NICOLA Enright and Chathuri Bandara are key professionals at Bruce Mactier Building Designers, one of the most successful and diverse firms of its kind in the state. Driven by personal ambition, focus, and a spirit of collegiality, both women play a crucial role in the firm’s achievements, while working hard to obtain career aspirations.
With 15 years of industry experience, Nicola is a senior draftsperson and interior designer with a lifelong passion for design. From sketching floor plans as a child to thoroughly enjoying visual communications in high school, her passion for design has remained a constant.
Currently working part-time at Bruce Mactier, Nicola not only designs for, and liaises with, commercial and residential clients but coordinates with outside consultants to streamline a variety of services for customers. Valuing greatly her workplace’s emphasis on collegial support, mentoring and professional development, Nicola relishes the opportunity to grow through challenging projects that progress her outside her comfort zone.
“In the last couple of years I’ve been involved in some exciting projects, including high-end residential homes as well as commercial projects that have included contract administration and project management. It has also been exciting for me to broaden our interior design projects providing our clients with a holistic service.”
With a background in engineering, Chathuri is a draftsperson on the cusp of entering her fourth year at Bruce Mactier. Acquiring essential skills and knowledge through on-the-job training and support, Chathuri aspires one day to design and build her own home.
“I’ve learnt a lot of things while working at Bruce Mactier. The job can be complex but the guidance and instruction from the senior staff ensures that employees develop their work by learning on the job. I want to continue to evolve my skill set to build my profile as a draftsperson, incorporating projects that range from units, to houses and commercial buildings.”
When asked how she would promote her profession to young women who were considering a future in the industry, Nicola said:
“Give it a go! The industry has certainly changed a lot over time. At Bruce Mactier, we almost have equal numbers of women and men, it’s no longer the male-dominated field it once was when I started. There are flexible workplaces out there, and when you find those, you can really build a successful career.”
