Inspiration Behind Starting a Career in Architecture with Marice - GDC Consultants LTD

Learn more about our team's incredible journey in the architecture industry and the influences that led them to choose this career

Meet the Team- Maurice Bellantoni- Architectural Designer

Was there anything or anyone that inspired you to start a career in <a href="https://www.gdcgroup.co.nz/services/architectural-designs/">Architecture</a>? 
My parents were real estate agents once upon a time and most of their friends were architects. 
One in particular, drove me towards architecture and guided me during my academic path. 
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How did you start your Architectural Journey? 
I started my secondary degree in an art school, from there I collected and researched famous European and American contemporary and modern architects that inspired me to get introduced in this industry. 
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Looking at your experiences so far, how do you feel the <a href="https://www.nzia.co.nz/">industry</a> has changed since you first started? 
I started my university career in Europe – Italy, at that time there were no Computers. All hand drawn and lots of theory. Believe me that is a massive amount of technical information that now is easy peas into the system. 
Once I degreed and I did my PhD, I did suppose my studying and academic career was over and finished (never thought that: “knowledge and learning is an everyday process and we never stop learning”, was true). 
I started my step-to-step process into the European Architectural Industry, started working and had good experiences. After nearly 20 years I moved to Australia and started studying again (City Planning master’s degree). 
Wow things have changed since I first began, things have become so fast since computer and technology have integrated and then the different construction processes have become so sophisticated and detailed. 
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Where do you see architecture going in the future with design, changing influences etc.? 
Not too sure, about the limits in architecture. 
I reckon there is still a lot to discover and accomplish in the Architectural Industry. And in the way things in all industries keep evolving, you never know, that maybe some kind of partnership might allow us to build floating houses in the next future. 
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What is your favourite part of the process, anywhere from the first client interaction to the completion of the project? 
I have been through a few processes and reckon that they are all very interesting. From an architectural point of view my favourite is to determine on site construction solutions and detail requirements to satisfy, define, resolve and deliver the project. 
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What advice do you think is important to pass onto future architects? 
Always be open minded, give proper and knowledgeable advice to who is interested in achieving this. 
The Architectural Industry is a wide-open door and full of pathways that are one more unique than the other.

Was there anything or anyone that inspired you to start a career in <a href="https://www.gdcgroup.co.nz/services/architectural-designs/">Architecture</a>?

GDC Consultants Ltd Expansion: Services in the South Island - GDC Consultants LTD

Reaching new heights with GDC Consultants Ltd's expansion into South Island - reinforced with a commitment to engineering excellence.

GDC Consultants Ltd expands Services into South Island

GDC Consultants Ltd expands Services into South Island 
GDC Consultants Ltd is thrilled to share a major announcement – they’re expanding their engineering consulting services into the South Island! Increasing their commitment to innovation and engineering excellence. 
The business was originally founded in 2006 by Clement Fernando – the company’s Managing Director and has since expanded into multiple locations in the North Island and Asia. Now, with a team of close to 40 employees, the business specializes in a wide range of Engineering and Consultancy services. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-66884" src="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-300x300.webp" alt="" width="268" height="268" srcset="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-300x300.webp 300w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-1024x1024.webp 1024w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-150x150.webp 150w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-768x768.webp 768w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-1536x1536.webp 1536w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-2048x2048.webp 2048w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-75x75.webp 75w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Clement-Fernando-1-650x650.webp 650w" sizes="(max-width: 268px) 100vw, 268px"> 
Clement Fernando said “the move to officially service the South Island forms part of the company’s geographical diversification strategy. Although Hamilton remains as Head Office for GDC Consultants, we are looking to ensure the long-term resilience of our engineering and consultancy business. We already have staff based in Christchurch and are looking forward to partner and serve more communities.” 
Clement said, “the company previously played a critical role in providing structural assessments and enhancing seismic resilience in Christchurch after the devastating earthquake that struck in February 2011”. 
The GDC team will provide the following services: 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-67097" src="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/core-services-blog-post-300x222.webp" alt="" width="571" height="423" srcset="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/core-services-blog-post-300x222.webp 300w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/core-services-blog-post-1024x759.webp 1024w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/core-services-blog-post-768x569.webp 768w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/core-services-blog-post-1536x1138.webp 1536w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/core-services-blog-post.webp 1920w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/core-services-blog-post-650x481.webp 650w" sizes="(max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px"> 
&nbsp; 
Please join us in congratulating the GDC Consultants team! 
For further engagement of services, please contact: <a href="mailto:info@gdcgroup.co.nz">info@gdcgroup.co.nz</a> 
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GDC Consultants Ltd expands Services into South Island

Seismic Engineering in New Zealand: Navigating the Possibilities After an Earthquake - GDC Consultants LTD

Earthquakes are a devastating natural phenomenon, but by making use of seismic engineering in New Zealand, we can better prepare ourselves and…

Seismic Engineering in New Zealand: Navigating the Possibilities After an Earthquake

Earthquakes are a devastating natural phenomenon, but by making use of seismic engineering in New Zealand, we can better prepare ourselves and minimise the damage when they strike. However, even with careful measures in place to protect against earthquakes, what happens in their aftermath? New Zealand sits in an area of high seismic activity and its geology is constantly in flux. Seismic engineering focuses on minimizing the impacts of earthquakes and other seismic activities on infrastructure and buildings, and it is of the utmost importance for cities and towns located in the high seismic areas of the country. But even with the best engineering practices in place, oftentimes significant damage occurs during an earthquake. What can building owners, contractors and engineers do to mitigate this? The aim of seismic engineering in New Zealand is to protect life and minimise or prevent damage to buildings and property. Although a key priority of seismic engineering is to safeguard against as much damage as possible, seismic engineers also need to understand how to navigate the possibilities after an earthquake. This requires a deep knowledge of the laws and regulations in different jurisdictions to ensure that buildings are built according to codes and regulations, as well as an understanding of how different measures can be taken to minimise the risks associated with seismic activity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of seismic engineering in New Zealand and the considerations to keep in mind when attempting to navigate the possibilities after an earthquake. We’ll cover topics such as current seismic engineering standards and best practices, what to consider when picking a location for a building, and the safety measures that should be implemented when building in seismic zones. By the end of this post, you’ll have an understanding of seismic engineering in New Zealand and the best practices to successfully navigate the possibilities after an earthquake. 
<h2>I. Introduction to Seismic Engineering in New Zealand</h2> 
Seismic Engineering in New Zealand has become increasingly important in the last decade due to the threat of earthquakes, as evidenced by the November 2016 Kaikoura earthquake. With earthquakes often resulting in significant damage, understanding the principles of Seismic Engineering and how it is applied in New Zealand is essential for any new construction projects. This blog post explores the basics of Seismic Engineering in New Zealand, including what it is, why it is important, and the regulations and standards in place for seismic engineering. 
Seismic Engineering is the practice of designing and constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures to be resilient and able to withstand earthquakes safely. It is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of engineering disciplines, from structural and geotechnical engineering to architecture and urban planning. The goal of Seismic Engineering is to reduce the risk of destruction or collapse of structures during seismic events. 
In New Zealand, Seismic Engineering is especially important due to the seismic hazard and our location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquakes are common in New Zealand, and can cause significant destruction to structures that are not properly designed and built. As a result, seismic engineering is a legal requirement for all new structures, and all building designs must comply with the New Zealand Building Code. This code contains detailed requirements that engineers must follow when designing structures, such as minimum seismic design loads and detailing requirements. 
Having a comprehensive understanding of seismic engineering principles, regulations, and standards is essential for anyone constructing a new structure in New Zealand. Doing so can help ensure that a building will be able to withstand the forces of an earthquake and remain standing. In the following sections, we will explore the principles, regulations, and standards of Seismic Engineering in New Zealand in more detail. 
<h2>II. Causes of Earthquakes in New Zealand</h2> 
New Zealand lies in the Ring of Fire – an active seismic area located around the edges of the Pacific Ocean. As such, earthquakes are a frequent occurrence in the country, and cause considerable damage to property and infrastructure. A seismic engineer’s role is to explore the possibilities and risks associated with an earthquake and create structures that can withstand them. To properly assess the risks and develop an effective engineering blueprint, it is important to understand the causes of earthquakes in New Zealand. 
There are two main causes of earthquakes in New Zealand – tectonic plate boundaries and volcanic activity. When two tectonic plates collide or move away from each other, a large amount of energy is released and can cause earthquakes. New Zealand is situated on the Pacific and Indo-Australian tectonic plates, and their movement produces seismic activity. Because of its high volcanic activity, New Zealand also has frequent shallow and deep earthquakes resulting from magma movement. 
The frequency and magnitude of earthquakes vary throughout the country. The North Island and parts of the South Island have a much higher incidence of earthquakes than the rest of the country. This is due to their proximity to the Indo-Australian plate boundary. Areas in the South Island that are closer to the Pacific plate are more prone to larger earthquake events. Volcanically-active areas such as the Auckland Volcanic Field have an increased risk of seismic activity. 
Having a thorough understanding of the causes of earthquakes in New Zealand is pivotal to seismic engineering in the country. Armed with this knowledge, a seismic engineer can employ the right strategies and use appropriate construction materials to design structures that maximize safety in the event of an earthquake. Knowing the source of the seismic activity also enables engineers to better prepare for future earthquakes. 
<h2>III. Preparing for Seismic Events</h2> 
III. Preparing for Seismic Events Constructing buildings and other structures to withstand seismic events is an important step in preparing for earthquakes. The goal of seismic engineering in New Zealand is to protect lives, property and the environment. Seismic engineers must assess the region before construction begins, identify the seismic hazard and create structures that can withstand the stresses of an earthquake. 
Firstly, seismic engineers must consider the seismic hazard of each site. Factors such as the type of bedrock, soil type and local tectonic activity all must be taken into account when assessing the seismic hazard of a location. Once this assessment is made, specific design elements can be put in place to make the structure more resilient. These may include the use of reinforced concrete, steel frames or specialized bracing systems. 
Once the structure is designed, seismic engineers must ensure that it is built to proper specifications and industry standards. This includes testing the materials and inspecting the construction process to ensure that everything is up to code. Additionally, engineers should give special attention to potential weak points within the structure, such as stairwells, columns and foundations. By taking the time to review these aspects, engineers can increase the likelihood that a structure will remain standing during a seismic event. 
By investing the time and energy into proper seismic engineering in New Zealand, builders can create structures that can withstand even the most violent earthquakes. By understanding the seismic hazard of the area and creating structures that are held to industry standards, engineers can give families and businesses the peace of mind that their structures are safe and secure. 
<h2>IV. Building Codes and Regulations</h2> 
Building Codes and Regulations for Seismic Engineering in New Zealand 
When it comes to designing and building structures in New Zealand, engineers must adhere to a variety of building codes and regulations. This is especially true when seismic engineering is involved, as earthquakes are a common occurrence in New Zealand. The building codes and regulations in New Zealand focus heavily on ensuring safety and security from seismic events. 
The New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) includes specific requirements related to seismic engineering. These requirements correlate with the New Zealand Standards 4203 and 4404 which outline specific design parameters, construction materials, and foundation designs. The NZBC also contains several best practices for seismic design, such as the use of natural materials and the inclusion of a structural integrity plan if ground motion is likely. 
In addition to the NZBC, seismic engineers who work in New Zealand must adhere to both local and national regulations. Local regulations set forth by the relevant city or region may focus on seismic safety and security, building safety, and risk management, while national regulations focus on seismic hazard analysis, seismic site response, and structural performance. 
To ensure compliance with all applicable building codes and regulations, seismic engineering professionals should regularly consult with local building authorities and government organizations. Doing so can help ensure that all building designs are up-to-code and safe for use in an earthquake-prone area like New Zealand. 
<h2>V. Designing Structures with Seismic Resilience in Mind</h2> 
Seismic Engineering in New Zealand Earthquakes are a natural part of living in New Zealand, and seismic engineering is an essential part of the country’s infrastructure. Seismic engineering takes into consideration the ground movements that result from seismic forces, and the principles applied to plan for and design structures resilient enough to withstand such forces. With seismic engineering, architects and engineers can design buildings, bridges, and other structures with the intention of minimizing the effects of an earthquake. 
By understanding the physics and potential forces of an earthquake, seismic engineers can create designs that can withstand seismic activity and reduce the risk of earthquakes causing severe damage or fatalities. Seismic engineers consider the characteristics of the ground, the specific structure’s location, and the type of construction material used when designing these structures. They must also account for the contact between different materials within the structure and how they move in response to an earthquake. 
It is essential to ensure that the design of a new building is robust enough to sustain the expected seismic forces in New Zealand while also meeting the requirements of the Building Code. Buildings must be designed to meet certain minimum thresholds of displacement and deformation so that they can remain serviceable and safe after an earthquake. This includes taking into account the type of soil within the base of the structure and its load-bearing capacity. 
Seismic engineers must also include measures for collapse prevention within their designs. Collapse prevention ensures that a building does not suddenly fail and become a hazard during an earthquake. Techniques used for this include using special steel bars and frames within the base of a building that are designed to absorb seismic shock and dissipate it throughout the structure. Additionally, dampers can be added to buildings to reduce the overall seismic force transmitted to the building itself. 
Overall, seismic engineering in New Zealand is essential for guaranteeing the safety and resilience of the country’s infrastructure. With considerations for seismic forces, collapse prevention, and other topics, engineers can create designs that can weather any seismic activity that may come their way. 
<h2>VI. Earthquake Insurance and Risk Management</h2> 
Earthquake Insurance and Risk Management Earthquake insurance and risk management can be a daunting proposition in the wake of a seismic event. In New Zealand, special insurance policies designed to cover and protect property from earthquakes have become increasingly popular amongst homeowners as well as businesses. Similarly, commercial insurers are now providing coverage for seismic events that could damage residential, business and other property. 
Risk management includes risk assessment and mitigation, meaning that various measures will need to be taken to identify, reduce and prevent the potential losses and damage caused by an earthquake. This could include professional assessment of structural integrity, evaluation of site-specific threats, and installation of seismic retrofitting. Professional advice is key when it comes to ensuring that all the necessary steps have been taken to minimise the risk to your property from a seismic event. 
Earthquake insurance policies can help cover the costs of any damage done due to an earthquake, depending on the limits and deductibles of the policy. The cost of such policies will vary depending on factors such as the location, age, and size of the property that needs to be covered, as well as the type of occupancy. This can make the process of getting comprehensive coverage difficult, but it’s important to find the right coverage for your particular situation. 
It is essential to review your insurance policy before any seismic event, so that you are aware of the level of coverage and what it covers – such as the cost of repairs and replacement of damaged items, contents and temporary living expenses. Knowing what is and isn’t covered will enable you to make an educated decision about whether or not seismic engineering in New Zealand is necessary in order to navigate the possibilities after an earthquake. 
<h2>VII. Conclusion: Seismic Engineering in New Zealand</h2> 
VII. Conclusion: Seismic Engineering in New Zealand Seismic engineering in New Zealand has the potential to make a huge difference in the way that people can protect their homes and businesses from the dangerous effects of future earthquakes. The key to success will be in understanding the seismic engineering regulations and their application in a variety of situations. 
By following the regulations, architects and engineers are able to build buildings with the highest degree of safety and protection against the worst effects of an earthquake. This includes the use of a variety of materials to protect against the shockwave, proper foundation design and insulation, and the use of reinforcing bars and other methods to tie floors and walls together. 
The regulations also require that engineers use local soil and geological data to formulate building plans and ensure their structures can withstand the ground shaking that may occur due to an earthquake. In addition, they must adhere to the strict building codes set forth by the government, which can vary depending on the location of the structure and its proximity to a fault line. 
Finally, it is important to remember that seismic engineering in New Zealand is an ongoing process that requires continual monitoring and upgrading of structures. By doing this, people can significantly reduce the risk of catastrophic collapse and damage in the event of a large earthquake. Seismic engineering in New Zealand therefore offers a great opportunity for those looking to improve their structural safety and protect their family, home, and business from potential disaster in the future.

Earthquakes are a devastating natural phenomenon, but by making use of seismic engineering in New Zealand, we can better prepare ourselves and minimise the damage when they strike. However, even with careful measures in place to protect against earthquakes, what happens in their aftermath? New Zealand sits in an area of high seismic activity and its geology is constantly in flux. Seismic engineering focuses on minimizing the impacts of earthquakes and other seismic activities on infrastructure and buildings, and it is of the utmost importance for cities and towns located in the high seismic areas of the country. But even with the best engineering practices in place, oftentimes significant damage occurs during an earthquake. What can building owners, contractors and engineers do to mitigate this? The aim of seismic engineering in New Zealand is to protect life and minimise or prevent damage to buildings and property. Although a key priority of seismic engineering is to safeguard against as much damage as possible, seismic engineers also need to understand how to navigate the possibilities after an earthquake. This requires a deep knowledge of the laws and regulations in different jurisdictions to ensure that buildings are built according to codes and regulations, as well as an understanding of how different measures can be taken to minimise the risks associated with seismic activity. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of seismic engineering in New Zealand and the considerations to keep in mind when attempting to navigate the possibilities after an earthquake. We’ll cover topics such as current seismic engineering standards and best practices, what to consider when picking a location for a building, and the safety measures that should be implemented when building in seismic zones. By the end of this post, you’ll have an understanding of seismic engineering in New Zealand and the best practices to successfully navigate the possibilities after an earthquake.

Day in the life - Jackie Cao - GDC Consultants LTD

Follow a day in the life of Jackie Cao, a graduate civil engineer at GDC Consultants. Gain insights into the diverse tasks and learning opportunities she experiences.

Day in the life – Jackie Cao

A Day in the Life of Jackie Cao – Graduate Civil Engineer 
Hi everyone! My name is Jackie Cao, and I am a graduate civil engineer at GDC Consultants Ltd. Today, I am excited to share with you a glimpse into a typical day in my life at GDC, highlighting the diverse and dynamic tasks I handle and the incredible learning opportunities I have here. 
After waking up, I spend about half an hour preparing breakfast while checking the company’s emails for any new tasks from my managers or urgent messages from clients. If there are urgent emails, I prioritize responding to them. After breakfast, I either drive to the office or head straight to a site, depending on the tasks assigned the previous day. On days when I don’t need to be out in the field, I arrive at the office by 8:25 AM, starting my day with a cup of rich, invigorating coffee to keep me energized. 
One of the first tasks of the day is to check and respond to emails from clients and colleagues. For instance, if a client wants to book an inspection, I confirm the type of inspection and schedule it accordingly. If it’s a pre-pour inspection, I arrange it for the morning to give the client enough time to pour concrete later in the day. When I need to visit multiple sites for inspections in a single day, I organize the schedule based on the locations to maximize efficiency and minimize travel time. 
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Every morning, I have a brief meeting with Tom to report on my work and receive new tasks. While handling emails or tasks, I prioritize them based on their urgency and importance. For more complex issues, I discuss them with Tom or brainstorm solutions, sometimes reaching out to clients to explain our plans through emails or calls. I generally prefer using emails or texts to ensure clear communication and to keep a record of our correspondence. 
<img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-67777" src="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-5-300x241.webp" alt="" width="571" height="459" srcset="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-5-300x241.webp 300w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-5-1024x823.webp 1024w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-5-768x617.webp 768w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-5-1536x1235.webp 1536w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-5-650x522.webp 650w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-5.webp 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px"> 
Sometimes, I receive soil testing tasks from John. Before heading to the site, I review the SFA documents to determine the required tests, such as the number of boreholes and Scala tests, and whether additional tests like soak tests are necessary. After confirming the details, I email the client to inform them about the testing schedule and ensure access to the property. I also conduct a desktop review to understand the soil type and contour data of the test site, confirming these with John. Before leaving, I check all testing equipment in the vehicle, ensuring we have the necessary tools, like the Shear Vane for clay soils. 
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-67771" src="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-1-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="572" height="429" srcset="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-1-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-1-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-1-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-1-650x488.jpeg 650w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-1.jpeg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 572px) 100vw, 572px"> 
At the site, I use the plans to locate test points, marking them with paint before starting the soil tests. I record all data on the site sheet, take photos, and shoot videos explaining the testing process. Once the data is collected, I send it to John for review and only leave the site after all data is verified. If issues arise, such as the soil being impenetrable, I immediately contact John for further instructions. Back at the office, I organize my site notes, photos, and videos, upload them to Dropbox, and inform our geotechnical team in Sri Lanka about the test completion. 
<img decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-67772" src="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Jackie-2-225x300.webp" alt="" width="358" height="477" srcset="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Jackie-2-225x300.webp 225w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Jackie-2-768x1024.webp 768w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Jackie-2-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Jackie-2-488x650.webp 488w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/Jackie-2.webp 1440w" sizes="(max-width: 358px) 100vw, 358px"> 
Lunch sometimes means eating with colleagues and chatting about weekend plans or other interesting topics. If working on-site, I bring a lunch box prepared the night before. If the site is near the beach, I enjoy my lunch with the sea breeze. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-67773" src="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-3-300x225.webp" alt="" width="703" height="527" srcset="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-3-300x225.webp 300w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-3-1024x768.webp 1024w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-3-768x576.webp 768w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-3-1536x1152.webp 1536w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-3-scaled.webp 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 703px) 100vw, 703px"> 
When tasked with inspections by Kasia or Tom, I first confirm the schedule and details with the client. Using the approved consent drawings, I review the inspection specifics and consult Tom for guidance on the process and key details. On-site, I interact with the workers to understand the site conditions and ensure that construction aligns with the approved plans. After the inspection, I handwrite a Site Inspection Record Sheet and provide a copy to the site manager. Back at the office, I upload the record sheet and site photos to Dropbox, and I also create a PDF version for easier future reference. 
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone wp-image-67775" src="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-4-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="709" height="532" srcset="https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-4-300x225.jpg 300w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-4-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-4-768x576.jpg 768w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-4-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-4-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://6187835.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6187835/Imported_Blog_Media/jackie-4-650x488.jpg 650w" sizes="(max-width: 709px) 100vw, 709px"> As the day winds down, I review my work and plan tasks for the next day. 
&nbsp; 
As a graduate civil engineer, GDC has provided me with a fantastic platform for growth and opportunities, setting me on a promising career path. Though I have only been here for just over three months, I have learned a lot that wasn’t taught in university. The work atmosphere is excellent, and my colleagues are incredibly patient and helpful, guiding me to grow quickly in my career. I am truly grateful to every member of the GDC team.

A Day in the Life of Jackie Cao – Graduate Civil Engineer

Best construction tools - GDC Consultants LTD

Best construction tools

Great tools for your construction site.

A Day in the Life with Rojesh Koshy – Operation Manager/Civil Engineer - GDC Consultants LTD

Hi My name is Rojesh Koshy and I am an Operation Manager and Civil Engineer based out of GDC’s Hawkes Bay branch.…

A Day in the Life with Rojesh Koshy – Operation Manager/Civil Engineer

Hi My name is Rojesh Koshy and I am an Operation Manager and Civil Engineer based out of GDC’s Hawkes Bay branch. No day ever seems to be the same, with something new always keeping me on my toes.

On a typical day, I will get to the office around 8:15am or head directly to a client site if Geotechnical testing has been scheduled ahead of time.
I’ll then go through emails, job setups, and pending jobs and prioritise any important tasks at hand. I will assess my own goals to make sure I can achieve the most out of my day followed by scheduling the tasks/jobs for the coming week.
I crack on with my designing and inspection reports along with any other paperwork on the to do list. I mostly focus on Structural and Transportation designs and am occasionally involved in stormwater reports or Geotech and Stormwater designs.
Throughout the day I am answering client phone calls, responding to any RFIs (if we have any at the time), organising our subcontractors and meeting with our clients on site to help them reach their project goals. I always make sure I get the report and designs for the Hawkes Bay jobs delivered.
With GDC also having an office based overseas in Sri Lanka, I’ll review reports and documents to ensure they are ready for our Sri Lankan based team when they start their work day.
To finish my day, I like to have a good cup of coffee!

Hi My name is Rojesh Koshy and I am an Operation Manager and Civil Engineer based out of GDC’s Hawkes Bay branch. No day ever seems to be the same, with something new always keeping me on my toes.

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A Day in the Life with Rojesh Koshy – Operation Manager/Civil Engineer