Rob van Zyl

I developed a passion for low-energy, efficient engineering at an early age and developed a novel tesla-turbine while still at university. Moving to the UK in 1996, I co-authored a section of the CIBSE guide on environmental engineering and went on to co-author the AIS guide on acoustics in offices. I am currently a BCO Midlands committee member and chaired the BCO Midlands judging panel for three years, promoting excellence in design.

As engineers, I believe we must always seek creative solutions for architects to integrate into designs in a holistic way. However, creativity is not achieved through engineering alone; we must work effectively with other design team members to integrate best practice into designs. Most recently, we have found creative solutions to achieve net zero carbon. Delivering practical and robust solutions to climate change, for example, requires extensive collaboration with like-minded people across a broad spectrum of disciplines.

Clients rightly expect engineering excellence from Cundall, and I drive Cundall’s technical excellence strategy on our Management Board. Our strategy supports innovation and creativity, managing our knowledge and driving best practice into our day-to-day methodologies. By getting the basics right every time, we create more time for the additional innovation and creativity that can lead projects to new heights.