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"The young ones"
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"The young ones"
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A dream project for me would be to work for one of the most prominent buildings or a space that is designed for net-zero energy – smart, sustainable, with zero carbon emissions – while working in a team across several disciplines internationally and learning with experts.
The most challenging part of my job is to work on multiple projects at any given time while also managing time to meet strict deadlines and giving due attention to every detail. I am still developing that skillset, and I firmly believe it comes with experience. AIRAH is undoubtedly the most insightful knowledge hub for any mechanical services engineer to engage with. I see a great potential opportunity for AIRAH to provide more learning resources and opportunities to HVAC&R professionals. |
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The attraction to HVAC comes from no two systems being the same, along with providing comfort to customers where possible.
My dream project would be to fit out and maintain hotel apartments and commercial buildings with the latest and efficient HVAC systems. The most challenging part of my job is keeping up with new technology and control systems being implemented into new HVAC systems. It’s great to see advancements in the industry leading towards zero emissions targets and zero GWP. AIRAH has been great, from the courses on offer to all members, to keeping up to date with everything happening in the industry, through to Ecolibrium. |
Kiara Beinart, Affil.AIRAH
I was attracted to HVAC&R while studying applied thermodynamics at UWA. I liked how the focus is on the comfort and safety of people as well as the tremendous opportunity to positively impact the environment by reducing building energy consumption through clever designs. The HVAC industry is a great space to develop both my technical and soft skills. My dream project would be to work on the design of a hospital. It would be a great experience to contribute to such a high-impact project, and to ensure the safety of vulnerable patients, staff and visitors. The most challenging aspect of my job has been starting my professional career during a global pandemic. Many new starters are missing out on learning through face-to-face conversations with colleagues and learning through osmosis. |
Chris Ikin, Affil.AIRAH
I finished my studies with an interest in fluid mechanics and control systems, which led me to the HVAC&R industry. I would love to work on a project with unusual design aspects. Maybe alternative methods of central plant heat rejection or even utilising a district cooling network. Anything out of the ordinary, really. The most challenging aspect is balancing workloads with multiple projects at different stages. The technical aspects get easier with experience and learning from mistakes. AIRAH has aided in providing the resources to first get me started and then ensure my knowledge is up to date with the industry and best practices. Starting out, I found the design guides key to building my technical knowledge while the events and webinars have broadened my view of the industry and all the players. |
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Growing up with a father who played a big role in the HVAC&R industry was a big influence. Curiosity about how the systems he worked on functioned added to the attraction of the industry.
As an avid sports fan, my dream project would be a large football stadium, prestigious golfing venue, or alternatively, a large resort/hotel/casino precinct. Keeping up with the evolution of building design throughout the life of a project is challenging. However, proper time management helps minimise the challenges faced. I think of AIRAH as a place for the industry to come together as one, and learn from the experiences of one another. |
Nita Wagh, Affil.AIRAH
Today, many manufacturing processes require that spaces be designed to control particulate and microbial contamination while maintaining reasonable installation and operating costs. I would like to design clean rooms that are specially constructed, environmentally controlled enclosed spaces with respect to airborne particulates, temperature, humidity, air pressure, airflow patterns, air motion, vibration, noise, viable (living) organisms, and lighting. Meeting deadlines for various projects is a challenge. The HVAC field doesn’t only involve design, sales, estimation and installation of HVAC systems, you will also be required to confer with homeowners, answer questions, and, in some cases, deliver unpleasant news. AIRAH is an excellent conduit for information sharing. Ecolibrium is a fantastic read, and having access to the articles on the AIRAH website is very convenient. |
Jefferson Lee, Affil.AIRAH
My thesis project during university was “Energy Efficiency in Building Air Conditioning”, and I really enjoyed working on the simulations. Hence, I was hoping to apply my learning into real life. My dream project is to create smart cities with the utilisation of data science with HVAC on large architectural projects, along with green concepts. It can be difficult to have a precise simulation of chillers due to occasional extreme site environments such as in places like mining sites. AIRAH has an important role in keeping us updated on recent progress in the HVAC industry such as new building codes, technologies, and regulations. |
Adam Brown, Affil.AIRAH
I’ve always been interested in the thermodynamics side of engineering, so HVAC&R seemed the logical career choice. I’ve been fortunate to work on some great projects so early on in my career; however, my dream project would be either a PC laboratory or manufacturing facility. The balance of improving my technical skills while maintaining workload across multiple projects is challenging. AIRAH plays a very important role not only representing and promoting HVAC&R, it also facilitates continued learning and upskilling of the industry. |
Bella Davis-Chugg, Stud.AIRAH
I have watched my dad work in HVAC&R my entire life. Some of my best memories are him teaching me about the different parts of his job, visiting his office during the school holidays and watching the crane lifts from a distance at 5am. I love the challenge and problem- solving required on a daily basis, and the fact that there are endless opportunities to grow and learn within the field. The most challenging part of my job is the work/life balance aspect. I am juggling being a mum, working full-time and attending TAFE. When things get busy or my daughter is sick, I cannot press pause. I have to find a way to power through it and keep on the move or risk falling behind in my studies, or in my projects. |
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Having graduated mechanical engineering shortly after the GFC and the end of the mining boom, I was keen to join an industry that was robust enough to maintain jobs through economic down times, and had the opportunities and longevity that you would expect for a lifelong career.
With the future challenge faced by climate change and increasing urbanisation of Australian cities, there will to be many opportunities and challenges ahead in the industry. Working in the BIM environment on ever-reducing design timelines and developing HVAC design at the same time the architect is developing the building and the drafters are populating the model is a reality of the job. This provides the challenge of trying to provide a design solution before the problem is fully constrained, with little room for errors. |
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My workplace, Applied Air Services, frequently works with various processing plants. I find the work in processing plants to be highly engaging due to the complex and dynamic nature of the clients’ HVAC&R requirements.
It can be challenging to ensure we coordinate and integrate our services in a way that is compatible with other contractors, to ensure the project comes together on time and satisfies the client’s expectations. Having a strong industry body ensures that our often-hidden industry is recognised in the broader industry. I am currently completing the AIRAH Professional Diploma of Building Services – HVAC&R, and have found that it has helped develop my technical skills as well as expose me to a variety of industry contacts. |
Malik Awais, Affil.AIRAH
My interest in building automation and my volunteer leadership work in politics inspired me to make an impact on a global scale. I had been hearing about smart buildings and smart cities since 2011, and was curious to learn more. So, I started my Master’s degree at UNSW and took a course in refrigeration and air conditioning with associate professor Chris Menictas, M.AIRAH. This was the first time I heard a professor speaking about the real-world application and impact of HVAC&R on smart buildings. This course created the initial fascination with HVAC&R. I decided to join the industry with a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. My dream project is a 6 Star NABERS, 6 star Green Star, WELL and LEED-certified smart building enabled by smart experiences, establishing a new standard. |
Navini Abeyweera, Affil.AIRAH
Having worked as an internal sales engineer, the most challenging part about my role is responding to simultaneous requirements of different customers and stakeholders. Task prioritisation and effective time-management skills were key in overcoming these challenges. AIRAH is doing a great job in helping young undergraduates and newcomers to the industry gain real-life knowledge of the ins and outs of the HVAC industry. Programs such as the Professional Diploma in Building Services – HVAC&R, which I’m currently enrolled in, through its rigorous case studies provides insight into the design process and documentation involved in the design of HVAC systems. In other words, AIRAH is helping bridge the gap between my engineering curriculum and the expectations of the HVAC industry. |
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I enjoy being involved in delivering industrial refrigeration projects, as they provide a diverse experience and are always presenting new challenges. I would like to gain more experience across the various sectors, from food and beverage to chemical processing, mining and defence.
AIRAH is the national industry body to support individuals and businesses in the HVA&R sector. As an individual I see it as a way of networking and keeping in touch with the latest developments and practices specific to the industry. |
Sarik Amatya, Affil.AIRAH
I find this sector full of innovation and challenges, never being afraid to ask the question “why”, and get into depth to find the reason “because”. In this world of HVAC&R I get opportunities to be creative, a problem solver and understand and apply engineering principles. A dream project would be being involved with a team for developing HVAC systems for data centres, from design to construction. I am involved with estimating, engineering and project management. Time management is challenging. That is, keeping track of projects and meeting deadlines are crucial. Along with its CPD programs, AIRAH brings to light various national and international innovations, designs, and other relevant information. AIRAH has made a major contribution and plays a vital role in the continuous development and improvement of the HVAC&R industry. |
Michael Pickford, M.AIRAH
There are three things that attracted me to HVAC&R: Stability, motivation and career progression. There will always be buildings and people/equipment needing to be safe and comfortable, and as such the stability of being in the industry for a long time was a big attraction for me. Variety is the key to motivation, and being in a job that kept me motivated was an important aspect to consider. There is always some kind of new challenge that is thrown my way, and solving that keeps me motivated to come to work, day in, day out. The third attraction is career progression. As a young HVAC engineer, there are a lot of different paths to take, and keeping this open gave me a great opportunity to be able to advance my career. |
Jacqui Mercer, Affil.AIRAH
My dream project would be a large industrial ammonia installation, aiming for the best efficiency achievable out of various products available on the market. I would love to do this using a two-stage ammonia system design or a critical-charge ammonia to refrigerating medium system. One of the biggest challenges in the job role is trying to gain and retain knowledge on the vast array of equipment that we may be expected to service, repair or install. I would much rather arrive at a piece of equipment with confidence. However, a lot of the time I find myself learning the equipment as I work, using previous experiences. This is by no means a negative, because it ensures that the job remains interesting, exciting and challenging in a positive way. |
Nathan Budarick, Affil.AIRAH
A dream job or project in the industry is anything to do with innovation. The idea of being able to work on/be a part of something that could help the future, whether that be energy savings or better for the environment, will always interest me. AIRAH’s role is to uphold the high standards of knowledge that Australian industry requires. I also think AIRAH’s role is to embrace innovation and new technology, and share these developments with the ever-changing HVAC industry. |
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I have always found the characteristics of fluids and how they shape nature and our lives impressive. The HVAC&R industry allows me to discover something new in this field every single day, which makes my work enjoyable. The dynamics of the industry is another factor that fascinates me.
A dream project would definitely be a large-scale self-powered development with a hybrid ventilation system. The biggest challenge is, I guess, achieving great comfort conditions in a sophisticated building with a very limited budget. AIRAH takes an imperative role in keeping the relationships in the industry active and through events, not to mention providing useful technical knowledge for the professionals in the industry via webinars, DAs, and the like |
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I’ve always been fascinated by learning how things work, and in particular how buildings keep us comfortable and protected from the elements. HVAC is the main system in the built environment that controls this process, and so becoming a mechanical engineer designing these systems and how they work together was a logical choice.
I also feel strongly about climate issues, and as heating and cooling is the biggest user of energy, our primary focus should be reducing this energy consumption. I love being involved in projects that push the boundaries and do something a little different that hasn’t been attempted before. And the need to communicate with all the stakeholders in the right way at the right time during the project is what throws up the most challenges. |
Xiaolin Wang, Affil.AIRAH
My dream project is a change-making project. It should favour our planet and our daily lives for the long run, as well as bring immediate benefits. Fortunately, I am able to be doing such a project right now. I am working on a novel material, which enables cold thermal storage for peak demand shifting and energy cost reduction. It enables carbon capture to alleviate global warming. The short-term and long-term benefits are evident. I joined AIRAH when I started my PhD in 2013. This is one of the best decisions I’ve made. AIRAH brings me the information about what the nation, community and industry really need, and extends my horizon beyond the textbooks, classrooms and labs. AIRAH always reminds me to think about research outcomes through its annual workshops, forums and conferences. |
Chathurana Senanayake, M.AIRAH
The biggest threat to the world is climate change. It’s fascinating how my day-to-day design decisions as a design engineer could lead to a positive scalable impact over the next few decades. This is what attracted me to building services engineering. To take part in designing a net zero carbon building and a 6 star Green Star building would be a dream job. AIRAH has played an important role in my career development since I was a graduate. AIRAH DA manuals help us on a day-to-day basis – most of those are available free for AIRAH members. AIRAH webinars and Ecolibrium keep us updated and informed about the latest regulations, standards and products. I have also met people in the industry and built connections through AIRAH Industry Nights and other events. |
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An industry as ubiquitous as refrigeration, air conditioning and heating needs good representation, and AIRAH ensures that the issues we deal with as professionals are properly addressed.
Since first joining as a student member about five years ago, I’ve watched AIRAH really grow its reach and expand its offerings. I really appreciated the online webinars that kept me engaged over relevant topics of interest during the COVID-19 pandemic period, and do hope that this is something that AIRAH would consider continuing. I am sure AIRAH will continue to be the go-to forum for networking and building relationships within the HVAC&R industry. I also applaud the Women of AIRAH initiative! Engaging and promoting women in the industry through Women of AIRAH will inspire more women to feel confident to enter and thrive in the industry. |
Richard Cloete, Affil.AIRAH
I didn’t realise there was an entire engineering sector dedicated to HVAC&R. I first became interested in this sector when completing my Honours thesis at the Sustainable Building Research Centre, UOW. I came across the fact that large quantities of energy are being used, not only by HVAC&R, but all other building services as well, and saw this as an opportunity to make a difference in creating a greener future. Funnily enough, my dream project would involve little to no traditional HVAC&R systems at all, but rather alternative cooling and ventilation methods such as underground labyrinths, phase-change thermal storage and natural ventilation systems to service a building. Working on the mechanical contractors’ side, the biggest challenge is trying to maintain a balance between what is best for the client while within the project budget. |
Adam McIntosh, Affil.AIRAH
Being able to drive through the city and point to buildings where your designs have been installed provides me with a personal sense of achievement. HVAC&R and the built environment go hand-in-hand, so the industry also provides significant career flexibility to move around, compared with a lot of other professions. It would be a dream to have the budget to design and maintain a full heating and chilled water system for my own home, with the most economical renewable inclusions to supplement the system. One of the most challenging and critical things about HVAC&R design is ensuring designs satisfy all of the client and architect’s requirements of being fit-for-purpose and within budget, while also providing the most practical and sensible outcome for the construction team and contractors to implement and maintain. |
Evan Pratt, M.AIRAH
Working in HVAC&R allows me to use a great combination of technical engineering skills along with creativity in coming up with innovative system design solutions. A dream project? Probably just any project where I could work under leading experts in the field of HVAC&R. I’m working my way up to being involved in Tier 1 projects in the future. Meeting multiple deadlines for different people on tight turnarounds is a challenge. Being reliable is a key to success. AIRAH is a great resource and helps to keep everyone in the industry engaged with each other and the field of HVAC&R, ensuring high standards are maintained around the industry. |
Marta Talarska, M.AIRAH
A dream project for me would be to work on more energy-sustainable projects across Australia. A shift in client and consultant dynamics is required to take on the initiative to incorporate energy-efficient building design, passive solutions and renewable energy use. Not only HVAC design, but a more holistic approach to the building design is required. It is time to start looking into our design assumptions, building users’ needs and the response to the environment surrounding us. The most challenging aspect of my position is finding that balance in the design between architecture, comfort and cost. To meet all three requirements, it takes many hours of research, design and coordination. The results, however, are always worth the effort. |
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An AIRAH membership is a great tool for professional development. The community is close and incredibly knowledgeable. Having access to so many resources and being able to take part in all the events makes it so much easier to continue to learn new skills and gain new knowledge.
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Michael Snook, Affil.AIRAH
The HVAC&R industry has such a wide scope of works that you are constantly learning in order to improve. I discovered this doing some vacation work over a university break and was immediately hooked. The next term I was at TAFE starting my apprenticeship, such was the impact of my discovery of the industry. My dream project would be building a new hospital in a capital city. Hopefully, Royal Perth Hospital gets its long-overdue replacement in the not-too-distant future. AIRAH plays many functions that are instrumental to the Australian HVAC&R industry. The most important of these are educating the students and apprentices coming through the industry, as well as facilitating training and education for established professionals and tradespeople. The second important role is to provide a platform where knowledge and ideas can be shared. |
Lydia Angus, Affil.AIRAH
I’ve always been interested in how we can live more sustainably. After attending an Engineers Without Boards talk regarding power distribution, I was surprised by how much HVAC contributes to the overall power consumption of a building. This inspired me to help create comfortable and healthy buildings that don’t come at a high capital or environmental cost. Dream project? I am designing it now! I’m working on an aspirational children’s hospital, aiming to reduce the environmental impact on the future generations. The project will integrate educational elements to teach patients and visitors about the hidden services that make a building run. I love learning, and the broad selection of critical care areas, cytotoxic and aseptic suites allows me to explore industry innovations and search for the best outcome for the project. |