Role: Associate, Structural
Location: Sydney, NSW
For Nikki Akbari, some of the most practical lessons in structural engineering have been gathered far from the office. During a recent presentation to the Association of Consulting Structural Engineers (ACSE) New South Wales, she shared how the daily realities of raising young children have refined the very skills required in her professional life: communication, patience, adaptability, and problem-solving.
As an Associate at Partridge, Nikki brings over a decade of experience across the residential, commercial, public, and institutional sectors. Her academic background is equally diverse, having studied both Civil Engineering (Honours) and Architecture at the University of Sydney. This dual perspective allows her to collaborate effectively with architects, as she possesses an innate understanding of how structural decisions influence the broader aesthetic and functional goals of a design.
One of the most relatable examples Nikki shared involves the inherent risk of making assumptions. A child might ask for a sandwich cut into four pieces and then react with frustration when it arrives as triangles rather than squares. Nikki has observed that project teams frequently encounter this same hurdle. Different stakeholders may use identical terminology while envisioning entirely different outcomes. By taking the time to clarify these specific expectations at the outset, engineers can prevent significant confusion and rework later in the project lifecycle.
Responsible engineering, in Nikki’s view, requires a focus on the long term. She places a strong emphasis on how a structure will perform ten, twenty, or fifty years into the future. She observes that parenting and engineering are fundamentally similar because both disciplines centre on building strong foundations, adapting to inevitable change, and occasionally finding a path through a chaotic situation.
Nikki’s approach to structural design and project management has contributed to a variety of award-winning results. Her recent work includes the Ravine House, which received the Randwick City Architecture and Urban Design Award for Best House, and projects recognised by the Concrete Institute of Australia (NSW) in 2023. Her portfolio also includes the 2021 Excellence in Concrete Award for Balmain House, the Australian Timber Design Award for the Blue Mountains CLT Studio and IMBY Kit House, and multiple accolades from the ACSE for excellence in small building projects and engineering.
