We’re excited to announce a special collaborative event between CIBSE Young Engineers Network (YEN) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB). This joint panel discussion will bring together professionals from across the built environment to explore career journeys, challenges, and insights from some of the leading engineers in our industry.
About the Organisers
CIBSE YEN (Young Engineers Network) is a community within the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers that supports early-career professionals through networking, knowledge sharing, and professional development.
CIOB, the Chartered Institute of Building, represents professionals who work within the built environment, promoting the science and practice of building and construction for the benefit of society.
What to Expect
Join us for an inspiring panel discussion featuring three accomplished professionals in the building and services engineering industry, who will share their career journeys—highlighting the successes, challenges, and pivotal moments that shaped their paths.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, this is a great opportunity to gain valuable advice and hear firsthand experiences from those at the forefront of the industry.
Highlights of the evening include:
- Insightful panel discussion on careers in the building industry
- Live Q&A with the panelists
- Networking opportunities with peers and professionals across disciplines
Meet the Panel
Our panelists are senior professionals from a range of organisations, all of whom are passionate about delivering sustainable and effective engineering and construction solutions.
- Sarah McLaughlin (Group Manager & Senior Mechanical Engineer, Northrop Consulting Engineers)
Sarah McLaughlin is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Northrop Consulting Engineers, where she leads the mechanical team and delivers building services design across a wide range of sectors ranging from education and healthcare to commercial and community spaces. She thrives on complex projects, whether it’s electrifying a heritage-listed building or designing central plant systems for large mixed-use developments. For Sarah, the most rewarding part is bringing disciplines together, solving tricky problems, and seeing it all come to life on site.
Alongside her technical work, Sarah is a passionate advocate for creating a more inclusive construction industry. She mentors younger engineers and actively promotes greater visibility and support for girls in STEM. Her goal is to help build an industry where girls feel inspired, included, and excited to grow their careers.
- Anna Davis (Senior Manager - Green Star Technical Delivery, Green Building Council Australia)
Anna is a Senior Manager at the Green Building Council Australia with a focus in Green Star technical delivery. With over 15 years of international experience in sustainability consulting and building physics, Anna is a highly skilled analyst known for delivering world-leading outcomes across diverse building sectors. Anna was among the first WELL Accredited Professionals in Australia and is passionate about holistic, sustainable design that leaves a lasting legacy. Her expertise spans passive and mechanical design optimisation, dynamic thermal modelling software development, and integrating circular economy principles into building design. Having worked on high-profile projects across Australia, the UK, the Middle East, and the Americas, Anna brings deep insight into both new and existing buildings, including commercial offices, hospitals, and shopping centres. Her background in psychology and the built environment further informs a human-centred approach to sustainability, with a growing focus on occupant wellbeing and ethical supply chains.
