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Introducing Nina Shea, whose passion for problem-solving and a drive to make a difference has made her a valuable contributor to the industry.

Nina holds the position of Senior Engineer for Building Services & Sustainability and has been an esteemed member of the Steensen Varming team for the past three years with her career spanning almost a decade of experience in the industry.

Nina readily takes on new challenges and seeks opportunities for growth.  In her three years with us, she has worked in multiple studio locations, including Hong Kong and London, and is set to relocate to our Sydney studio later this year to further develop her professional skills and contribute to our team’s success.

We asked Nina what her favorite part about being an engineer is. She shared about the fulfilment she finds in problem-solving as each project presents unique challenges that require creative and analytical thinking. Her passion for mathematics and logic helps her navigate complex design and technical issues. As an engineer she enjoys engaging with a diverse range of people, from clients to fellow professionals, fostering learning and growth through shared insights. 

Engineers play a crucial role in many industries, from building and infrastructure to energy and environmental projects. As society becomes increasingly aware of the impact that human activities have on the planet, sustainability has become an increasingly important focus for many engineers.

From designing buildings that minimize energy consumption and waste, to developing new technologies that reduce our environmental impact, engineers are at the forefront of the sustainability movement.
While the pursuit of sustainability can come with a higher price tag, the long-term benefits are clear. Engineers must balance the need for cost effective solutions with the desire to make a positive impact on the environment and society.

“Engineers are everywhere,” Nina says, “with the sustainability aspect of the industry being an interesting move forward.”  

The issue of gender balance in the engineering industry is one that has been long-standing and persistent. With the field being predominantly male dominated, it is important to explore ways to encourage more women to pursue careers in engineering. During our interview, we asked Nina for her thoughts on this matter and what steps we can take to promote gender diversity in the industry.

Nina highlighted the importance of visibility and representation, stating that having more women in visible roles within the industry would inspire and encourage other to pursue engineering as a career. She also emphasized the need for strong female role models who can demonstrate that a successful career in engineering is attainable for women.

Nina’s perspective on this issue aligns with the broader conversation surrounding the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the engineering industry. As an organization, we recognize the need for a diverse workforce and are committed to promoting gender diversity and providing equal opportunities for all. We believe that by fostering a culture of inclusivity and promoting the visibility of women in engineering, we can create a more equitable and vibrant industry that is better equipped to tackle the challenges of the future. 

Gagandeep Jadhav is a recent graduate engineer who joined our team at Steensen Varming’s Sydney studio six months ago. This is his first experience of working within the field but in this short time, Gagandeep has quickly established himself as an integral member of our team, bringing a fresh perspective and a deep passion for sustainable engineering to every project he works on.

Gagandeep comes from an architectural background but was drawn to sustainable engineering as the field offers the opportunity to tackle some of the most pressing and complex challenges humanity is facing today. Climate change, biodiversity loss and resource depletion are just a few examples of the issues that require innovative, interdisciplinary solutions drawing on the latest scientific, technological, and social insights. As a sustainability engineer, Gagandeep is driven to devise holistic approaches that consider environmental, social, and economic factors and seeks to balance them in a way that is equitable and sustainable over the long term. 

Gagandeep’s favorite part about his job is the possibility to create positive change in the world through his work. He embraces the challenges that come with his role and finds enjoyment in coming up with innovative solutions to complex problems.

When asked about his experiences as a recent graduate and what advice he would give to someone considering a career in engineering, Gagandeep emphasizes the importance of passion for the field. He believes that a lack of interest can lead to a lack of fulfilment, but for those who are passionate about engineering, it can be a highly rewarding and satisfying career. He himself finds fulfilment in knowing that he is an active part of something that can create a positive impact on a lot of lives. 

Gagandeep has found a supportive community at Steensen Varming, with coworkers who eagerly share knowledge and expertise, offer support, and provide valuable insights. He values the opportunity to learn and grow both personally and professionally and is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in his career. 

In celebration and acknowledgement of Engineering Day, also known as Global Day of the Engineer or World Engineering Day, we would like to recognize the skilled individuals within our organization and honor the contributions of engineers to the world by helping to promote the role of engineering in our modern society. 
 
Engineering Day was first proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2019, and it aims to celebrate the contributions that engineers make to society and raise awareness of the importance of engineering in addressing global challenges. 
 
We aim to encourage and inspire the future generation of engineers and in taking a step towards achieving this, we will be publishing a series of interviews leading up to Engineering Day, where our talented engineers will share their experiences and work. Through these interviews we hope to show the importance of engineering and motivate aspiring engineers to pursue their goals.

Follow along for the next few days to hear from Nina Shea, Gagandeep Jadhav and our Director Chris Arkins.

Steensen Varming has a history of innovation and industry firsts that spans over 90 years –

One of Steensen Varming’s founders, Jørgen Varming, once stated that he considered two people the main contributors to the company’s early success but one of them was his acquaintance, Niels Bohr, Professor of Theoretical Physics and Nobel Prize winner.

Shortly after our foundation 90 years ago, Steensen Varming started working with Niels Bohr to further develop the Niels Bohr Institute, as his fast-developing science required constant equipment and facility updates to his institute. Working with and for Niels Bohr had a significant impact on the company and resulted in precious know-how and many subsequent scientific research facilities commissions. Among these are the Nuclear Research Establishment Risø, European Space Research Centre in Holland, Niels Bohr Institute Annex and many more.

At Steensen Varming’s 50^th Anniversary in 1983, Jørgen Varming described the early years of the company in the thirties as the greatest source of inspiration to our profession, being fuelled by frequent association and even the rare combat with clients and architects. At the time Jørgen Varming believed working together with Professor Niels Bohr designing the Niels Bohr Institute had the most significant impact on the development of the company, throughout the 50 years that had passed to the time of his speech. Now, 90 years after Steensen and Varming first began their work on the Niels Bohr Institute, Jørgen’s words back in 1983 keep true with this commission being a pillar which we’ve continued and will continue to build upon in years to come.

 

Vast changes have taken place since our foundation in 1933, but to appreciate how far we’ve come we want to look back at the history and philosophy which we were built upon and have since developed.

90 Years ago, in 1933, Steensen Varming was looking forward to working on our very first commission – the University of Copenhagen’s Library.

The engineering landspace in Denmark at the time was scarce, especially when it came to engineers specializing in Building Services. Steensen Varming‘s founding fathers, Jørgen Varming and Niels Steensen were but number 31 and 32 on the members list of the ‘Association of Consulting Engineers’ in Denmark at the time which consisted of Structural, Chemical and Civil Engineers, with very few if any other Building Services members.

Initially engineers were never involved in the design of the building outer skin, its fenestration, or shading; and the tertiary education of architects did not extend to such matters as heating, ventilating, or plumbing. Steensen & Varming being experienced tradesmen with further technical education were able to offer a large scope of work in these early days which included civil, structural, and building services engineering and design in close cooperation with architects.

With the increasing need for experts within the trade and the duo‘s strong network of architects, and their ability to integrate services as part of the architecture, our first project was quickly followed by other, no less high profile commissions.

 

Steensen Varming is privileged to have worked with ARM Architecture, providing Mechanical and Electrical services, on the upgrade of the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, 50 years after its initial opening in 1973!

After more than two years in the making, restoring functionality to the hall, making the space accessible, and improving the acoustic performance, visitors can now experience the Concert Hall in all its glory!

We are humbled by our relationship with the Sydney Opera House and are proud to still be working closely together 90 years after its inception.

To find out more about this project and how we partnered with ARM Architecture please click here: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal by ARM Architecture | ArchitectureAU

Steensen Varming is excited to be working on this iconic historic project at Nautical Museum in Castletown with Fraser Randall alongside the prestigious project teams of Manx National Heritage, DANNATT, JOHNSON ARCHITECTS LLP and Real Studios, to deliver the transformation of the museum in Isle of Man, U.K. 

The project combines conservation and adaptation of existing historic buildings together with innovative and accessible approaches to exhibition design and visitor interaction. As part of the transformation, an architecturally distinct display boathouse will also be built to house the historic ship, The Peggy. Fitted with drop-keels; an experimental innovation in 1789, Peggy is the only surviving example of a small wooden boats which is not a naval vessel, once found in their thousands around the western British Isles.  

We have always been ‘Looking Forward’ at Steensen Varming, pushing our projects and ourselves to do, and be, better. The integrity of what we do has always been more important than what we say.

 

Our focus on doing what is right, over what is easy, has led us to the cusp of a century’s worth of industry-defining work and collaboration. All of our projects benefit from our commitments and values in different ways, whether decarbonization, regenerative design, First Nations influence, eco over egocentric, post pandemic wellbeing, quality over quantity, purpose over profit, resilience and re-use/ future-fit over waste and vanity.

 

We have further aligned our expertise and purpose, to test ourselves to arguably the toughest and most transparent criteria in the ESG world, by being certified as a B Corporation, as we use our business as a force for good.

 

At a community level, we focus on contributing to those around us as what our studios specifically care about; this year in our London Studio we are humbled by and have chosen to support Little Village and HomeLess Made.

 

We wish to thank artist Guan Chow, for the artwork accompanying this greeting. Guan Chow, an immigrant to the UK who, in battling with personal tragedies and mental health, became homeless but managed to find himself with the help of art. “The Tree of Life” artwork represents color returning to life after experiencing poverty and homelessness and is meant to inspire the same in others.

 

The Steensen Varming teams in Copenhagen, London, Sydney, Canberra, Hong Kong and New York wish all our friends, clients and collaborators a happy holiday season and we look forward to continuing good work in the New Year.