“Working alongside one of Beca’s founders installed in me a passion for earthquake related problems, and a drive to push the boundaries.”
A Beca stalwart, Rob has been with the engineering consultancy since 1978 and has worked on a wealth of projects, resulting in several industry accolades and publications . With a focus on structural engineering, he developed a particular passion for seismic related issues and regularly provides technical advice to clients and colleagues on structural projects.
In his early years Rob worked with John Hollings, one of Beca’s early visionaries, who he cites as a key influencer in his career development. A defining moment was being afforded the opportunity, through Hollings, to join the Mexico Earthquake Reconnaissance team following the 1985 earthquake. “The trip really exposed me to the awesome power that earthquakes impose not only on buildings but local communities, and the responsibility that comes with being a structural engineer,” he says.
Throughout his career Rob has continued to work on ground breaking projects, none more so than Auckland’s landmark Sky Tower. “The Sky Tower was a once-in-a-lifetime project and from that, we were fortunate enough to be commissioned for the Macau Tower.”
Rob enjoys working at Beca because the company’s core values align with his own, making it easy to share a stake in the success of the company. “It is a stimulating place to work because I am surrounded by extremely capable people from a variety of disciplines.” Rob attributes much of the company’s success to their attitude towards developing well-rounded engineers who are specialists in their fields. “Beca gives employees the flexibility to develop a career around your particular interest. If you take all the opportunities that come your way, you’re in for a prosperous career in a company with great long-term prospects.”