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 — 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 Barker Ryan Stewart’s 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 Barker Ryan Stewart 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.
