The future for providing engineering services
Matthew McCormick – Practice Director (Brisbane)
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours), University of Queensland, MIEAust, NER. CPEng
Matthew’s time with ADG so far has afforded him the opportunity to work and live in several locations across Australia:
2018 – Construction Services engineer (Brisbane)
2019 – Senior Construction Services engineer
2021 – Associate Director (Melbourne)
2023 – Practice Director (Perth)
2024 – Practice Director (Brisbane)
How did you start your career? What was your first job?
Prior to starting engineering, I held several part-time and holiday jobs ‘on the tools’ including demolition, scaffolding and other labour. Whilst studying, I held an undergraduate structural engineering role in Brisbane, while summer holidays took me to rural Queensland coal mines as an undergraduate mining engineer. My first full-time engineering role was in Brisbane as a structural temporary works engineer.
What motivated you to join ADG?
I felt I could contribute to ADG in a positive way and be part of the growth in several ways. Looking back to when I joined ADG in 2018, it’s been great to be part of the journey and amazing to watch the positive changes that have occurred.
What have been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
During my time at ADG, I’ve primarily been involved in major transport infrastructure projects, including: Melbourne Metro Tunnel (VIC), West Gate Tunnel (VIC), Level Crossing Removal Program (VIC), METRONET (WA), Morley to Ellenbrook Line (WA).
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
Throughout my time at ADG, I’ve been fortunate to have worked closely with some of the leaders of Australia’s engineering industry. ADG has always been supportive of new and out of the box ideas. This does not only apply to how we conduct our day-to-day tasks, but also which projects and work types we are targeting. I’ve moved from learning, delivery/technical roles, through to a ‘responsible engineer’, project manager and now practice manager. While the skillsets required have changed and developed, the learning and development continue every step of the way.
There have been many defining moments working with ADG, however one recently was stepping into the acting practice director role. While I was well supported, there is no substitute for the real thing and I learnt a significant amount in a short period of time.
savvas papatsakonas – constRUCTION services engineer
How did you start your career?
Before entering my first professional role in engineering, every summer holidays from the age of 16 to 22 I was a labourer for a family steel fabrication business. My first full-time role after graduating from university was a temporary works design engineer for RMD Australia.
What motivated you to join ADG?
I have a pretty unique story about joining ADG. I was on a 1-year secondment in Sydney and
really enjoyed my time. I wanted to stay in Sydney knowing the secondment
wouldn’t be renewed, so I looked elsewhere. At this time, I was also looking at
expand my knowledge on temporary works and then found ADG who had Construction
Services (CS) roles. When I met with ADG the first time for an interview, covid
had just entered Australia and unfortunately the role would no longer be
available. Fast forward 8 months later the position re-opened, I applied again,
and I’ve been with ADG ever since.
Describe your career journey within ADG.
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time at ADG, working on wide range of projects such as rail and
major infrastructure projects. In July 2024 I’ll be transferring to the
Adelaide Office and moving back home after living 5 years in Sydney. ADG
promotes and supports the mobility of our people which provides great career
development opportunities.
What have been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
A significant accomplishment in my career at ADG was the successful introduction of a
cutting-edge software solution, a collaborative effort with a fellow ADG team
member based in Melbourne and our technical teams. Prior to this, I had
conducted two dilapidation inspections and found the existing system to be
inefficient. Convinced that there was a more effective solution available in
the market, I set out to improve the process. After extensive research and
numerous discussions with internal teams and external vendors, we settled on a
system that enabled us to revolutionise our process and consistently deliver
high-quality results.
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
In my previous two roles before joining ADG I had little site experience due to the nature of
them. I was working in the Head Office and I was working on projects around
Australia and Asia. As most weren’t local projects getting a chance to inspect
my own work was very minimal. When joining ADG I was given lots of
opportunities to get site exposure and seeing my designs erected on site.
What is the learning environment like at ADG?
Very proactive, I requested to complete more technical work and the leadership members were happy to assist and grow my structural engineering knowledge through more
complicated work.
How have you personally grown or developed since joining ADG?
Coming from a formwork and shoring background, my bespoke design skills was lacking.
Overtime, this has steadily increased and I’m gaining more and more confidence
to complete bespoke solutions with minimal assistance.
How do you see yourself growing and contributing to ADG?
I am looking forward to being a part of the ADG Adelaide team and the great projects they
are delivering. My main goal I’m working towards is achieving my chartered
status. The main areas I believe I need to grow further are dealing with
commercial issues and increasing my technical knowledge in steel and concrete.
Share any insights or lessons learned from your career so far, that may inspire others.
Don’t expect to know everything as you grow as a professional engineer. The type of work you consistently get to work on, will be a significant factor in the skills and knowledge you gain.
Fun facts / interests?
My full-time hobby is Latin dancing, I’ve been doing it for 5 years now. I started dancing Cuban Salsa however, now I mainly focus on Bachata and I intend on entering my first competition this year. Before dancing I played competitive tennis for 12 years.
DALTON GLASBY – PRACTICE DIRECTOR (DARWIN)
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil, Hons), Bachelor of Business (Management)
Dalton joined ADG during his final year of study in the Brisbane structures team, progressing as an undergraduate, and was offered a graduate position. He progressed from an undergraduate to graduate to structural and senior structural engineer throughout this time. In 2019, he then took on a Practice Director role in the Northern Territory. Dalton has been in Darwin for almost 5 years and works across all of ADG’s disciplines.
How did you start your career? What was your first job?
I worked in construction for a family business when I was growing up and always imagined I would end up working for a contractor in some capacity. By chance I ended up working in consulting and this has been very rewarding, I am glad I took this path.
What motivated you to join ADG?
Chance – initially. I was seeking a job about a year out from finishing my study and was lucky enough to get some experience in the Brisbane office through Mark Blinco (Structural Director). Following this, I’ve been motivated by the people around me, the leaders within the business, the projects I have been able to work on and the opportunity to develop as a professional, but also personally.
Describe your career journey within ADG.
I started with ADG with some work experience during my final year of study. I worked hard to make an impression and was offered a graduate position, which has led to some really great opportunities with ADG. I worked in the Brisbane structures team for around five years, and progressing as an undergraduate, graduate, structural and senior structural engineer throughout this time. I made it known through the career development discussions and reviews that I wanted to progress into leadership roles, and I was asked if I wanted to move up to the NT to take on a Practice Director role in 2019 and here I am. I’ve been in Darwin for almost five years and am fortunate to work across all of our disciplines.
What have been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
Key projects – there are so many of them. I have been fortunate to work on high-rise projects throughout Australia, and since moving to the NT, I’ve worked on many key government / transport infrastructure, education, health, justice, land subdivision, and remediation projects.
Specific examples are the NT Art Gallery, RDH Mental Health Unit, CDU Trade Training Facility, Palmerston Fire & Emergency Centre, and many others.
Key accomplishments – a fast tracked career into leadership roles has been an accomplishment for me. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some fantastic projects with some really smart and capable people, build my network and personal brand, and work with ADG to facilitate growth in every role.
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
ADG has been very supportive of me throughout my entire career. From providing me with the opportunity as an undergraduate, through to supporting my training and development technically as an engineer and facilitating opportunities for progression into leadership roles over the last 9 years. The leadership team has always listened to my ambitions and provided a pathway to achieving my career goals – although not without reciprocating with hard work and effort. They’ve backed me on projects and in roles that I am not sure would have been possible in other businesses.
Specific example – When I was still a graduate, the leaders recognised my leadership potential and put me forward for a Leadership and Business Acumen course run internally and that has provided me with a lot of key skills and learnings that I have taken with me throughout my career.
What is the learning environment like at ADG?
The learning environment can be intense – but always supportive. There are a lot of really smart people in the organisation who always have time to share wisdom and assist with technical and personal development.
How have you personally grown or developed since joining ADG?
Working at ADG has allowed me to develop a lot more confidence in myself and my abilities. Certainly, when I came to ADG my technical skillset was non-existent and this has developed substantially since I started. I have developed my understanding of what it means to be a professional – working at ADG has facilitated this.
How do you see yourself growing and contributing to ADG?
I see a long road ahead at ADG, with progression into further leadership roles across the country. I hope to be able to inspire excellence in others and to help them work toward a similar trajectory of my own career – understanding that the opportunity is there, it’s up to you to take hold of it and work with the leadership team to realise it. The opportunity exists to succeed – be open with what you want to achieve and when; then work hard to achieve your goals and demonstrate that you mean it.
Fun facts / interests?
Amateur musician, lover of the outdoors and keen traveller.
shannon lejeune – associate project support coordinator
How did you start your career?
Prior to my immigration to Australia (Brisbane), I worked in a Finance based role in South Africa. Shortly after landing in Brisbane, I joined another Engineering company on a contracted role under the premise that I viewed myself as an organised person so felt project coordination could be within my realm. A permanent position was advertised at ADG and I applied.
What motivated you to join ADG?
I enjoyed the warm welcome I received during my interview process, and once offered the job, I believed it would be a great company to join and team to work in.
Describe your career journey with ADG?
I started my journey at ADG as a Project Coordinator looking after our Melbourne and Sydney Teams.
The Project Support team then moved to a discipline focused role where I looked after the Civil Team Nationally. I am now an Associate Project Support Coordinator supporting our Perth, Adelaide and Darwin Teams.
What has been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
Probably the most exciting and involved I have been in, is the MELConnx project. It has also bought many of our ADG offices together and the collaboration effort on many parts has been incredible to witness and be a part of. My adaptability has provided me the opportunity to support and work with various practices and teams over the years ADG which has greatly improved my interpersonal skills in developing relationships and adapting to varying working styles and personalities.
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
ADG have been extremely supportive to me not only in my professional, but also personal life. They have accommodated through the expansion of my family with the addition of 2 little people, as well as a move cross country, enabling a move from the Brisbane to Perth office to settle closer to my extended family. Through all of this, ADG have continued to allow me to grow and develop in my role.
How have you personally grown or developed since joining ADG?
Through the immense growth of our Corporate Services team from when I started at ADG, this has provided a great pool of knowledge and skills that I have been able to draw on, be mentored by others as well as provide some mentorship to others as well – all of which has contributed to my growth.
What is the learning environment like at ADG?
The learning environment is extremely supportive, and there is always someone to turn to for help. Those with more experience have continuously shared their knowledge and there are some fantastic mentors within ADG. There are also great sources of knowledge documented that is easily accessible to the wider teams.
Any advice or insights you’d like to share?
I’d probably say be honest and true to yourself and that will get you through most situations (in work and life).
WILL SINCLAIR – DISCIPLINE PRINCIPAL – STRUCTURAL
Bachelor of Engineering (Hons I), University of Queensland, RPEQ CPEng NER MIEAust APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus)
William joined ADG in January 2019 as a Senior Structural Engineer in the Brisbane office, assisting other Senior Engineers with the operation of the Brisbane Structural teams. He has since grown into roles including Technical Associate, Associate Principal and in July 2023 was promoted to the role of Discipline Principal.
How did you start your career? What was your first job?
My first job was washing dishes at The Coffee Club – yay!
I actually wanted to be an architect but after interviewing an architect when I was in high school, I felt that I was probably a better fit for engineering given my interest in maths, science and graphics. I took a lot from that meeting and have been passionate about engineering ever since.
What have been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
I have had the privilege of spending at least part of the past 4 years working on the regeneration of the Priority Development Area at Herston Quarter, including the restoration of the signature heritage-listed buildings at the heart of the development, some of which are over 125 years old.
Since July 2022, I have been facilitating the Principal Roundtable for Structures and Construction Services Engineers, providing focus and direction to the Principal Engineers for these Disciplines to address questions and concerns from across the country and to produce suitable Technical Literature that outlines the ADG way of best practice design.
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
ADG has supported my work in lecturing and tutoring for the School of Civil Engineering at The University of Queensland by providing me flexible working hours and the trust to complete my responsibilities in my own time. ADG also supports and promotes my development in external engagement with the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry through presentations, seminars, conferences and award ceremonies.
What is the learning environment like at ADG?
ADG has a large pool of clever and driven professionals with great talent, deep knowledge or a mix of both. Traditionally, the learning environment has been centred on immersive on-the-job training from close proximity to experienced engineers in all locations. However, as the company has grown in size and geographic reach, the learning environment has shifted towards supplementing this local training with nationally standardised and validated best-practice learning resources (including written, oral and audiovisual media) provided on demand through programs like The ADG Way and our Technical intranet – AdvantADG. We continue to work on unlocking latent skills and experience within ALL of our staff across all levels, roles and Disciplines.
What motivated you to join ADG?
Having worked in both large multinational (1200 staff) and small start-up (3 staff) companies, I was interested in trying to get the best of both worlds in a medium sized company with national reach – big enough to have interesting projects and clients but small enough to adapt/innovate quickly in response to changes in the market or industry; large enough for there to be space for my career to grow into but small enough to have an open and accessible culture.
BEng (Hons) CPEng RPEQ
ADG was Dominic’s first employer – he started as a Graduate engineer straight out of university. At the time, ADG was a small business, locally owned and operated. The opportunity for growth with ADG was too good to pass up!
How did you start your career? What was your first job?
I started as a Graduate at ADG in 2013. Two and a half years later, I was promoted to Design Engineer, then Senior Engineer in 2018 and Associate when the position was introduced to the business in 2021. ADG helped me through the chartership process, and I achieved Engineers Australia CPEng and RPEQ in 2019.
What have been the key projects or accomplishments that have contributed to your career at ADG?
Through my time at ADG, I have been involved in a number of major projects. I have been involved in the delivery of the entirety of West Village, consisting of 7 towers over retail podium and carparks. I have designed the floor plates for Skytower, one of the tallest buildings in Brisbane. I have seen Mirvac’s developments at the Sky Precinct and Anura BTR from early concept due to project completion.
In what ways has ADG supported your career and development?
ADG has been fundamental to the development of my technical and management skills. I was sponsored and supported through the chartership process. I have attended numerous technical seminars and training sessions to help develop my abilities. ADG has given me the opportunity to grow with the team, exposing me to a wide range of subjects and experiences that I would not have received at other consultants.
What is the learning environment like at ADG?
There is a high-quality technical team at ADG that is always open to sharing knowledge throughout the business. The ADG Way program provides a great pathway for new grads to learn what is required of younger engineers. With ADG I have grown from a completely inexperienced Graduate to my current position within the business.
Key moments for me include achieving chartership and being included in the internal technical principal’s group developing technical guidance and advice for the entire structural team.
What excited you about your future at ADG?
The future sees me contributing further to the technical development of the business, including development of training resources for the structures team. I look forward to future delivery of even more successful projects across ADG.
Share any insights or lessons learned from your career so far, that may inspire others.
Engineering is a rewarding career and there is a place for everyone – whether you have a preference for the technical side of things or like to work directly with clients and builders.
