For Nick Covich, a career in engineering was almost inevitable. Growing up in a West Auckland family of builders and construction workers and surrounded by diggers, trucks and heavy machinery from a young age, he started working on construction sites at age 17.

That experience turned into a keen interest in building and engineering, and his career grew from there. After completing his New Zealand Certificate in Engineering and later a Bachelor of Engineering, he worked for several local councils in Auckland, doing everything from structural design, roading, water main and sewer design to contract management and supervision for civil engineering projects.

His work also included working for a large Precast manufacturing plant in the late 1980’s Nick joined the Mitchell Vranjes’ team in 1995. His early years saw him working on both structural and civil projects, but he’s been focused on the structural side of things for the last 15 years. Now, as Technical Director, he spends less time behind the wheel of a truck and more time collaborating with clients, designers and other stakeholders to ensure his projects run smoothly. Nick thinks of structural engineering as part art, part science and part teamwork, and loves diving into complex issues. A born problem-solver, he has a knack for cutting through the noise and finding the simplest, most cost-effective way forward and is always keen to explore new technologies including Base isolation and Dampers

Off-site, Nick enjoys all motorsports and supports his son in his Speedway Midget racing hobby in the United States. He’s also a keen traveller who tries to experience new places and cultures as often as he can.