A Day in the Life of a Graduate Engineer: Dhvnil Lad

In our ‘day in the life’ blog series, we aim to showcase the work of our talented team and help you get to know the faces behind our projects a little better. This month, we sat down with Dhnvil Lad, a Graduate Engineer in our Sydney office, to chat a bit more about the dynamics of his role and his best advice for anyone considering a career in the field.

Tell us a bit about yourself and what interests you in Civil Engineering.

I’ve always been interested in how things work, especially the infrastructure we rely on every day, but often take for granted. Civil engineering stood out to me because it blends technical problem-solving with real-world impact. Whether it’s roads, drainage, or public spaces, I liked the idea of being part of something that improves people’s lives daily.

What does a typical workday look like for you, and what brings you the most enjoyment in your role?

A typical day involves a mix of design work in 12D and AutoCAD, reviewing markups from senior engineers, and checking in with the team on project progress. I enjoy the variety ‚Äî there’s always something new to learn. The most satisfying part is seeing a design go from concept to final output. 

What’s it like being part of BRS’ Design team as a Graduate Engineer? Are there any standout projects you’re currently working on? 

Being part of the Design team at BRS has been an incredibly valuable experience. The team is always supportive and open to sharing their knowledge, especially when it comes to explaining the reasoning behind design decisions, which has really helped me build a solid foundation. One notable project I’ve worked on is the Myimbarr Carpark, where I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to various elements of the design. It’s been rewarding to be involved across different aspects and help deliver a more holistic package. It gave me a clearer understanding of how all the pieces fit together in a complete civil design solution.

What’s been the most memorable aspect of working at BRS so far? 

The most memorable aspect so far has been the level of trust and responsibility I’ve been given, even as a graduate. From the beginning, I’ve been encouraged to take ownership of tasks, contribute ideas, and be involved in meaningful parts of the design process. That level of involvement has greatly accelerated my learning and made me feel like a valued part of the team. It’s also been memorable to see how approachable and collaborative everyone is, creating a genuinely supportive environment to work in.

Looking back at your career so far, is there anything that has surprised you about working in Civil Engineering? 

I was surprised by how collaborative it is. I expected engineering to be a bit more individual, but it turns out that discussing design approaches, seeking feedback, and learning from senior engineers is one of the best parts. It’s not just about solving problems, it’s also about asking the right questions and understanding the bigger picture.

Finally, what advice do you have for anyone considering a career in Civil Engineering? 

Stay curious, seek out answers, and view mistakes as valuable learning opportunities. Civil engineering has so many paths, from design to project management, and it’s a field where you can really make a difference. If you’re someone who enjoys problem-solving and working on tangible outcomes, it’s a very rewarding career. 

Enhancing Connectivity and Safety in Regional NSW: The transformation of Lake Canobolas and Gumble Road

BRS is proud to be contributing to the transformation of Lake Canobolas Road and Gumble Road, which are two essential corridors that support the daily lives and livelihoods of communities in the Central Tablelands. These upgrades are not only about improving infrastructure, but about creating safer, more connected, and more resilient communities in regional New South Wales.

Why These Roads Matter to Regional NSW

For those living in and around the Central Tablelands, these roads are more than just transport routes, they’re vital connections between home, work, school, and essential services. As populations grow and regional industries continue to expand, maintaining safe, efficient, and sustainable road infrastructure becomes increasingly important. That’s where our team has stepped in, delivering multi-disciplinary expertise across civil engineering design, surveying, and planning to support preliminary stages of the project. 

BRS’ Role in Creating Safer, More Connected Communities

At the heart of this work is a commitment to improving community safety. The current condition of these roads presents safety challenges, particularly in high-speed and rural environments. By delivering preliminary and final engineering designs, our team is helping create safer road alignments, improved visibility, and better surface conditions. These enhancements reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that all users, from families and school buses to freight operators and emergency services, can travel with greater confidence and reliability. 

But the benefits extend well beyond road safety. Strengthening these routes improves local access to services and supports economic activity throughout the region. The Lake Canobolas area, for example, is not only a valued recreational destination but also part of a broader regional tourism and agricultural network. Upgrading the road infrastructure, specifically upgrading Gumble Road to a designated B-double route, helps ensure that producers, businesses, and visitors alike can reach their destinations with ease, boosting the local economy and reinforcing Orange as a key regional hub. 

Planning and Designing for a Sustainable Future

Equally important is the work being done to understand and protect the local environment. Through our environmental planning services, we are guiding the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) process to ensure the project aligns with environmental regulations and broader sustainability goals. By identifying potential impacts and mitigation strategies early in the process, we’re helping to deliver outcomes that respect the natural environment and enhance community resilience. 

A Collaborative, Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Supporting all of this is the technical foundation provided by our surveying team. Detailed surveys have been conducted across each project section to provide accurate topographic data, which is critical for informing design decisions. Our Civil Engineering team has delivered preliminary and final design reporting across all sections, refining concepts into detailed, construction-ready solutions. BRS’ planning team has undertaken comprehensive Reviews of Environmental Factors for each section, ensuring the works align with environmental legislation and planning best practice. Meanwhile, our subconsultants have carried out geotechnical investigations to assess ground conditions and ensure the long-term structural integrity of the roads. Together, these efforts are laying the technical and regulatory foundations for safe, sustainable, and high-quality infrastructure outcomes.

The project is currently underway across multiple sections of Lake Canobolas Road and Gumble Road. Our integrated approach has enabled close coordination across teams and disciplines, ensuring that every aspect of the project supports the shared goal of building better outcomes for regional communities. 

At BRS, we believe that infrastructure has the power to transform lives. By helping deliver safer, smarter, and more sustainable roads, we’re not only enhancing transport connections, we’re helping regional communities thrive.  

BRS Acquires Digitise Consulting to Strengthen Digital Engineering Capabilities

BRS has acquired Digitise Consulting , a speciality agency offering Digital Engineering, Asset Management, Advisory and Design services to the public and private sector. They are known for their innovative approach and sector-leading solutions across the public and private sectors.

This acquisition effective 1 August 2025 will enhance BRS’ Digital Engineering expertise, expand service offerings, and strengthen relationships with key clients.

Andrea McDonald, CEO of BRS, said the addition of Digitise Consulting’s Digital Engineering expertise and relationships with government and Tier 1 Contractors  perfectly complements their own offerings.

“We are delighted to bring the skills and experience of Niall Brady, Jeremy Harrington and their exceptional team of civil engineers into BRS.

“They represent an important development in our ability to design and deliver Digital Engineering and modern solutions to our clients in the public and private sectors.

‚ÄúDigitise Consulting’s expertise, together with BRS’ capabilities and integrated service offerings, will make for a formidable team.

‚ÄúThis acquisition aligns with BRS’ commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality solutions. With added digital expertise, BRS aims to keep ahead of industry trends, improve project delivery, and deepen its engagement with the public and private sectors,‚Äù said Ms McDonald.

The acquisition signifies a strategic investment in the future of digital infrastructure for BRS.

Niall Brady, Founder and Director of Digitise Consulting said becoming part of the BRS story will drive innovation in Digital Engineering.

‚ÄúI’m very excited to have the power of BRS behind our Digital Engineering capabilities. This will enable us to develop even more creative solutions for the sector and deliver greater value to our clients. I look forward to working closely with the wider BRS team to push the boundaries of digital engineering and infrastructure development.”