Hannah George is an automation and control engineer with over 20 years of experience in building technology design and delivery. She is a specialist in building technology, including structured cabling, security and CCTV, communications, audiovisual, functional requirements, and use cases for building technology. Working ‘on the tools’ with a major controls contractor, Hannah’s background has given her a practical understanding of technology delivery, having gained experience designing, installing, and commissioning numerous systems in hospitals, commercial and prison buildings. As a consultant, she has worked across various sectors, including retail, commercial, education, health, aviation, ports, government, defence, data centres and industrial building technology.
Q. What inspired you to join the industry?
A. My interests, strengths, and persuasive teachers influenced a change from my original plan to study law, and I became interested in technology and engineering at age 15 – the deal was sealed when I attended a physics camp at Massey University!
I graduated after four years with a BEng (Automation and Control). I sought out an international company, hoping to expand my worldview, joining Honeywell NZ as a graduate. I expected to have exposure to both industrial and building controls, the work available at the time sent me on a rapid learning curve in building technology and integration – and I have never looked back!
Q. What is your favourite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
A. My favourite ANZ project so far would be – the Quarantine facility in Bullsbrook, WA. The project had a clear mandate to deliver, and time was of the essence. The federal government, AECOM and managing contractor brought the best team and ideas to the project. I was part of a great project and technical delivery while meeting some of the best people in AECOM shortly after joining the team – it was a great introduction to what AECOM is capable of!
Q. Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
A. The METRONET program of works is helping to connect communities in the sprawling Perth metropolitan region to improve economic and social connection. The level crossing removal project will remove deaths and injuries from incidents at the intersection of rail and people and vehicles. The same project reconnects communities that have been divided by the rail corridor.