Black & White Engineering has announced two significant leadership developments that strengthen the company’s governance and technical capability as it continues its rapid global expansion.

Mick Cairns Transitions to Chairman and CEO

Mick Cairns, Founder of Black & White Engineering, will assume the role of Chairman and CEO, a governance enhancement designed to support the company’s long-term growth strategy. This transition enables the business to maintain the founder-led strategic insight that has shaped its success, while building additional leadership depth for the next phase of expansion.

As Chairman and CEO, Mick continues to play an active and central role in guiding the company’s strategic direction as it advances its 2029 Vision. Black & White’s mission, culture and priorities remain unchanged, with a continued focus on leading in advanced engineering and design and delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions across mission-critical sectors.

Charlie Bater Appointed Chief Technical Officer

Black & White Engineering has also appointed Charlie Bater as Chief Technical Officer (CTO), effective immediately. This strategic appointment reflects the company’s continued investment in strengthening its technical leadership as it scales to meet global demand for mission-critical digital infrastructure.

Charlie joined Black & White seven years ago and has progressed through several senior roles, most recently serving as Global Datacentre Director. Throughout his tenure, he has been instrumental in driving regional expansion, elevating technical standards and embedding a Client First approach across project delivery.

The creation of the Chief Technical Officer role reinforces Black & White’s commitment to technical excellence and innovation. The strengthened technical leadership structure will support the company’s rapid growth, enhance engineering capability and create new opportunities for career development across its global technical teams.

Leadership Commentary

Mick Cairns, Chairman and CEO
“The last decade has been an incredible journey, and now that we embark on our vision for the next decade, I look forward to working with our executive board and regional directors to achieve our ambition to become the world’s leading critical buildings and infrastructure engineering consultancy. With clear short, medium and longer-term goals in place to build a global business that meets the challenges of our sector, it is essential to strengthen our leadership group further.”

Charlie Bater, Chief Technical Officer
“Stepping into the CTO role is an incredible opportunity, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in me. Having grown with the business over the past seven years, I’ve seen firsthand the strength of our people and the ambition that drives Black & White. My focus is to build on our position as the leading data centre design consultancy by further enabling a technical function that drives innovation, supports our teams and ensures we continue delivering industry-leading solutions for our clients across the globe. The best is still ahead of us.”

These leadership developments reinforce Black & White Engineering’s commitment to sustainable, long-term growth as it continues expanding its global footprint.

At Black & White Engineering, we believe that long-term success comes from investing in our people and creating genuine opportunities for career growth across our global offices. 

This month, we’re proud to celebrate two colleagues who have reached an incredible milestone: Hassaan Farooq, Group Finance Manager based in Dubai, and GP Avecilla, Associate Director based in Manila. Each mark 10 years with Black & White joining a growing group of long serving team members who have shaped our success from the early days to the global business we are today.  

With more than 1,000 colleagues across the world, reaching a decade of service is a significant achievement. For us, it reflects a culture where people choose to stay and continue to grow their careers within our One Global Team. 

Hassaan and GP’s stories, while beginning in different corners of the world, reflect the same spirit of collaboration and innovation that connects all our teams worldwide. 

Hassaan’s Career Growth Journey at Black & White

For Hassaan, what first stood out about Black & White was “the energy and ambition from the very top.” He recalls walking through the office during his first interview and being inspired by the passion and vision of the leadership team. “Ten years later, that same drive is still what inspires me to stay,” he reflects. Over the past decade, he has seen the company evolve into a more global, structured and forward-thinking organisation, and he has grown alongside it.

“One of the highlights for me was leading the implementation of Microsoft Dynamics 365. It was a huge challenge, but the trust and support I received made it one of my proudest achievements here.” 

GP’s Leadership Story

Across the world in Manila, GP shares a similar appreciation for the culture that has shaped his career.

“I joined Black & White for its teamwork and meaningful global projects. Ten years later, I stay inspired by the people and the culture of collaboration and excellence.”

Known for his leadership and dedication to mentoring others, GP takes pride in seeing the younger engineers he has guided now thriving in their own leadership roles. “It’s proof that when you stay curious, embrace challenges, and take ownership of your growth, you can go a long way with the support of your team.” 

Growing With a Company That’s Always Moving Forward

Both Hassaan and GP have witnessed remarkable change over the years, from the company’s expansion into new regions and markets to its continued focus on innovation, learning and engineering excellence that drives long-term success. 

As Hassaan puts it, “What excites me most about the future is that the ambition hasn’t slowed down. There’s always a new goal, a new opportunity, and a real sense that we’re building something lasting.” 

At Black & White Engineering, we are proud to celebrate the dedication, passion, and professional career growth of our people. Their stories remind us that our greatest success lies not only in the projects we deliver but in the people who make them possible. 

Inspired by Hassaan and GP’s Stories? 

Explore where a career at Black & White Engineering could take you. Visit our careers page to learn more. 

A new generation of engineers are shaping the data centre industry. Gen Z graduates and apprentices are bringing fresh perspectives, digital fluency and a strong sense of purpose to the workplace.

At Black & White Engineering, we see this generation not just as future talent, but as active contributors to our progress. Across our global offices, our graduate and apprenticeship programmes combine real-world experience with structured learning to equip Gen Z engineers with the confidence, skills and insight to build what’s next.

Every journey at Black & White is unique. From Newcastle to Noida and across to Manila, our graduate and apprentice engineers are shaping their careers while contributing to projects that matter. Here are just a few of their stories.

Abby Broadbent – Mechanical Engineer, Newcastle UK

Abby began her engineering career with Black & White through the UK’s PlanBEE programme, an industry-led initiative developing the next generation of built environment professionals. After completing her apprenticeship and gaining hands-on experience within our data centre team, Abby has recently been promoted to Mechanical Engineer, continuing her journey from trainee to qualified engineer while contributing to major projects.

“When I was completing the PlanBEE programme, I applied to three companies as part of the course and Black & White was my first choice. The opportunity offered the chance to study part time for a Building Services Engineering degree, supported by experienced mentors and clear career progression routes.

Through my apprenticeship placement at Black & White, I gained valuable, real-world experience working on live client projects. I also felt completely supported during my placement and learnt so much in a short space of time. My opinions were valued, and I felt included as a key member of the team.

One of the best things about working at Black & White is the diversity of work and freedom to gain experience within the consultancy’s different sectors and learn from everyone on the team, across all levels. I am very pleased to have been promoted to Mechanical Engineer. Black & White is a great company to work for and I feel equipped with the tools, training and support required to excel in my job.”

Ashutosh Kumar – Revit / CAD Specialist, Noida, India

Meet Ashutosh. Ashutosh joined Black & White as a graduate in 2024 with his education and expertise in electrical engineering.

“I joined Black & White as a graduate because of the company’s strong reputation for delivering innovative, high-impact engineering solutions across multiple sectors, including electrical, mechanical, plumbing and ELV systems. I was looking for a place where I could grow technically while also contributing to meaningful projects early in my career.

During my research and after speaking with a few people already working here I was impressed by the collaborative culture and the level of support offered to graduates. The structured development programme, mentorship opportunities and exposure to real-world engineering challenges made Black & White the ideal place to start my journey.

One of the most valuable experiences I’ve had is learning how to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams. I’m committed to developing deeper technical expertise, as engineering is a constantly evolving field. I want to continue growing not only as an engineer but also in my overall professional journey.

For new graduates, I highly recommend Black & White as a great place to learn, grow and build a strong foundation for your career.”

Catriona Gluyas – Sustainability Consultant, Newcastle, UK

Catriona joined Black & White in 2023 after graduating from the University of Edinburgh and within just 12 months was promoted to Sustainability Consultant.

“When I first applied to Black & White’s graduate programme, I was struck by their unique approach to hiring graduates all year round. It showed a real commitment to attracting top talent and tailoring the programme to individual needs.

From the start, the company’s investment in my development was clear. Within my first two weeks at Black & White, I’d already completed and passed the BREEAM Associate exam. But it’s not just about formal qualifications the Learning Week sessions through the Global Academy have been invaluable too. A session on ‘prioritising time’ helped me create strategies that I still use every day to manage project workloads. The Global Academy is also a great way to connect with other graduates globally and build a sense of community.

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the graduate experience. My line manager, mentor and buddy have each played a part in helping me transition from university graduate to professional life. Since my recent promotion to Sustainability Consultant, I’ve continued to build on that support through in-person learning residencies and formal qualifications that are helping me take the next step in my career.”

Ziddney Jandusay – Graduate Mechanical Engineer, Manila, Philippines

We recently welcomed one of our newest graduates, Ziddney, to our Quezon City office in Manila. A licensed mechanical engineer and graduate of Batangas State University, Ziddney is already putting his strong foundation in HVAC system design into practice.

“Starting a new career straight from university can be daunting, but joining Black & White made the transition smooth and fulfilling. It’s a supportive environment where learning is encouraged and every question, no matter how small, is welcomed. Growth here is guided every step of the way.

What stands out most is the teamwork. From my first month, I saw how collaboration drives success and being part of One Global Team means you’re never working alone. There’s always someone ready to share their knowledge and offer guidance.

Beyond work, the company promotes balance through activities like sports, which help build connections and well-being. The graduate training programme is comprehensive, helping you build both technical and professional confidence through real project experience, mentorship and feedback.

My advice to future graduates: embrace the learning process. Black & White gives you every opportunity to grow. You’ll find not just a workplace, but a community that helps you become the engineer you aspire to be.”

Building the Next Generation

From technical capability to professional confidence, our apprentices and graduates are building strong foundations for their future careers. Supported by mentors, on-the-job experience and structured learning through our Global Academy, they are part of our One Global Team culture that values collaboration and continuous development.

If you are looking to start your engineering journey in a place where learning never stops, discover our Graduate and Apprenticeship opportunities on our Careers Page.

As over 50 team members mark more than a decade with Black & White, we’re highlighting the personal stories that have shaped our global team.

In this article, two of our long-serving colleagues in Manila Blessilda Bedro and Ernico Cordero look back at their career journeys and what they’ve learned along the way.

Blessilda Bedro, HR/Admin Assistant – Manila

“Black & White gave me the opportunity to grow and they’ve supported me every step of the way.”

 

“Before Black & White, I spent nearly 10 years at a small MEP design firm in the UAE. When the opening here came up, I knew it was the right move. The company had a more global mindset, with diverse ways of thinking, working styles, and business practices. That really attracted me.

“What’s made me stay for over a decade is the sense of loyalty and trust, the strong work-life balance and the support from our directors. I’m also grateful to our CEO for giving me the opportunity to transfer to the Manila office. That kind of leadership makes a difference.

“Over the years, I’ve seen the company grow in size and capability, integrating new systems and technologies, especially in HR and expanding our global footprint. At the same time, I’ve continued to build my skills and adapt.

“What makes Black & White stand out is the culture of development and wellbeing. There are training opportunities and conferences across all levels, plus scholarship programmes that support fresh graduates. I’ve always appreciated how the company encourages health, wellness, and camaraderie through sports and team-building activities.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited about the company’s continued global expansion and our focus on innovation. The opening of our new office in Quezon City is another big step and one I know will support the next generation of engineers coming through.”

Ernico Cordero, Revit/CAD Lead – Manila

“The learning never stops and that’s something I really value here.”

 

“Looking back at my time here at Black & White, I’ve witnessed significant personal and professional growth. When I first started, the industry and company processes were new to me. I stayed focused, kept learning and leaned on the support of my colleagues.

“My understanding and confidence in my role have deepened, and I have grown both as an individual and as a professional.

“Over the past decade, I’ve developed technical skills, grown into a leadership role and learned how to adapt in fast-changing environments.

“One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the relationships I’ve built with my colleagues. Whether it was through formal training or informal mentorship, the collaborative environment has been crucial in helping me evolve in my career.

“I’m excited about the future and the opportunities for growth that lie ahead. I’m committed to continuing to learn and grow in my role, contributing to the success of my team and building on the foundation I’ve established here at Black & White.”

Inspired by Ernico and Bless’s stories?

Explore where a career at Black & White Engineering could take you. Visit our careers page to learn more.

At Black & White Engineering, we’re proud to recognise the colleagues whose long-standing contributions have helped shape who we are today. With over 50 team members marking more than a decade with the business this year, we’re sharing some of the experiences that reflect our global culture in action.

In this article, we hear from Dubai-based team members Melissa Alvarado and Domar Buan as they reflect on their growth, challenges and what continues to drive them forward.

Melissa Alvarado, Senior Accountant – Dubai

“Even the smallest contributions are recognised. I feel trusted in my role and part of something bigger.”

 

“I still remember my first day. There was no accounting software in place yet, and I was learning the ropes but I immediately felt the support around me. I even remember our CEO offering to walk me through the company’s financial cycle. That level of involvement really stood out.

“In the first few years, I stayed because I genuinely enjoyed the work and felt supported by the team. As the company grew, I felt more trusted in my role and appreciated how even the smallest contributions were recognised by leadership. That sense of belonging, and the ‘One Global Team’ value, made a lasting impression.

“Everyone here is accountable, and you can see the passion in the people you work with. That’s what makes Black & White unique.

“There’s been a lot of digital transformation since then, and that brought new challenges. I had to push myself to adapt and keep up. Over time, I’ve developed stronger communication and management skills, and taken a more proactive, learning-focused mindset to become more effective in my role.

“One of the things I’m most proud of is supporting the team behind the scenes and helping others grow. Seeing that impact over time has been incredibly rewarding.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited to see Black & White continue to grow and be recognised as a leader in the industry. Knowing I’ve been part of that journey keeps me motivated to grow with the business.”

Domar Buan, Site Inspector (Mechanical) – Dubai

“The company doesn’t just talk about its values. It lives them. That’s what makes it a great place to work.”

 

“I remember my first day, excited and a little nervous, but the team was incredibly welcoming, and the onboarding process was thorough. That experience really set the tone.

“I was first attracted to Black & White because of its strong commitment to professional growth and the supportive team culture. The variety of challenging projects drew me in and have kept me engaged over the years.

“Black & White has grown significantly since I joined, expanding its capabilities and taking on more complex projects. I’ve grown alongside that change personally and professionally developing new skills and learning to adapt to different challenges.

“The culture of continuous learning here has helped me evolve. Every project I’ve worked on has pushed me to grow, and what I’m most proud of is how we collaborate as a team to deliver the best results. Initiative is valued here. If you take advantage of the opportunities available, you’ll thrive.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited about the company’s commitment to innovation and embracing new technologies. There’s so much potential for continued growth and impact in the industry, and I look forward to being part of that.

“If I could offer one piece of advice to new team members, it would be this: embrace every learning opportunity, be open to collaboration and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

Inspired by Melissa and Domar’s stories?

Explore where a career at Black & White Engineering could take you. Visit our careers page to learn more.

At Black & White Engineering, we are proud to celebrate the people who have shaped our success. With over 50 team members reaching their 10-year anniversaries and above this year, their stories offer a unique insight into what makes an engineering career at Black & White so rewarding.

In this article, we hear from our Newcastle office, where Barry Allan and Tony Hutchinson reflect on their decade of growth, global projects and the importance of a strong team culture.

Tony Hutchinson, Principal Mechanical Engineer – Newcastle

“The ‘One Team’ ethos is real here. Everyone wants to do a good job. You can feel the drive to deliver the best possible outcome. After a while, colleagues become friends, even family.”

 

“One of my lecturers told me Black & White had just opened in Newcastle and were looking for graduates. I reached out for a summer placement and ended up with a full-time offer. I spoke with Steve Horn in that first meeting and I just knew this was something I wanted to be part of. The scale of the projects, the ambition, the people. It all felt right.

“I’ve grown a lot in ten years. Learning how to manage people effectively has probably been the biggest shift for me. The last year, especially, has been the most important of my career, thanks to the support from our Learning & Development team.

“And the future? I want to see how far we can take this. I’ve seen what we’ve built in a decade. I truly believe we’re on track to be one of the best engineering consultancies in the world, if we’re not already.”

Barry Allan, Project BIM Lead – Newcastle

“It’s the people who’ve kept me here. They’re genuinely the best colleagues I’ve ever worked with.”

 

“I joined Black & White because a friend recommended I come in for an interview. I’m so glad I did. Back then, we were just 12 people working on the first floor of Generator Studios. I’ve seen the Newcastle office move twice to make room for our growing team. The projects have got bigger and more technically challenging. When I started, there were two of us in BIM, now there are seven, and that’s just in Newcastle. We’re working closely with our India team to deliver high-profile projects.

“Personally, Black & White has been a constant through a lot of big milestones. I got married and have also became a dad during my time here. I’ve seen us grow not just in size but in ambition. We’ve built a strong brand, a global presence and a culture that feels like one team. That’s what makes this place so special.”

Inspired by Barry and Tony’s stories?

Explore where an engineering career at Black & White could take you. Visit our careers page to learn more.

Sarah Ingram has just celebrated her four-year anniversary at Black & White, where she leads design consulting across Europe. With a background in architectural, civil and structural engineering, her career journey spans from bridge design to data centre leadership.

Building a Cross-Disciplinary Career in Engineering

“My route into engineering started with an undergraduate degree in architectural and civil engineering, followed by an MSc in structural engineering, both at Cardiff,” says Sarah. “I began my career in bridge design and achieved chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers before transitioning to a structural lead role. Eventually, I moved into design management for data centres and joined Black & White to build and grow the design management offering.”

Sarah has since carved out a leadership role focused on building strong client relationships and integrated design teams.

“The theme for International Women in Engineering Day, ‘Together We Engineer’ encompasses both collaboration and supporting each other,” she explains. “It’s about inclusion and equal opportunities valuing diversity in everything we do. It’s bigger than women in engineering. It’s about being one global team.”

Sarah credits strong mentorship and support networks with helping her thrive in her career. “Mentorship has really helped me build my confidence, which is vital to how I’ve grown in my role. Having a supportive leader I can be open with and bounce ideas off has made a huge difference.”

As a mother of two young children, flexibility has also been key. “I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my director and the flexibility at Black & White,” she says. “That trust allows me to balance work and family and continue leading at a high level.”

Her advice to young women entering engineering is an important reminder: “What makes people different their approaches, perspectives and leadership styles is where success and growth lies.”

Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

After earning her degree in mechanical engineering, Marxileni Macasaet Lapuz, also known to her colleagues as Xye, spent several years exploring different paths before discovering her passion for sustainability in the construction industry.

“I looked for roles that would challenge me,” she says. “Three years after university, I found my niche in the construction industry.” She went on to work on over 20 projects as a LEED Accredited Professional in Manila, including hospitals, residential developments and pharmaceuticals.

A Workplace That Invests in Development

Today, as Principal Sustainability Engineer at Black & White Engineering, Xye is applying her expertise to one of the most complex sectors data centres. “Improving energy performance for such energy-intensive buildings is no small task,” she explains. “But it’s also what makes the work so rewarding.”

Xye joined Black & White just over two years ago and cites the company’s commitment to professional development as a major reason she enjoys her role.

“Black & White dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth is one of the things I appreciate most about my current role. This investment creates a culture that inspires everyone to achieve success and be creative,” she says.

Earning Respect Through Persistence and Technical Skill

In the early stages of her career, Xye encountered real challenges. “When I worked with teams in the Middle East, I was excluded from meetings simply because I was a woman. My opinions were dismissed,” she recalls. Instead of being discouraged, she stayed focused. “I worked hard until my senior engineers recognised my abilities and included me as a valuable member of the team.”

Xye is quick to credit the mentors who supported her development. “My former managers saw my potential and provided the environment in which I was able to develop my skills further and gain more confidence in carrying out my work.”

As an active member of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), supported by Black & White. Last year, Xye was named one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering in the UK. “That recognition really encouraged me to engage more deeply with the WES community and continue advocating for women in engineering,” she says.

Bringing Sustainability to Life for the Next Generation

Xye is currently authoring a children’s book on green buildings for the Lottie Tour, a WES initiative designed to introduce engineering careers to girls. “It’s about sparking curiosity early. I want young minds to understand how engineering can help develop greener buildings and a more sustainable future.”

Her message is clear: “Read, write, stay informed. The glass ceiling is a myth if you’re prepared to keep going. Your success depends on your effort and determination.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

With 18 years of experience in the construction industry, Valentina De Angelis brings technical expertise and site-based knowledge to her role as Senior Design Manager at Black & White Engineering in Milan.

“I’m a Building Engineer and started my career in the pharmaceutical sector, working in internal technical offices for manufacturing companies,” she explains. “Ten years ago, I moved to a general contractor company, managing EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contracts for pharma and semiconductor clients.”

Her career has included five years on construction sites, experience that shaped her practical understanding of engineering and gave her a unique edge in a male-dominated industry. A recent project in the data centre sector brought her back to Milan, before joining Black & White earlier this year.

Building Credibility Through Technical Excellence

Valentina’s time working in construction environments offered important lessons. She reflects, “Being the only woman in the room was challenging, but technical knowledge and critical thinking helped me earn trust. Once that happened, we truly started collaborating.”

Her ability to lead and influence came from a foundation of knowledge, not just in technical detail, but through a critical, interdisciplinary approach. “That consciousness of technical knowledge, built through education and experience was essential. It allowed me to handle situations with confidence, and my audience always responded positively.”

Why Inclusion and Flexibility Matter in Engineering Workplaces

Mentorship has been a vital part of Valentina’s development. “I met people with big experience who recognised competence and helped guide me to take the right steps at the right time.”

Although new to Black & White Engineering, Valentina already appreciates the culture. “There’s a clear commitment to diversity and dignity at work is a priority. The flexibility in organising work is a real support for women who want to pursue an engineering career and family life together, without stress.”

Inspiring Future Engineers

Valentina is passionate about driving future change. She recently joined the Data Center Nation panel in Milan to discuss talent pipelines and women in the sector. Her advice to the next generation?

“Don’t stop when you feel the shadow of diversity. Change it in a positive way. Show the strength and innovation you bring to engineering.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

With over a decade of global experience, Associate Director Aurore Knight is one of many women engineers leading the way at Black & White Engineering. Like many engineers, her path has been shaped by curiosity, practical thinking and the support of a strong professional network.

Finding the Right Fit in Engineering

“I’ve always been curious about how things work. At first, I thought I’d study Applied Physics, but I quickly realised engineering was where my real interest lay.”

Aurore began with a broad engineering syllabus, covering civil, structural, computer, electronic, electrical and mechanical disciplines before specialising in mechanical engineering. That foundation led her to building services, a field she says offers variety and the potential to work globally without retraining.

Aurore made it a priority to work internationally, securing a graduate role with a company that had offices around the world. After gaining experience in the UK, she moved to Dubai and joined Black & White Engineering in the Middle East. There, she worked on complex retail, mixed-use and super high-rise developments before returning to the UK in 2020.

Making Flexibility Work

Returning home, starting a family and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic meant Aurore took a short career break. When she was ready to return, Black & White welcomed her back with flexibility and support.

“I’ve been very fortunate,” she says. “I was given the time I needed and the flexibility to work reduced hours while my children were babies. That allowed me to keep moving forward. My career went into a holding pattern for a while, but it hasn’t held me back long term.”

Today, Aurore is based in Birmingham, following recent roles in Black & White’s Edinburgh and Newcastle offices. She continues to contribute to high-profile projects while balancing work and family life.

Mentors and Meaningful Support

Aurore credits much of her growth to supportive mentors. “I’ve had incredible mentors, both men and women, who showed me how things could and should be,” she says. “Women don’t necessarily need female mentors, but we do need mentors who understand that our work-life challenges can be different.”

She also highlights Black & White’s approach to working arrangements as a key strength. “It’s not one-size-fits-all. The company takes the time to understand what setup works best for each individual.”

Advice for Future Women Engineers

Her advice to women considering the field is simple and encouraging: “If you’re curious about how the world works and like solving practical problems, engineering is a great fit. Even if you don’t stay in a traditional role, the skills you gain are useful in so many industries.”

Looking ahead, Aurore hopes flexible working will become the norm. “That shift would benefit everyone, not just women.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

With five years of experience in building services and mechanical engineering, Emma Hinch brings a versatile skill set to Black & White’s new Dublin office following the recent acquisition of Homan O’Brien. Her background spans mechanical system design and on-site project management across healthcare, data centres, industrial and commercial sectors. With a strong focus on sustainability and performance, Emma is passionate about creating high-impact engineering solutions.

Finding a Place in Engineering

Engineering runs in Emma’s family. “The pride I take in the projects I put my name to comes from a deep personal connection. I grew up watching my Dad manage large-scale projects and with my brother in the industry too, I was always drawn to building services.”

After earning a mechanical engineering degree at TU Dublin, she joined a mechanical contractor where she quickly found herself managing and coordinating work on site.

“I was thrown straight into the deep end, gaining hands-on experience across pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, offices and labs,” she recalls. “Seeing how systems were installed and how they really worked gave me a deeper understanding I wouldn’t have got from design alone.”

While working full-time, she completed a part-time master’s degree in project management at UCD, balancing daytime site work with night classes. That combination helped lay the foundation for her shift into project leadership and later into design-focused roles.

Overcoming Challenges in Engineering

“Growing up in a very supportive family, I was encouraged to pursue any path I wanted, but stepping into a male dominated field brought realities I hadn’t fully anticipated.”

From the outset of her engineering studies, Emma was one of just two women in a class of 120. “It felt isolating at times,” she admits. “There’s this extra pressure to prove yourself. Thankfully, once we got into the final years and the classes were smaller, things improved, and the lads in my class became some of my strongest supporters.”

That sense of needing to constantly prove herself followed her into the workplace, especially early on. Working in a company where only two or three women were among nearly 90 men, Emma often found herself the only woman in meetings or on-site.

“On some projects, I was one of the first women these teams had ever worked with,” she says. “That can make gaining respect an uphill battle. Even now, I sometimes sense hesitation at the beginning of a project until people get to know me and see what I bring.”

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures.

Despite these challenges, Emma has seen progress. Mentorship and peer support have been instrumental in Emma’s career journey. “I’ve had incredible mentors, men and women, who’ve helped me grow, pushed me to keep going and reminded me that I belong in this field.”

Her involvement in professional organisations like Engineers Ireland, CIBSE, and WIBSE has reinforced the value of community. “WIBSE in particular has shown me how powerful it is to be part of a network where women support each other and share contacts. That support matters.”

Emma is now committed to giving back. “I try to give back wherever I can, whether it’s speaking to upcoming engineers in schools and colleges or simply being someone to text or grab a coffee with.”

Though new to Black & White, Emma already sees signs of a strong and supportive culture. “So far, they have been so active in talking to all the women in the company, hearing our story. The volume of females working for Black & White is a clear indication of how they support and encourage their staff.”

Looking ahead, Emma hopes to see more women in leadership roles within engineering. “The industry is changing. More women are entering the field and mindsets are shifting. The challenges are worth it. Engineering is a great career choice.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

Kristine Orense joined Black & White Engineering just six months ago, but she brings with her eight years of experience in building services, including critical projects in data centre engineering.

Finding Her Path In Electrical Engineering

Her passion for engineering was sparked at a young age. “Honestly, it was largely family influence that sparked my interest,” Kristine says. “I grew up hearing how engineering was a big deal, a field that truly shaped the world and that idea just stuck with me.”

Now working in the Dubai office as an Electrical Engineer, Kristine is part of a growing global team that thrives on collaboration and cross-disciplinary design. That shared sense of purpose is what the International Women in Engineering Day Theme ‘Together We Engineer’ means to her.
“For me, is all about that collaborative energy,” she explains. “It’s knowing we’re all on the same team, bringing our unique skills and genuinely supporting each other to come up with solutions that are effective and innovative. It’s like collaboration on another level.”

Learning, Growing and Staying Focused

Like many women in engineering, Kristine has had to overcome stereotypes and outdated perceptions. Her approach? Stay focused and let her work lead the conversation. “There have been times where I’ve had to push past assumptions,” she says. “But my strategy has always been to let my work speak for itself.”
Mentorship and inclusion have also played a vital role in her career journey. “A strong support network for me means having a team that truly embraces inclusion, where it’s a safe space for brainstorming, and where I get the encouragement and push I need to keep levelling up my skills. Every small step counts, and that has helped me grow.”

Creating Space for Success

Although still new to Black & White, Kristine already recognises a culture that champions growth and flexibility, especially for women balancing different priorities.

“The general atmosphere here really vibes with inclusivity,” she says. “Black & White feels like a place where women engineers can develop and grow. The flexibility around work schedules is a big deal for me, especially as a mom who has recently moved here. That kind of support stands out and shows a real commitment to helping female employees succeed.”

Looking ahead, she hopes that greater gender diversity will simply become the norm. “In the next 5–10 years, I want to see women in engineering leadership so normalised that gender isn’t even part of the conversation. More representation, fewer ‘first female’ headlines. Just brilliant engineers, making moves.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.