Can you tell us about yourself and your role at COVA? “I relocated from New Zealand in 2000 and became an Australian citizen. At COVA, I provide strategic design leadership, oversee project delivery, and collaborate closely with clients and our internal teams to ensure we achieve practical, high-quality outcomes that make commercial sense”
His approach centres on balancing design excellence with real-world application, ensuring that projects are not technically sound but also efficient, buildable and aligned with client-objectives.
Share a project that stands out as particularly memorable and rewarding. “One particularly memorable project involved stepping in to resolve the critical failure of mechanical systems on an operational site. We were engaged to deliver a complete end-to-end model and develop tailored, site-specific engineering solutions while challenging the client’s traditional operational and procurement approach.”
Through smart engineering, fast-tracked delivery, direct supplier engagement and close collaboration, the team delivered the project significantly under budget and six months ahead of schedule.
“The outcome was driven by strong teamwork at COVA, our supply partners and exceptional client engagement and communication.”
For him, the success demonstrated the power of trusted partnerships and commercially astute engineering thinking.
What do clients value most about working with COVA’s design team? “Our ability to add value outside the original brief by offering considered, innovative and practical thinking that supports smarter design and effective problem-solving. We focus on working in the background, enabling our clients to achieve outstanding outcomes and be the hero.”
He also highlights COVA’s integrated delivery model as a key differentiator.
“Clients benefit from a single point of contact across all disciplines, while still having direct access to specialist engineers when required. This provides clarity, confidence, and efficiency.”
In recognition of his contribution to the business and the way he consistently supports those around him, he was awarded the 2025 Jason Bodnar’s Award - an internal honour presented to the individual who has gone above and beyond for the team. This award is to recognise individuals who embody the same passion, dedication and excellence that Jason brought to every aspect of his life. As part of the recognition, he was rewarded with a trip to Cambodia, a meaningful experience that reflects the value and shared culture of the business.
What’s been your proudest moment at COVA? “My proudest moments always have and always will be, working alongside COVA family, an exceptional group of highly skilled, commercially astute and collaborative engineers.”
Consistently exceeding client expectations in cost, program or design outcomes and earning repeat client engagement remains in view, the strongest endorsement of the value COVA provides.
If you could describe COVA in three words? Engineering Better Lives. What does “Engineering Better Lives” mean in practical terms? “It means using each project to create positive, lasting outcomes for people and places. In doing so, every project strengthens our team, building technical capability, leadership and confidence through meaningful challenges”
“In delivery, it translates to thoughtful, safe, reliable and sustainable engineering solutions that add long-term value for clients and communities, ensuring we leave each place better than we found it.”
Outside of work, Gerard is an avid golfer who values the camaraderie and shared experience the game provides. For him, as in his professional life, it is less about the score and more about the relationships built and maintained along the way.
Through a strong leadership, technical integrity, and a genuine commitment to people, he continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of COVA’s Building & Property team - living the ethos of Engineering Better Lives every day.
