Can you share an overview of your role at COVA and the kinds of projects you manage?
As a Senior Design Manager at COVA, I act as the bridge between clients and the design team, ensuring projects meet expectations and industry standards. My role adapts to each project’s needs, focusing on strategic planning, risk management, and quality assurance. I lead teams, collaborate with consultants, and oversee project delivery - making sure solutions are tailored, on time, and high quality while keeping risks and costs in check.
What excites you most about leading projects in Building & Properties Australia?
Working with a diverse range of clients allows us to deliver a wide array of unique and complex projects. No two projects are ever the same, and while there may be some similarities, each one presents new challenges that keep the work exciting and dynamic. Beyond the projects themselves, it’s the people that make the real difference. Our team supports one another every step of the way, which makes even the most challenging projects that much easier.
What standout projects has your team delivered this year that exemplifies COVA’s values and how did you navigate their challenges with innovative solutions?
One standout project is the University of Tasmania’s IMAS Experimental Aquaculture Facility, including the Antarctic Division Krill Research Labs. This project started in 2021, and it took three years of detailed documentation before reaching the tender stage. This project presented significant challenges, particularly in designing complex water filtration, heating, and cooling systems. For the Antarctic Division, we also developed a specialised sea ice room that replicates the Antarctic conditions, enabling the formation of sea ice for critical research.
Can you share a proud moment or milestone achieved this year?
Successfully delivering the design documentation for the IMAS Experimental Aquaculture Facility was a major achievement. Managing such a large and complex project required constant oversight to ensure every detail met client’s needs and expectations. While it was a challenging process, the team’s dedication and expertise were instrumental in bringing it to completion.
What opportunities are excited about?
I’m excited about our growth in Asia and how we can leverage each other’s resources and knowledge, as well as the opportunity to deliver different types of projects in that region. I think the teams ability to work together across borders is priceless in that it allows both of us to better support our clients both in Australia and further abroad.
Is there anything you’d like to share about last year?
It’s mainly the ongoing support from my team and everyone around me; I can’t achieve much without the people by my side.
