Getting to know our leaders

Growing Leadership and Expertise at erbas™: A Conversation with Paul Cotterell

At erbas™, leadership, culture and a passion for socially impactful projects define the company’s core values. We spoke with Paul Cotterell, who has been with us for over two years, to learn more about his journey within the company, his new leadership role and how erbas™ stays ahead in an ever-changing industry. Here's what he had to say.

Embracing Growth and Opportunity

When asked about his time at erbas™, Paul reflected on how much he enjoyed the company's leadership, staff, and office culture. One aspect that stands out is the variety of work. "The mixed sector work we do here at erbas™ is incredibly rewarding," he said. "One day, I could be working on a PC2 laboratory in a university, the next on a hospital, and later on the construction phase of a police station. The range of projects keeps things interesting, and I like that we’re involved in socially useful work that benefits communities."

This diversity of experience has allowed Paul to grow professionally, contributing to the company's success across multiple sectors.

Stepping into Leadership

Paul has stepped into a director role at erbas™ and when asked why he wanted to take this next step, he shared how the open, collaborative environment at erbas™ made it a natural progression. "The leadership team here is very open to help and change. They value positive input, and that’s something I appreciate. I realised that I could contribute by bringing an experienced perspective to key areas of risk and by helping to implement quality standards that benefit both staff and clients in the long term."

In his new role, Paul is committed to ensuring that clients continue to receive top-notch service, with a focus on maintaining strong relationships and providing the level of expertise clients have come to expect from erbas™.

A Client-Centred Approach

Paul will remain accessible and involved. "I aim to be available at a client relationship and quality assurance level to make sure clients get the excellent work they deserve," he said.

He also emphasised the importance of providing a high level of technical knowledge and experience. "Many clients value an old-fashioned depth of engineering knowledge. I aim to support those clients with the experience I’ve gained over the years, along with the wisdom passed down by some of the industry’s top engineers. It’s important to me to carry that knowledge forward and help improve the consulting engineering industry."

Keeping Pace with Industry Changes

The engineering and construction industries are constantly evolving, and erbas™ is no exception. Paul noted how the company has stayed ahead by focusing on recruiting talented, motivated individuals who thrive in a family-oriented work environment.

"The industry has changed over the years, but one thing that remains consistent is the value of knowledge and resilience. Many people I’ve worked with or mentored have gone on to become leaders in their own right, which is a testament to the strength of the industry," he said. "At erbas™, we stay on top of these changes by ensuring we have a strong team that can adapt and continue delivering the best possible results for our clients."

Undervalued but Crucial: The Importance of Construction-Phase Expertise

One area where Paul believes clients may be underappreciating the value erbas™ can bring is in construction-phase engineering expertise. "It’s a bit of a trend in the industry to under-price this aspect due to increased competition, but that’s a risky move. When construction-phase engineering is undervalued, build quality and compliance can be at risk. We believe in dedicating the necessary time and effort to ensure construction stays on track and meets the highest standards."

Balancing Work and Life

Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time on the Bass Coast, where his family has a holiday house. "If you haven’t toured from Kilcunda to Wilsons Promontory, I highly recommend it. It’s a beautiful and underrated part of Victoria, and I always find it refreshing to get away and enjoy the scenery."

Looking Ahead

As erbas™ continues to grow and evolve, Paul remains optimistic about the company’s future and the role they will play in shaping it. "I’m excited to continue helping erbas™ deliver great results for our clients, while also contributing to the growth and improvement of the consulting engineering industry."

With leaders like Paul, erbas™ is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future, delivering innovative solutions and maintaining our reputation for excellence.