Michael Calcoen

Describe what the Mott Mac Life means to you in three words

People, projects, outcomes.

What do you enjoy about working here?

Mott MacDonald is a place where we strive to help people develop into the best version of themselves. It’s about removing blockers and providing opportunities to individuals, who then go on to thrive and deliver excellent outcomes for our clients.

Having access to a global pool of multidisciplined experts means we can make a difference across the entire project life cycle and make holistic design decisions. I’ve learnt that there is always someone within our organisation who has faced a challenge similar to the one you’re facing. There is an immense willingness to share expertise and lessons learnt.

Tell us about your specialism and why you chose it

I started my career in mechanical building services (HVAC), delivering projects across a range of markets. It’s a discipline that has an enormous impact on the design and performance of a building or infrastructure asset, from sustainability and thermal comfort to resilience, operational performance, fire safety and user amenity.

As mechanical services interface with many other design disciplines, this pathway enables engineers to develop into multidisciplinary engineering leads on projects, which is something I’ve had the privilege to experience.

Why did you choose to join Mott MacDonald?

I chose to join Mott MacDonald because of its people, the employee ownership model, and the type of projects it delivers. In my opinion, employee ownership is crucial in engineering to drive long term value for clients.

Major engineering projects have long life cycles, and as an employee owned firm, we are in control of our own destiny throughout these journeys, rather than answering to external shareholder expectations.

How do you demonstrate Technical Excellence in your work?

From developing a deep understanding of our clients’ challenges and objectives, to applying the latest technologies and mentoring the next generation of engineers and consultants, technical excellence is embedded in everything we do.

Where in the world has your role taken you?

After growing up and studying in Belgium, I moved to Australia and have since worked on projects across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. In many of these locations, I’ve had the privilege of having boots on the ground and engaging directly with local teams and clients.

What are your career highlights and achievements?

In hindsight, I look back most fondly on projects that have made a difference for people and put a smile on someone’s face.

Projects like the Sea Life Penguin Exhibit at Sydney Aquarium are smaller in scale, but I still have people telling me how often they take their kids there.

At the larger end of the scale, delivering the new Sydney Fish Market, across building services from early concept in 2017 through to opening in 2026, has been an incredible journey. Walking through the building as it opened to thousands of visitors was an experience I’ll never forget.