Meet our 2024 Futurespace Award finalist Cole Brown
The ACE New Zealand Futurespace Award, sponsored by AECOM, recognises consultants who lead the charge in driving innovation and future-focused practices within their organisations and communities. Meet one of our three 2024 finalists, Cole Brown.
Cole’s application for the Futurespace Award highlights his extensive experience and leadership in engineering geology, with a strong focus on digital transformation and disaster response. As an Engineering Geologist at Tonkin + Taylor in Ōtautahi Christchurch, Cole has led significant initiatives to integrate digital solutions within the company.
His journey from studying computer science to pivoting to geology after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake demonstrates his deep passion for understanding geological processes and their impact on communities. Cole graduated from the University of Canterbury with a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Professional Master of Engineering Geology. His dissertation involved developing a 3D geological and groundwater model of Christchurch’s Hillsborough Valley.
Since joining T+T, Cole has gained extensive experience in engineering geological mapping, landslide and rockfall design, active fault studies, quantitative risk analysis, and developing risk management frameworks. This year, Cole led the development of T+T’s new ML-enabled internal search engine, Site Search, which provides rapid access to the company’s extensive project knowledge base. This tool allows staff to quickly find documents, reports and resources, significantly improving knowledge sharing within the organisation.
The judges say Cole is clearly technically capable and demonstrates strong leadership qualities. His work on the Site Search internal search engine and contributions to GeoCoTE have empowered staff and promoted digital solutions within T+T. The judges were also impressed with Cole’s continuous push for the rapid uptake of digital solutions at T+T highlighting his commitment to ensuring the company remains competitive in an ever-changing environment. He also has an ability to innovate under pressure and provide impactful solutions during emergencies which will be beneficial for the community in other future events. The judges commended Cole for his solid leadership in digital tools and disaster response, his strong commitment, and his ability to inspire within his team. Overall, Cole’s application showcases his strong leadership, innovative mindset and significant contributions to engineering geology.
- Meet our 2024 Futurespace Award finalist Asem Zabin
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Meet our 2024 Futurespace Award finalist Ben Westeneng
Winner to be announced at 2024 ACE Awards Gala
The winner of the 2024 Diversity and Inclusion Award will be announced at the ACE Awards Gala in Christchurch on Thursday 24 October.
A ticket to the ACE Awards Gala is included in any full registration for the Futurespace conference. Individual tickets are $235 plus GST and tables of ten are $2,350 plus GST. Each ticket includes a three-course meal, drinks and live entertainment.
To get tickets, visit the Futurespace registration page and select 'ACE Awards Gala only' or 'Table of 10 to ACE Awards Gala'.
Ticket sales close on Wednesday 9 October.