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What is your current role at TBH?
I work as a Consultant for the Claims and Dispute Resolution Team in Perth. My role involves processing large volumes of complex, technical data to address matters in dispute and provide solutions in a simplistic manner. I approach problems from a neutral standpoint, digging into the details of contracts, project timelines and the Works Under Contract (WUC), to provide practiced opinions on the matters. To date, my services have been used for matters in dispute that have been dealt with via Arbitration, Litigation and Adjudication.
Why do you find these services and industries interesting?
I find Claims and Dispute Resolution particularly interesting because I get to dive into the details and provide opinions on problems that have, in some cases, been long-standing. There is a unique sense of fulfillment when conflicts and disputes are resolved efficiently, even in high-pressure situations. It feels like untangling a complex knot of threads; when everything finally falls into place – it’s incredibly rewarding.
Reviewing and processing years of data, correspondences and contemporaneous documents allows me to seek solutions and learn about potential issues, causes and trends that lead to similar conflicts and disputes. This is particularly enriching for me as a Civil Engineer, and it allows me to share this knowledge with my colleagues and clients (while maintaining confidentiality, of course).
Furthermore, the exposure to multiple construction industries is something I find particularly interesting. Within the past 18 months, I have worked in various industries, including the Energy sector, Road and Infrastructure, Buildings, Mining & Resources and the Health & Defence sector. Each sector has its own nuances and regulations/standards, and working across multiple sectors has given me insight into how different industries operate. This has made me appreciate that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to problems. By being aware of the different regulations, I believe I am more efficient than those new to one of the previously mentioned sectors, meaning our clients benefit from that efficiency.
What did you study, and what made you decide on a career in consulting and ultimately at TBH?
I completed my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in Bhutan, where I was formally recognised by the Royal family for my academic efforts. I then earned my master’s in civil engineering from Edith Cowan University in Australia. Before moving to Australia, I worked on one of the major hydropower projects in Bhutan, the Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project Authority (MHPA). My role involved reviewing and analysing claims and disputes, including Extension of Time (EOT), dealing with deviations and variation items, Prolongation Costs and more.
When I came across an advertisement for a role at TBH, it immediately caught my attention. Exploring the company’s website and discovering the projects we work on intrigued me even more. It felt familiar yet strikingly different – broader, more streamlined and grander. And I was right. I quickly realised there was so much more to discover. A career in consulting means being part of a constantly evolving industry, where you get the opportunity to work on diverse, large-scale projects across various sectors. I was excited by the prospect of learning the best practices and more efficient methods for conflict resolution, as well as delving into the technicalities and legal aspects of dispute management within the construction industry as an engineer. TBH stood out as the perfect place to gain all of this and more, offering me both professional growth and exposure to the kind of projects and challenges I was eager to take on.
What major projects have you worked on while at TBH? How did this project help transform communities?
Most of the projects I have been a part of are confidential in nature, so the name, location, and dates cannot be disclosed. However, I have been involved in multiple industries where TBH offered Dispute Management services such as:
- Power Projects where I was involved in Disruption Analysis.
- Major Road projects providing Delay and Claims support.
- Multiple Adjudications for building & Construction works.
- Large-scale build & construction projects providing Delay support.
I am happy to share that our clients have been extremely satisfied with the outcome of their disputes, and our work was one of the determining factors in resolving these disputes.
Tell us about a career highlight!
I worked on the MHPA project, a 720 MW hydropower plant in Bhutan, under the Claims & Dispute Management team. During my tenure at MHPA, I successfully reviewed over 200 new rates and resolved approximately 15 claims relating to EOTs, Delay and other quantum-related claims, under the guidance of my Principal Engineer.
In terms of my career highlight at TBH, in just one year and five months, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in disputes related to Adjudications, Arbitration and even those in the Supreme Court. Additionally, I was entrusted by my directors to represent TBH on a national platform through NAWIC’s Emerging Talent Award, where I had the honour of becoming one of the finalists in my category. More than the recognition itself, what truly mattered to me was the trust and belief my directors placed in me, which was incredibly meaningful and motivating.
Apart from this, I started my career at TBH during a particularly vulnerable time in my life. I was juggling my studies, parenting twin toddlers, and trying to establish myself in the Australian construction industry. Despite these demanding responsibilities, I managed to carve out a role for myself in the Claims and Dispute Management team at TBH. This achievement is one of my major career highlights, and I am extremely proud of it.
Solution Driven: Delivering solutions for complex problems
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about finding solutions. I find fulfillment in the end-product of detangling the knots of Contractual claims and disputes. At this point in my career, I intend to keep progressing and upgrading my knowledge in the space of Disputes, both in terms of experience and academic knowledge. I am also passionate about venturing into the world of Project Planning and Management, where I would like to utilise my knowledge of disputes learned from the back end.
Future-focused: Building a better future, today
What major innovations or industry trends are you most excited about?
As an Engineer, I am particularly keen on Australia’s rapid transformation into renewable energy. This shift means new frontiers for problem-solving and innovation into emerging technologies such as green hydrogen, next-generation solar panels, more advanced battery storage and much more. This transition also suggests increasing large-scale complex energy projects, which implies a unique opportunity for TBH to engage with clients in the energy sector by leveraging its expertise in construction processes, contract laws and dispute resolution.
Better Together: Realising the power of diversity
Have you joined any of TBH’s committees?
I have taken part in some of the social committee activities. However, my objectives at the moment are all about professional development. In this area, I am proud to say that I am an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (ACIArb), a member of Engineers Australia (EA), and a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI).