Personal Journey and Motivation
What inspired you to join FPC, and what stood out to you during the hiring process?
After graduating from the University of Auckland with a civil and structural engineering degree, I spent five years working as a consulting structural engineer across projects including fire stations, housing developments, and specialist engineering input for public art installations. While I enjoyed my time consulting, I became increasingly interested in the how of construction rather than just the what.
A lot of design conversations happen in offices, discussing construction in abstract terms. I wanted to be closer to site and understand how decisions actually play out in the real world.
When I decided to explore contracting, FPC was the first recommendation I received, and it was from my dad. I reached out and next thing, I had an interview with Jason Allport, where we talked openly about design, construction, and how FPC operates as a design and build contractor. That conversation stood out, and I before I knew it I had joined FPC as a Design Coordinator, starting on the Olam Dryer 1 project.
Can you share a bit about your career path and how it led you to your current role at FPC?
I’ve been with FPC for four years. I spent my first year and a half as a Design Coordinator, a role that was very site‑focused. Coming from a consulting background, FPC threw me into new surroundings and made sure I was on site gaining hands‑on experience throughout the build. During that time, I worked closely with subcontractors and install teams, reviewed shop drawings, assisted with remedial solutions, and supported temporary works.
It was a steep learning curve, but it gave me a strong understanding of how design decisions affect construction. After that project, I transitioned into a more upstream design management role, where I became more involved in shaping design decisions earlier in the process.
Culture and Values
How would you describe the culture at FPC in three words?
Unpretentious, straight‑up, and grounded.
What’s something unique about working at FPC that you haven’t experienced elsewhere?
The openness between design and construction teams is a big difference, there’s no sense of walking on eggshells. Unlike environments where teams operate in silos, there’s constant dialogue. Ideas can be tested early, with honest, practical feedback from the people who will ultimately build the design.
Designers are never isolated at FPC. If I’m unsure about something, I can pick up the phone and speak directly with the delivery team, subcontractors, or design partners and get immediate, real-world input. That level of collaboration makes a significant difference.
Team and Collaboration
What’s your favourite thing about your team or the people you work with?
The mix of backgrounds in the design team is a real strength. We’ve got structural and electrical engineers, site managers, surveyors – people with really different experiences and skill sets.
There’s also a great culture where you can openly say you don’t know something without any judgement. That makes a big difference and helps everyone learn and work better together.
Growth, Development and Innovation
How has FPC supported your professional growth or personal development?
I meet regularly with my line manager, and those conversations are focused on my goals. When I mentioned I wanted to pursue my PMP certification, the support was immediate.
What’s great is that the support doesn’t stop there. I’ll get messages with resources or suggestions, and we’re even studying the PMP certification at the same time.
What opportunities have you had to learn new skills or take on new challenges here?
FPC has a real “ask and you shall receive” culture. If you show interest in something, the team will genuinely try to give you exposure to it.
Coming from a structural background, I’ve been deliberately given more opportunities to work alongside services like HVAC and electrical, which has been a great way to broaden my skills and understanding.
How does FPC encourage innovation across the company?
Innovation at FPC is encouraged in a practical, hands-on way. On one of my first projects, I noticed the way precast elements were being tracked was manual and inefficient, so I put together some new tracking tools for the design team. The response was positive – people gave feedback, suggested improvements, and started using the system.
We also have quarterly design meetings where teams openly share lessons learned, including what didn’t go to plan and how it was fixed. That openness reflects a culture that recognises construction is a human industry, and that mistakes are part of learning and improving.
Impact and Fulfilment
What part of your work at FPC makes you feel most proud or fulfilled?
One of the most satisfying moments is reviewing shop drawings and then, months later, standing on site watching everything fit perfectly during installation.
Being involved from concept through to completion is incredibly rewarding.
If someone were considering joining FPC, what would you want them to know?
Don’t be afraid to give it a go. You’ll always have a team backing you up. Asking questions and trying new things is encouraged, and support is always there when you need it.