Back to People Spotlight: Meet Our Team
Buildings & StructuresBuilding StructuresQueensland
Tonkin's People Spotlight gives you behind the scenes insights about the technical specialists in our business.
Meet Ricky: Tonkin’s Structures Lead – QLD
With Ricky at the helm, Tonkin’s Structural Engineering team in the sunshine state helps deliver projects that make a real difference for Queenslanders.
From multi-storey residential developments, to schools, universities, community facilities and social housing projects, for Ricky and the team, it’s about far more than engineering; it’s about designing the places where people spend so much of their lives.
Meet Ricky: Tonkin’s Structures Lead – QLD
With Ricky at the helm, Tonkin’s Structural Engineering team in the sunshine state helps deliver projects that make a real difference for Queenslanders.
From multi-storey residential developments, to schools, universities, community facilities and social housing projects, for Ricky and the team, it’s about far more than engineering; it’s about designing the places where people spend so much of their lives.
How long have you been at Tonkin, and how have you grown in your time here?
I’ve been at Tonkin for five years, and I enjoy the challenging aspect of the work that I do. Also, the people and projects are great. The leadership development program also led me to learn a lot about myself and given me the opportunity to be promoted to Principal and running the Queensland Structural Team.
During your time at Tonkin, what have been some of the key projects you’ve worked on or key clients you’ve worked with?
We’ve done a lot of work in the education sector, both public and private schools. Often, this involves delivering multiple buildings on the same campus for a single client which is great because it shows that we are valued and that clients want to continue working with us.
I really like refurbishment projects, there’s always curveballs and they tend to be extremely rewarding. We actively push refurbishment projects where possible because from a sustainability perspective, it allows us to extend the life of an existing structure. By repurposing what’s already there, we are contributing a more sustainable outcome for the environment.
I really like refurbishment projects, there’s always curveballs and they tend to be extremely rewarding. We actively push refurbishment projects where possible because from a sustainability perspective, it allows us to extend the life of an existing structure. By repurposing what’s already there, we are contributing a more sustainable outcome for the environment.
What do you like the most about working at Tonkin and do you find it rewarding?
The vibes! The people are good, and there’s always a warmth around the place, which you don’t get that with a lot of other organisations. The culture makes it great too – there’s a sense of togetherness and caring for each other which is the rule rather than the exception.
I find Tonkin a very rewarding place to work. There’s a strong focus in developing people the people that are coming through the doors. You can ensure that when you work for Tonkin, your manager and senior leaders are looking at you and picturing where you could be in the next three or five years. If you’re willing to learn and push yourself, Tonkin provides the opportunities and resources to help you grow and succeed.
I find Tonkin a very rewarding place to work. There’s a strong focus in developing people the people that are coming through the doors. You can ensure that when you work for Tonkin, your manager and senior leaders are looking at you and picturing where you could be in the next three or five years. If you’re willing to learn and push yourself, Tonkin provides the opportunities and resources to help you grow and succeed.
Tonkin is aiming to be a national leader in sustainable infrastructure, is that important to you? If yes, why?
Tonkin’s aspiration to be a leader in sustainable in infrastructure is very important to be personally. I see the amount of embodied carbon in buildings that is unnecessary, yet there’s still a real inertia across the industry when it comes to doing things differently.
I am actively involved in pushing this and I think to combat things like climate change, the way we design and deliver projects has to evolve. Being part of an organisation that’s pushing for that shift is great.
I am actively involved in pushing this and I think to combat things like climate change, the way we design and deliver projects has to evolve. Being part of an organisation that’s pushing for that shift is great.
What gets you excited about the future of Tonkin, and what would you personally like to achieve over the next five years?
I’m excited about where things are heading for Tonkin here in Queensland. There’s a clear ambition to grow, and it’s something I’m proud to be a part of. The people around me are future leaders in the making, and I can see a strong team taking shape as we continue to bring in new talent to support that growth.
My plans for the next few years are to focus on what needs to be delivered. There’s a significant housing crisis, with more people moving to the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, there’s a demand for infrastructure, and with two offices in the region, we’re in a position to help.
We’ve also got the 2032 Olympics coming up, there’s a real opportunity to be involved in projects that not only support the event but also will drive sustainable growth for Tonkin and the community.
My plans for the next few years are to focus on what needs to be delivered. There’s a significant housing crisis, with more people moving to the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, there’s a demand for infrastructure, and with two offices in the region, we’re in a position to help.
We’ve also got the 2032 Olympics coming up, there’s a real opportunity to be involved in projects that not only support the event but also will drive sustainable growth for Tonkin and the community.