Reflection 1

Reflection 1 – Principles of sustainability to create viable systems

During my time at Capital Engineering Consultants, I was involved in designing simple residential structures such as granny flats using AutoCAD, as well as assisting senior engineers with site inspections and report preparation. This role provided my first real exposure to professional engineering practice and highlighted the expectation that sustainability principles should be embedded into design decisions. While this aligned with what I had learned in theory at university, I quickly realised that applying these ideas in practice was more complex than I had anticipated, particularly as I was still developing my technical drafting skills.

One of the most challenging aspects of the role was my limited experience with AutoCAD. Producing accurate drawings under time constraints often felt overwhelming, especially when I was conscious that these drawings contributed to real projects rather than academic exercises. I found myself spending significant time correcting errors or reworking drawings to meet professional standards. At the same time, I was expected to consider sustainability in the design process, which added another layer of complexity. Balancing the technical demands of the software with broader design considerations made me question my own capabilities early on.

Emotionally, this experience was a mix of frustration and motivation. I felt disappointed at times when I could not work as efficiently as I wanted, particularly when comparing myself to more experienced engineers. However, I was also excited by the opportunity to observe real-world engineering decisions and understand how designs evolve beyond theoretical calculations. Being exposed to professional expectations made me more aware of the responsibility engineers carry in creating structures that are not only functional, but also efficient and sustainable over the long term.

This placement challenged my initial assumptions about engineering. Prior to this experience, I believed that technical reliability was the most important skill an engineer could have. While technical ability is clearly essential, I began to understand that sustainable thinking, professional judgement, and adaptability are equally important. Observing senior engineers showed me that sustainability is not treated as an optional add on, but rather as an integral part of responsible design. Decisions regarding materials, layout, drainage, and site constraints were all made with long-term performance and environmental impact in mind (Mackenzie,2023).

One of the key difficulties I faced was the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Although I understood sustainability concepts such as efficiency, durability, and environmental impact, applying them to real design choices was challenging. This was particularly true when I was still learning how to use AutoCAD effectively. I often found myself focusing so heavily on getting the drawing correct that I struggled to think critically about the broader design implications. This highlighted the importance of developing strong technical foundations so that higher-level thinking can occur more naturally.

Time pressure was another significant challenge. Working within deadlines while still learning new software created stress and forced me to confront the importance of organisation and problem-solving strategies. I realised that relying solely on trial and error was inefficient and that I needed to adopt a more structured approach to learning. This included seeking feedback, observing how experienced engineers approached tasks, and breaking complex problems into manageable steps.

Gaining a broader perspective on sustainability helped me reframe these challenges. By observing senior engineers, I began to see how sustainability principles are embedded in everyday engineering decisions. Material selection, site planning, and compliance with engineering regulations all contribute to reducing environmental impact and improving long term viability (Marwala,2024). Understanding this helped me view my struggles with AutoCAD not as failures, but as necessary steps in developing the skills required to contribute meaningfully to sustainable design.

Through this experience, I learned that becoming an effective engineer requires continuous learning and reflection. Technical skills, such as drafting, are essential, but they must be supported by critical thinking and an awareness of long-term consequences. I gained a deeper appreciation for the role engineers play in shaping the built environment and the responsibility that comes with that role.

Moving forward, I plan to improve my AutoCAD proficiency through regular practice and structured learning, allowing me to focus more on design quality rather than software limitations. I also intend to continue developing my understanding of sustainable engineering principles so I can apply them more confidently in future projects. Overall, this experience reinforced my commitment to growth and confirmed my desire to become a capable, reflective, and sustainability focused engineer.

References

Mackenzie, R. (2025, February 4), What is Sustainable Engineering? | An Introduction for Students, Oxford Summer Courses, What is Sustainable Engineering? | An Introduction for Students | Oxford Summer Courses

Marwala, T. (2024 June 28), Integrating Sustainability into Material Selection Is an Ethical and Strategic Obligation, UNU, Integrating Sustainability into Material Selection Is an Ethical and Strategic Obligation | United Nations University