GHD recognises client service at its best

One of the world’s leading engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services companies, GHD, has named Mia Barnard, Design Manager – Major Projects in Sydney, as the recipient of the inaugural Client Service Award for Australia.

Phil Duthie, GHD’s General Manager – Australia, says, “Client service is what separates the successful consultants from the rest – a technical focus alone is no longer enough. Celebrating colleagues who are doing it well is a fantastic way to inspire others. It also provokes discussion about how we connect and engage with clients.

“Mia is one of our best engineering design managers who delivers for our clients every single time. When the challenge looks daunting, she provides leadership, technical support, drive and above all solid direction to the design team. This is how she enables people from different disciplines working across multiple offices to collaborate and succeed.”

Working for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area Renewal Alliance, Mia adopted a no-compromises approach to the delivery of the Hanwood irrigation modernisation project in the Riverina, which was constructed on time and below budget.

Peter Scheiwe, Alliance Manager, comments, “Mia has provided the Alliance with value that is way above and beyond the role of a Design Manager. Mia is accepted as one of the client’s key team members and she is a person the client will turn to readily for honest and accurate advice.”

Mia says, “Having grown up on a farm in South Africa, I was thrilled to work on these major irrigation upgrades. My background helped me understand the challenges rural communities face and to better connect with my client, their customers and the local community. I’m honoured to have played a part in securing the next generation’s future.”

Joining Phil as one of the awards judges was Sonia Adams, GHD’s Client Liaison Manager, and past President of the Asia Pacific Professional Services Marketing Association (APSMA). She says, “Client service is at the heart of who we are. In an industry that’s increasingly borderless and more competitive than ever before, we want to continue to stand out for exceeding our clients’ needs and expectations. This is why we have set up the Client Service Award Program to recognise individuals and teams who not only demonstrate technical excellence, but are also passionate about providing exemplary service.”