Reflection 1

During my time at Capital Engineering Consultants, I worked on designing simple structures such as granny flats using AutoCAD and assisting engineers with site reports. One of the key expectations of the role was to understand how sustainability principles could be applied in design to help create more viable and long-lasting systems. At the same time, I was still developing my technical skills and often found AutoCAD challenging, especially when trying to produce accurate drawings within tight deadlines.

At first, I felt frustrated and even a little overwhelmed. I wanted to contribute meaningfully, but my limited AutoCAD experience made it difficult to work as efficiently as I hoped. I also felt uncertain about how to incorporate sustainability principles into designs when I was still learning the basics. However, I was also excited because the work exposed me to real engineering practices and helped me see the importance of thoughtful, sustainable design in a professional setting.

This experience challenged some of my assumptions about engineering. I had believed that technical skill alone was enough, but I realised that sustainable thinking is just as important as drafting accuracy. I also learned that struggling with a tool like AutoCAD didn’t mean I was unsuited for engineering—it simply meant I was developing. This reinforced my belief that growth comes from facing difficulties rather than avoiding them.

The main difficulty I encountered was the gap between theory and practice. While I understood sustainability in a broad sense, I found it hard to apply it to real design decisions, especially when still learning technical software. Another challenge was time pressure. Trying to produce detailed and compliant drawings while still learning AutoCAD created stress, and I realised I needed more structured practice and clearer strategies for problem-solving.

Looking at sustainability through broader engineering perspectives helped me understand its importance. Sustainable engineering emphasises reducing environmental impact, improving efficiency, and designing structures that remain functional and safe over time. When I observed how senior engineers selected materials, assessed site constraints, and planned for long-term durability, I realised these decisions were all connected to creating viable systems. Their approach helped me see that sustainable design is not an extra it is part of responsible engineering practice. This expanded perspective helped me reframe my AutoCAD challenges as part of the learning journey toward becoming a more effective engineer.

From this experience, I learned that applying sustainability requires both technical skill and reflective decision-making. I gained insight into how design choices affect long-term outcomes, and I developed a deeper appreciation of the role engineers play in shaping more efficient and responsible built environments. Moving forward, I intend to improve my AutoCAD skills through regular practice and structured tutorials, so I can focus more on thoughtful design rather than just the software. I also plan to continue researching sustainable principles so that I can confidently integrate them into future projects. Ultimately, I want to use these lessons to become a more capable and sustainability focused engineer