Meet Zach | Electrical Engineer

Zach recently joined erbas™ | erbas™ SUSTAIN as an Electrical Engineer, bringing experience across healthcare, correctional facilities and large-scale mixed-use developments. With a passion for practical, compliant design, Zach enjoys seeing ideas translate into buildable solutions that make a real difference for clients and end users.

What excites you most about electrical engineering?

What really draws me in is the chance to create solutions that truly matter and make a real difference for clients. One day you're designing electrical infrastructure for hospitals to keep vital equipment running smoothly, and the next you're crafting specialist lighting designs that balance aesthetics with compliance. It's all about turning ideas into practical, buildable outcomes that enhance safety, ensure regulatory standards, and promote sustainability. That moment when everything comes together onsite and starts helping people? It's unbeatable.

Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of?

The Stones Corner Village project stands out for me. It was a massive development with a basement, ground-level ALDI and smaller commercial spaces, plus two residential towers rising up to 15 levels. I led the electrical design, using AGi32 and Dialux for lighting levels throughout the building while meeting standards like AS/NZS 2293, 1680, and 1158. I also handled the infrastructure side with PowerCAD, sizing cables, switchrooms, and distribution boards per AS/NZS 3000 and 3008. Juggling client expectations with requirements from Energex and Origin Energy was challenging, but we delivered a robust design that met the clients needs. It's rewarding to know I contributed to something built to last.

What’s a common misconception about electrical engineering that you wish more people understood?

Many people assume it's just about fixing wires or outlets, like everyday electrician work. But it's about designing a building's entire electrical infrastructure to support everything from basic power to complex equipment. Folks often overlook the bigger picture, tackling renewable energy integrations, coordinating with authorities, ensuring top-notch safety, and weaving in legislative and AS/NZS standards for practical results. I wish more people saw it as a dynamic field packed with problem-solving. Beyond core electrical design, it covers dry fire systems, AV, security, communications, solar/PV systems, and so much more. It's a broad discipline with endless sub-areas in building services.

What attracted you to join erbas™ | erbas™ SUSTAIN?

erbas™ | erbas™ SUSTAIN appealed to me as a collaborative environment focused on practical building services. The opportunity to lead as the Brisbane office's first electrical engineer, along with how it aligns with my diverse project background, made it feel like the right move. I'm excited to contribute to their quality focus and grow within the team here.

How have your experiences shaped the way you approach engineering projects?

Working on projects like Queensland Correctional Services projects and hospital designs in Logan, Ipswich, and Townsville University has shaped me to prioritize early checks, close teamwork, and strict adherence to standards like AS/NZS 3000 and the BCA. Catching potential issues upfront, such as high maximum demands on existing sites with new equipment or non-compliant installations and communicating them effectively is now second nature. It keeps me sharp, detail-oriented, and committed to delivering safe, efficient solutions tailored to each client.

How do you see electrical engineering evolving over the next 5–10 years?

I see AI driving big changes in electrical engineering for construction, making designs smarter and quicker, like automating building layouts for lighting and power layouts to streamline processes. Predictive tools will help engineers spot design flaws early, improving site safety and minimizing downtime on major projects. Overall, it'll foster more collaborative and efficient workflows, leading to better outcomes for clients and end users.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

"Stay curious, keep learning, be a sponge, and stay humble, no matter how much experience you have." A mentor shared that with me early on, emphasizing how engineering keeps evolving with new tools, ideas, and legislative changes. It's guided me through tough challenges and prevented complacency. As simple as it is, it pushes me to join industry events, network, and treat setbacks as chances to grow.

Outside of work, what hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

I love getting outdoors for hikes in national parks, hitting the gym when I can, and spending quality time with family and friends. At home, I tinker with small electronic projects like smart lighting setups. For downtime, I unwind with the latest video games.