Said in Concrete

After a season of conversations spanning numerous topics, this special edition episode takes a step back to reflect on the bigger themes shaping the future of construction. Joining Estelle for this recap discussion are David Millar, CEO of the Concrete Institute of Australia, and Clare Tubolets, CEO of SmartCrete CRC. They revisit some of the most important insights and recurring challenges raised...

Sustainability in construction is no longer a side conversation. It’s reshaping the way projects are designed, specified and delivered across the industry. In this episode, Estelle sits down with Lauren Howe from Arup and Sam Chen from Mott MacDonald to explore how engineering and materials expertise are helping drive the transition toward lower embodied carbon infrastructure. Rather than focusing...

In this episode, Estelle is joined by Ali Kashani from UNSW and Evan Smith, National Sustainability Manager at Holcim, to explore one of the construction industry’s biggest challenges—decarbonising the way we build. As the push toward net zero continues to accelerate, the conversation around concrete is evolving beyond strength and performance to focus on lifecycle impact, material innovation and...

Innovation in construction is often talked about as the next big step — but the real question is how we actually get there. In this episode, the focus turns to what happens between a good idea and real-world impact. With so much promising research emerging across the sector, from low-carbon materials to technologies like 3D concrete printing, the challenge isn’t a lack of innovation, it’s translat...

Durability, performance, and long-term value are becoming central to how we think about construction — but it all starts with the materials we choose. In this episode, Estelle sits down with Craig Mellick and Sean Windred from BG&E Materials to explore the role materials engineering plays in shaping the built environment. From design life and durability to testing, data, and real-world applica...

Decarbonisation is no longer a future ambition—it’s a present-day responsibility for the construction industry. In this episode, Estelle sits down with Estela Garcez and David Law to explore how the sector is working to reduce its environmental footprint across the full lifecycle of materials, infrastructure and projects. From the progress already being made to the challenges still holding us back...

Durability is no longer just a technical detail, it’s central to how we build for the future. In this episode, Estelle sits down with Jonathan Dyson and Summer Wang to explore what durability by design really means in today’s construction landscape. As the industry shifts toward more sustainable and resilient infrastructure, the focus is moving beyond upfront cost to long-term performance and life...

The construction industry is at a turning point and what comes next will define the future of our built environment. In this episode, Estelle is joined by Dena Jacobs and Alison Scotland to explore the forces shaping the future of construction. From policy and infrastructure priorities to sustainability, innovation and system-wide change, this conversation looks at how the industry is evolving and...

Digital transformation is no longer a future concept, it’s already reshaping the construction industry in real time. In this episode, Estelle sits down with Farham Sharivar and Dan Rowley to unpack what digital transformation actually looks like on the ground. From data-driven decision making and smarter project delivery to the integration of emerging technologies, this conversation explores how i...

In this episode, Liza O’Moore returns to share her perspective on what it truly means to be a lifelong learner . With more than 30 years of experience across structural and concrete design, research, and academic leadership, Liza reflects on why curiosity matters at every stage of your career. She explores how continuous learning not only strengthens your technical ability, but also shapes you as...

In this episode, Estelle Clapham explores the idea of being known for your knowledge . Stepping outside the concrete world, she reflects on how she built a business in an industry she once knew nothing about — and the lessons learned along the way. Through her story, Estelle highlights the power of curiosity, credibility, and continuous learning, showing how knowledge — when shared with purpose —...

In this episode, we’re joined by Andrew Derbidge - a structural engineer with more than 25 years’ experience and Director of AD Consulting Engineers in Sydney. From bespoke homes to large-scale commercial projects, Andrew has built a career grounded in technical excellence and genuine connection. Here, Andrew shares his insights on Winning in the Residential Market  - exploring what success looks...

In this episode, Farzad Moghaddam shares his perspective on Building Career Opportunities  - exploring what it takes to transition from academia to industry. He reflects on the expectations of both worlds, how to navigate career shifts with confidence, and the importance of maintaining balance along the way. It’s an insightful conversation about resilience, growth, and shaping a career that works...

In this episode, Dak shares his insights on how to create a network that works for you. With decades of experience bridging research and real-world engineering, Dak explores the importance of building meaningful professional relationships that open doors, foster collaboration, and drive innovation. Whether you’re early in your career or well established, his advice on cultivating genuine connectio...

In this episode, Peter Valanidas shares My Life Poured in Concrete: My Path, Your Possibilities — a deeply personal reflection on resilience and growth. Through stories from his own career, Peter explores what it means to adapt when things don’t go to plan, how to find purpose in uncertainty, and why perseverance often leads to the most meaningful outcomes.

In this episode, we kick things off with John Hilton — a bridge engineer with over 40 years of experience across Australia, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Now leading design and capability at Aurecon, John shares practical insights on keeping on top of regulatory changes in an industry that never stands still, and how innovation and collaboration can turn compliance into opportunity.

LAUNCHING 16TH OCTOBER. Welcome to this special edition of Said in Concrete, recorded live at the Concrete Institute of Australia’s Concrete 2025 Conference in Adelaide. This year, the CIA along with SmartCrete CRC introduced something a bit different — a dedicated NEXGen conference stream designed to be more relaxed, interactive, and intimate. Across the next few episodes, you’ll hear a series of...

In this episode of Said in Concrete , host Estelle Clapham celebrates leadership, learning, and a shared passion for concrete with two exceptional guests. Joel Brown, Principal Structural Engineer and Project Manager at WGA, brings expertise across diverse projects, from maritime infrastructure to renewable energy, with a niche in wind turbine foundation design. A/Prof Liza O’Moore, a Life Member...

In this episode of Said in Concrete , host Estelle Clapham is joined by two leaders driving innovation in asset management—Daniel Anstice, Senior Technical Director at GHD, and Brodie Chan, Head of Asset Strategy at Port of Brisbane. Former colleagues turned associates and friends, Daniel and Brodie share how their collaboration has shaped their careers and advanced asset renewal and life extensio...

In Part Two of this special Said in Concrete conversation, host Estelle Clapham continues her inspiring discussion with Echo Wang and Professor Shan Kumar. In this episode, we dive deeper into the importance of collaboration, the challenges of implementing sustainable solutions, and how the blend of emerging ideas with decades of expertise is key to building a resilient future for concrete. Tune i...

In this episode of Said in Concrete , host Estelle Clapham explores the powerful connection between fresh perspectives and seasoned expertise in the world of engineering. Echo Wang, a senior professional at NTRO’s Sustainability & Material Performance team, shares her experience transitioning from academia to industry, where she’s driving innovations in low-carbon concrete and sustainable infr...

In this episode of Said in Concrete , host Estelle Clapham sits down with David Millar, CEO of the Concrete Institute of Australia, and Indira Vasikova, a PhD student at UTS researching low-carbon concrete solutions. Despite meeting for the first time, their conversation beautifully bridges generations, showcasing the value of connecting seasoned professionals with emerging talent. They explore ho...

In this episode of Said in Concrete , host Estelle Clapham is joined by two inspiring trailblazers shaping the future of the concrete industry. Diana Geaboc, Project Manager at Port of Brisbane, shares her experience delivering multi-million-dollar maritime infrastructure projects, while Professor Rebecca Gravina, TMR Chair of Structural Engineering at UQ, brings over 25 years of expertise in rese...

In this episode of Said in Concrete , we sit down with Professor Vute Sirivatnanon and Dr Liam Martin to explore the unexpected paths careers can take and how research can drive real-world change. From mentoring the next generation to applying cutting-edge concrete durability insights, Vute and Liam share lessons from their journey and decades of expertise. Tune in for inspiration and practical ad...

In this episode of Said in Concrete , we’re joined by Sachi Karunaratha and Satyajit Datar to explore how academia and industry can work together to create real-world solutions. From sustainable innovations like rubberised concrete to decades of engineering expertise shaping major infrastructure, we discuss career opportunities, seizing the moment, and building a more sustainable future. Don’t mis...