Meet James Smith

James Smith started at Beca in 2016 and has stepped up to tackle new opportunities and projects to develop as a job manager. Find out how James plans to make a positive difference for our hydraulics team across New Zealand and Australia.

1. What attracted you to Beca?

There were lots of things that stood out for me. I loved the enthusiasm of the people I had met from Beca. I wanted to make a positive difference in our industry. And I wanted to work with some of the best minds in the country.

2. On your first day at Beca, what stood out to you?

Being welcomed into the office very openly with good guidance from everyone in the team was quite special.

3. What sort of projects have you been involved in?

A bit of everything from peer reviews to very complex university buildings.

4. What has been your favourite accomplishment at Beca?

On a personal front, I feel I have grown as a person and my knowledge and mind has expanded to new ways of viewing things. On a work front, I would say the design of the new University of Auckland engineering school was a highlight.

5. What gets you out of bed every morning?

Life in general, I love where I live, and I love what I do!

6. How does the work you do ‘make everyday better’ for our clients and communities?

My job is to talk with our clients to understand what they are trying to achieve, and then I then share this with the wider team to deliver a cost effective and practical design. We are always reviewing and researching ways of creating more efficient and environmentally better solutions.

7. What does the next 12 months hold for you?

I am planning on continuing to advance myself into more of a leadership role; I want to help grow and develop our hydraulics team across New Zealand and Australia.

8. Beca is looking for Hydraulic Engineers to join our team. What are you looking for in a new colleague? 

Someone who is keen to learn, take on new challenges, and loves interacting in a fun team environment.