opportunities is something I’ve always hoped would inspire others.

I see sustainability and carbon reduction, both through continued education and exposure (along with forced minimum requirements) becoming a headline topic, the impacts that our designs have on our communities will be questioned, and I see a real need for us to be at the front of the queue when it comes to capturing our footprint and being able to provide less environmentally damaging solutions.

If you are passionate about something, get involved, this attitude along with continued learning will allow for natural and passionate leadership.  This is a combination I’ve found to be inspirational to others, creating the type of environment others are happy to join in moving forward.

Two come to mind. The first involves a structure that hung off the Sydney Harbour Bridge for New Years celebrations. Our structure was the shape of an Icosidodecahedron (I always have to look up how to spell that!) and held 100 spinning fans that captured the lights and lit up whilst hanging out from the bridge. The shop detailer advised what we had designed could not be fabricated, however I took it upon myself to document our design in 3D and this was used to complete the fabrication process. It’s quite satisfying when you are told something cannot be done but your efforts confirm that it can!

The second was a retracting helix bridge in London. The walkway had to remain still and horizontal, but the client wanted the external structure to spin as the bridge retracted allowing boats to pass through a small canal. The circular structural beam around the outside needed to pass through rollers as the bridge retracted giving a corkscrew look and action to the bridge. To achieve this the member needed to be bent and twisted at the same time to create a helix. This was a small job but adopted an uncommon, unique structural technique, how I documented it allowed for its fabrication and construction. It was a rewarding job.

Fishing and boating are my hobbies and interests. I’ve always found the water relaxing, a place where I do a lot of thinking. I’m certain that while catching big fish, some thoughts about my career have crossed my mind. And I guess this relaxed environment for contemplation has helped me to take a measured approach to my career progression.