Matteo Tirapelle, Founder & Managing Director, Hera Engineering
In the intricate world of construction, structural engineering stands as the backbone, shaping thriving communities and steering us toward a secure, sustainable future. But as the demands on our built environment evolve, so does the imperative for structural engineering to adapt and innovate. With growing environmental awareness, the construction industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, challenging structural engineers to not only design robust and aesthetically pleasing structures but also to pioneer solutions that harmonize with the ecosystem. This calls for a unique blend of problem-solving skills, ingenuity, and innovation—an amalgamation that transcends conventional approaches.
Stepping up to this challenge with a flair for this unique blend of skills and a dedication to environmental stewardship is Matteo Tirapelle, a seasoned Structural Chartered Professional Engineer with over two decades of experience in Australian construction and the Founder/Managing Director at Hera Engineering. Recognized by clients as a skilled problem-solver with a strong focus on cost and buildability of structures, Matteo exemplifies how engineering brilliance, combined with sustainability and cost-efficiency, can create a lasting impact on the future of our built environment.
A Journey Rooted in Childhood Values and Engineering Brilliance
Matteo’s journey into the world of structural engineering traces back to his early days in the tranquil Italian countryside. Born into a humble working-class family, Matteo soaked in the values of hard work, pride, and striving for excellence from an early age. He still vividly recalls the days when his family was hustling to build a new house, stretching their finances, and teaching him the valuable life lesson of making the most out of what you have. These early experiences molded Matteo’s mindset, setting the stage for his future professional pursuits. But what truly catapulted him into the tech world was the moment he got his hands on his first computer, a classic Commodore 64. While outdated, this technological relic became Matteo’s treasure trove of knowledge. Matteo taught himself programming, disassembling, and reassembling the machine, which honed his problem-solving skills. From fixing bikes to exploring the intricacies of the Commodore 64, these early experiences marked Matteo’s initial foray into the practical aspect of engineering.
Beyond the nuts and bolts, Matteo’s early experiences also instilled in him a curiosity for history and philosophy. He firmly believes that our past holds the key to innovating for the future – a principle now pulsating through his work in structural engineering. Matteo’s professional journey has been driven by a continuous desire to explore and deeply understand the intricacies of construction and design, a philosophy woven into the very fabric of Hera Engineering today. The company, born from a desire to redefine traditional methods with a focus on efficient, sustainable design in commercial and residential buildings, including innovative high-rise structures and facades, reflects Matteo’s childhood lessons – understanding, creativity, efficiency, and doing more with less. These values not only define their unique approach in the engineering space but also fuel the ongoing journey of Matteo, rooted in the lessons from his formative years in the Italian countryside.
Turning Challenges into Catalysts for Growth
Just like any thriving business, Matteo encountered numerous obstacles while establishing Hera Engineering, each requiring innovative solutions and resolute leadership. One major hurdle was carving out a distinctive identity in a fiercely competitive industry. Right from the outset, their commitment to smart, sustainable, and cost-effective building designs created a significant market impact, setting them apart and showcasing their dedication to innovation and environmental stewardship.
But as success came knocking, so did the skeptics. Hera’s rapid ascent and distinctive approach quickly caught attention but also stirred the pot, making them a threat to established competitors. This triggered a wave of unfounded criticisms and negative campaigns fromrivals. But instead of getting into the dispute, Matteo’s team chose to stay true to their strength. They turned that negativity into fuel, strengthening their skills and letting their exceptional work speak for itself. Instead of relying on words, they showcased their prowess by consistently delivering top-notch results, earning a growing reputation and prestigious projects purely through the sheer quality of their work and client recommendations.
Another significant hurdle for Matteo was creating a tight-knit, high-performing team. “Initially reliant on my reputation, attracting individuals who shared our vision was challenging. We began with a mix of dedicated and less-committed team members, quickly realizing that those not fully invested in our journey could jeopardize our collective efforts. So, decisive action was taken to maintain a team culture that supported our projects and values, ensuring alignment with our ethos,” shares Matteo.
They directed their efforts toward establishing a strong and flexible QA/QC system and cultivated a culture of perpetual learning and improvement. Initially, the team’s diverse composition posed a challenge. However, it evolved into a formidable strength, bringing a wealth of perspectives and innovative solutions to their projects. While Hera faced several challenges along its journey, their response to these trials, grounded in strategic leadership and unwavering values, solidified their position as a leading and respected firm in the engineering sector.
Committed To Constructing Responsibly and Efficiently
Today, Hera Engineering stands firmly committed to sustainable structural design, a commitment deeply rooted in addressing the evolving demographic and environmental challenges of our time. “By 2050, it’s estimated that 75% of the world’s population will reside in urban areas, up from the current 50%. This transition necessitates a significant expansion in urban infrastructure, especially in the realms of high-rise buildings and social housing, to mitigate a growing global housing crisis,” elucidates Matteo.
Their focus on sustainability was galvanized by the alarming statistic—Buildings contribute a hefty 40% to global CO2 emissions, with 15% from construction processes and 25% from operational emissions, surpassing even the manufacturing industry. Being in Australia, a country renowned for its natural splendor, the team at Hera is driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship. “As structural engineers, we recognize our pivotal role in reducing the embodied energy of the buildings we design. By innovating in our design practices and utilizing less but more efficient materials, we are making strides in constructing responsibly and efficiently,” adds Matteo.
A cornerstone of Hera’s sustainable design philosophy lies in the conscientious use of environmentally friendly materials like mass timber and green concrete. Beyond just reducing the carbon footprint, these choices also offer cost advantages. Mass timber, being a renewable resource, sequesters carbon, while green concrete integrates recycled materials, reducing the need for new resources and lowering emissions. This commitment resonates in every project they spearhead, including the redesign of buildings initially conceived by other engineers.
The Brisbane Quarter project, featuring 82-story and 40-story towers, exemplifies their sustainable ethos. By employing innovative practices, Hera Engineering managed to cut CO2 emissions by 10,700 tonnes, equivalent to the emissions from building 54 single-family homes. The material savings from this project alone could have constructed a 41-story tower with 287 apartments, an ideal solution for social housing. This project, among others, earned them the prestigious CTBUH Award for Best Tall Building Oceania in 2023, a testament to their commitment to sustainable structural engineering. Hera Engineering seamlessly blends its passion for environmental stewardship with its structural engineering expertise, offering designs that are not only eco-friendly but also economically viable for its clients.
Nurturing a High-Performance and Inclusive Culture
At Hera Engineering, innovation, teamwork, and strong client relationships are at the heart of everything they do. For Hera, diversity and inclusion are not just concepts; they are ingrained in the company’s fabric. “A significant portion of our team is composed of individuals who were born outside of Australia, bringing diverse cultural perspectives and backgrounds. This diversity is a catalyst for innovation, as it encourages a blend of different ideas and approaches, enriching our design processes,” asserts Matteo.
Dedicated to design excellence, the firm focuses on creating sustainable structures while treating clients with five-star care. In a business world often lacking a personal touch, Hera Engineering prioritizes customer service, ensuring clients feel valued and understood. Above all, the company places great emphasis on its internal culture, ensuring equal opportunities, respect, and a sense of belonging for every team member. This positive atmosphere resonates in the quality of their work, making Hera Engineering not just a structural consulting firm but a committed partner in excellence, innovation, and shared success.
Set to Conquer a New Height
Looking to the future, Hera Engineering is set to make significant strides in the field of structural engineering with a visionary roadmap. The firm aspires to seamlessly integrate cutting-edge technologies such as AI and machine learning into its design processes, pushing the boundaries of efficiency and sustainability. It also aims to prioritize eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs to set new benchmarks in construction practices. Taking the next strategic leap, the company aims to broaden its horizons both geographically and in terms of service offerings, delving into new markets and diversifying its project portfolio to encompass a broader range of structures and engineering challenges. Notably, the company is currently on the verge of opening its first office in Europe.
Beyond the confines of business, Hera Engineering places a strong emphasis on collaboration with educational institutions, nurturing the growth of the next generation of engineers. The firm’s client-centric approach, active community involvement, and unwavering dedication to employee development underscore its commitment to making a positive impact. Amidst the dynamic construction landscape, Hera Engineering remains adaptable and proactive, swiftly responding to market changes and contributing to the development of industry standards. “Hera Engineering envisions a future where we continue to lead in innovation, sustainability, and excellence, making a lasting positive impact in the field of structural engineering, both locally and globally,” concludes Matteo.