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2021 NAWIC Awards for Excellence VIC
MYKRA PROJECT
ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Winner: Lucy Nicolson, Built Environs
Lucy was integral to the successful delivery of the Oval Hotel — Australia’s first hotel integrated into a stadium and SA’s largest cross laminated timber (CLT) structure. Delivered in just over 12 months under challenging operational circumstances, the 138-room hotel was completed on time, on budget, with zero lost time injuries. Lucy was responsible for leading the building envelope and fit-out coordination teams in managing project delivery works including design management, project administration, procurement, quality assurance, and programming. Her ability to align consultants and contractors in realising our client’s vision was vital to this complex project’s overall delivery success.
WGA BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL AWARD
Winner: Rebecca Lawson-Cooke, Turner Townsend
In less than two years, Rebecca Lawson-Cooke has had a remarkable impact on the Turner & Townsend business, both at a state and national level. Rebecca has been instrumental to the growth and expansion of Turner & Townsend’s business through building the brand profile in the Adelaide market through a strategic business development approach with local industry, whilst attracting new talent at various levels to the business. Rebecca is also incredibly passionate about ensuring equal opportunities for everyone and is spearheading diversity within Turner & Townsend and the wider construction industry. SHAPE AUSTRALIA
CONTRIBUTION TO DESIGN AWARD
Winner: Cheryl Vandenberg, BUILT
Nominated for her incredibly meticulous approach to the Adelaide Festival Square Car Park project, her achievements will remain underground but the advantages for the precinct will be there for all of us to experience. Saying ‘carpark’, doesn’t sound exciting, there are no visually striking design features, but what happens below determines what happens above. Both complex and high stakes, a project like this is the iceberg that sits below the landscaped tip. Cheryl safely steered the design for the underground Adelaide Festival Car Park that intersects with major heritage and entertainment sites in Adelaide’s CBD. With the safety of end users, the needs of diverse stakeholders and the considerations of what will sit above Cheryl undertook major design revisions and resolutions to avert risks that, fortunately, no one will ever know existed.
BADGE EMERGING LEADER AWARD
Winner: Evonne Penrose, BMD
Evonne was introduced to BMD in 2019 as part of a pre-release program run by the Adelaide Women’s Prison. Having worked in the construction industry for two years, her commitment to her development, and the effort she puts into mastering new skills, means she has the technical knowledge of someone who has had far more experience. Her exceptional leadership skills are evident through the mentoring role she has taken on in relation to numerous Indigenous and non-Indigenous trainees on BMD’s projects. She leads by example and motivates the crews she works with by upholding BMD’s values. ENERVEN GRADUATE OF THE YEAR
Winner: Georgia Falzon, Laing O’Rourke
Georgia found herself in the construction industry after having the privilege of never being told she couldn’t. Following her studies in Civil Engineering and Finance she pursued a graduate role at Laing O’Rourke, with the opportunity to work in sectors and projects across the country. Georgia’s ability to collaborate and operate with her team at the forefront of all actions allows her to actively build relationships and solve problems - acting as the catalyst for her nomination. Through her continued development as a site engineer Georgia looks forward to expanding her experience across a diverse range of sectors and teams.
Event photography: Daniel Trimboli, Trim Photography.
TAYLOR’S TRAILBLAZER
Katherine Barrionuevo, Senior Design Manager
Recognised for her vibrant and empathetic approach, Katherine Barrionuevo’s illustrious career in design began in Peru. Now, Katherine delivers exceptional and effective design solutions for clients across Australia as Senior Design Manager at Taylor. The key to her success? Bold decisions, hard work and an unbreakable family bond.
With more than 15 years’ experience in the field, Katherine has played a pivotal role in projects across the education (public and private), industrial, residential, commercial and retail markets. An expert at managing design for large-scale complex projects, Katherine’s innovative outlook ensures the client’s vision is realised, time and time again.
Building a Career in Design
At 17 years of age, Katherine’s interest was piqued with car mechanics. Sensing this, her father encouraged her to turn this passion into a career in Architecture – a recommendation she credits for her journey, and subsequent successes.
After studying Architecture for five years, Katherine ventured further afield to Buenos Aires, Argentina, undertaking a Post Graduate course while working for a boutique Architecture firm.
It wasn’t long before Katherine sought her next role in LimaPeru, completing her final coursework and working for a small developer. This role exposed Katherine to life on a construction site, as she led the design and coordination while working 12 hour days.
“It was such a treat to be ‘in the trenches’...I knew this was where I was meant to be.”
Two years later, Katherine relocated to Australia, completing TAFE English courses before being offered a role at ESR Commercial & Industrial Property as Design Coordinator. “I knew I had the spark – all I needed was a little opportunity to make a bonfire.”
Following project completion, Katherine accepted a position at Richard Crookes Constructions as a Project Engineer before being promoted to Design Manager in 2017. After a fulfilling six and half years, Katherine joined Taylor as Senior Design Manager.
In this role, Katherine collaborates with the Bids team to lead the design and coordination of major projects, currently working on the Campbelltown Hospital Refurbishment.
George Bardas, Taylor CEO, comments, “Katherine is committed to unlocking the true potential of our built environment to deliver exceptional spaces. Her admirable work ethic is complemented by a thirst to learn - she is uniquely positioned to achieve great outcomes while continuing to evolve her skillset and expertise along the way.”
Empowering the Next Generation
Since the start of her career, Katherine has led student engagement working as an Architectural Lecturer and inspiring high school students. She recently spoke with girls at Tara Anglican School interested in careers in STEM, cementing their ambitions to join the construction industry.
For young women facing language, geographic or financial barriers, Katherine advised, “I joined NAWIC many years ago and found a cohort of women willing to listen and offer advice. Be passionate, perseverant and tenacious, and say ‘yes’ to every opportunity. No matter your background, no matter how well you speak English, no matter where you are from – there is opportunity for everybody in this space.” Cadie Doorley
