Engineering Resilient Communities with Himanthi Mendis

For Himanthi Mendis, a Senior Civil Engineer, engineering is about more than technical expertise. It's about understanding people, collaborating across disciplines and designing solutions that can adapt to real-world challenges. Throughout her career, she has helped solve complex infrastructure problems while contributing to better outcomes for communities and the environment. In this spotlight, Himanthi shares insights into her professional journey, the value of lifelong learning, and the experiences that continue to influence her work today.

What first inspired your passion for sustainable water management?

My interest in sustainable water management began while working in Logan City Council's Environment and Health Department. Early in my career, I was tasked with researching the cost of constructing, maintaining and reinstating water sensitive urban design assets. What initially seemed like a straightforward technical project provided valuable insight into how councils plan, fund and manage infrastructure over the long term.

Through that work, I gained a greater appreciation for the role water plays in connecting environmental outcomes with community needs. It also gave me a unique perspective on the challenges local governments face in balancing growth, environmental protection and financial sustainability. Seeing the broader impact that water planning and management can have on the health of our communities and natural environments inspired me to pursue a career in integrated water management and sustainable infrastructure.

What has working at the intersection of infrastructure, communities and the environment taught you about solving complex problems?

I've learned that you shouldn't try to design everything to the nth degree. While modern technology and computing power allow us to model increasingly complex scenarios, it's impossible to predict every outcome. Good design needs to leave room for contractors, end users and even nature to influence the final result. Building flexibility into a design allows you to adapt when conditions differ from expectations and ultimately leads to more resilient and practical solutions.

What is one skill you couldn't live without in your career, and why is it so important?

Reflective thinking is a skill I couldn't do without. Taking the time to look back on projects, challenges and decisions helps turn experience into learning. It's not just about what you do, but what you take away from it. Being reflective allows you to continuously improve and build the knowledge and judgement that are critical throughout an engineering career.

What's something people would be surprised to learn about you, and how has it influenced the way you approach your work as an engineer?

My experiences travelling throughout Asia and Europe, combined with growing up in regional Queensland and Sri Lankan heritage, have had a significant influence on the engineer I am today. Observing how different communities live, build and solve problems has broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of curiosity and lifelong learning. I also make a point of keeping up with emerging research and industry developments. Just as you would expect a doctor to stay informed about the latest medical advances, engineers have a responsibility to stay current with new knowledge and innovations in their field.

What does a typical day in your role look like, and what would surprise people most about the work?

One thing that would surprise people most about my role is the amount of communication involved. Successful engineering isn't just about technical calculations and modelling. A large part of my day is spent collaborating with colleagues, clients, contractors and stakeholders through meetings, calls and emails. Strong teamwork, organisation and time management are essential. The remaining time is focused on technical work such as modelling, analysis, calculations and reporting, bringing all those inputs together to deliver practical outcomes.

What's the most rewarding part of designing water solutions that benefit both communities and the environment?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is helping deliver infrastructure that supports community growth while also improving environmental outcomes. Infrastructure and development are essential parts of modern society, but they need to be designed in a way that respects and works with natural systems. As a civil engineer, I am often empowered to do this through the flooding and stormwater disciplines. I am a strong advocate for nature-based solutions, which can often provide cost-effective outcomes while improving waterway health, reducing infrastructure costs and supporting broader community objectives such as housing affordability and liveability.

Throughout my career, I have worked on projects in both highly constrained brownfield environments and greenfield developments where there is greater flexibility to incorporate water management considerations from the outset. While each presents different challenges, it is particularly rewarding to see well-planned designs deliver long-term benefits for both people and the environment.

What changes would you like to see over the next decade in sustainable water management?

Over the next decade, I would like to see water planning become a much stronger driver of how cities, communities and major infrastructure projects are designed. On many large projects I have been involved with, significant challenges have arisen because space for water infrastructure was not adequately protected early enough, or because water management was not fully integrated into strategic planning and funding decisions.

Water is the element that connects many systems across our cities, including environmental health, urban development, transport and emerging industries. As population growth and new developments place increasing pressure on existing resources, proactive water planning will become even more important. By considering water earlier in the planning process, we can support sustainable growth, avoid costly retrofitting and reduce the risk of unintended environmental impacts. Ultimately, I would like to see water recognised and managed as the valuable resource it is, rather than something that is only considered when problems arise.

What advice would you give students and graduates who want to build a career creating more sustainable cities and communities?

Seek as much variety in your experience as possible and don't be afraid to say yes to something new or unfamiliar. Some of the most valuable lessons come from unexpected opportunities, and they often introduce you to techniques, perspectives and ideas you may not have encountered otherwise. It's also important to build relationships across disciplines. Your colleagues in environmental science, sustainability and climate change are some of your strongest allies when it comes to creating better outcomes for communities and the environment.

QUT Degree: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (2018)

Do you have a question for Himanthi? Connect with her on LinkedIn.