CoDe Blog

Peggy Lin

BE (Structural) | MDesSc (Design Computing)

Digital Engineering leader with more than 20 years of experience across multi-discipline infrastructure projects, including process plants, pipelines, roads, railways, tunnelling, and buildings.

Summary

20+ years from the model to the digital roadmap.

I began my career working on water infrastructure projects — treatment plants, pipelines, and networks, primarily for Sydney Water — in a BIM Manager capacity. This experience built a strong foundation in coordinating multi-disciplinary design and reinforced the importance of BIM-led delivery, structured data, and reliable asset information handover.

I later moved into transportation as TfNSW’s digital frameworks were still evolving. Working on projects such as the Pacific Highway Upgrade exposed the complexity of asset data requirements across large corridors and reignited my interest in programming to automate data population and improve digital delivery.

Today I lead Computational Design at AECOM, defining how automation, digital tools, and data workflows are adopted across teams. My focus is on workflow optimisation, scaling tools across projects, and shortening the path of data from design to delivery. I lead the computational design roadmap, drive adoption through Agile delivery, and develop solutions that bridge the gap between engineering software capabilities and real project needs.

Clarity over complexity is the principle that guides how I approach digital delivery.

Experience

AECOM - Sydney, Australia

Aug 2016 - Present

Digital Discipline Manager, Computational Design Lead

Oct 2021 - Present

  • Created and maintained the digital development roadmap for the computational design discipline
  • Assigned resources and led recruitment for the team
  • Established development standards and infrastructure for tool rollout
  • Standardised the development process across teams
  • Communicated with regional offices to understand needs and present tools and workflows developed; adjusted the development plan accordingly
  • Delivered training to team members on new workflows and tools, with follow-up support
  • Implemented Agile management methodology to ensure features are delivered, communicated, and applied to live projects

Digital Engineering Technology Specialist

Aug 2019 - Oct 2021

  • Supported project teams on digital engineering technology
  • Delivered design automation and computational design solutions for projects and teams
  • Led training, presentations, and managed development projects

Digital Engineering Manager, Principal Technology Officer

Aug 2016 - Aug 2019

  • Prepared Digital Engineering Execution Plans (DEEPs) and liaised with client DE managers
  • Created project-specific workflows and standards to ensure deliverables were compliant with client requirements; reviewed and enforced standards
  • Developed tools and workflows for design checking, clash detection management, and BIM coordination meetings
  • Supported client BIM awareness training to engage site engineers and operators during design - gathering feedback to reduce construction costs
  • Attended client meetings for project-based digital engineering discussions

Automation Experience

Design Automation - Computational Workflows Developed

  • OHW (Overhead Wiring) modelling workflow (2018)
  • Retaining wall modelling workflow - created and maintained (2021)
  • Bridge modelling workflow (2022)
  • Civil drainage modelling workflow (2019)
  • Revit-to-AutoCAD drawing conversion workflow for submission (2020)

Data Management - Project Asset Data Management Solution (2020)

Proof-of-concept centralised database methodology for managing asset data. Engineers create and edit asset data via a desktop app; model data is pushed to the database via a software add-in and linked bidirectionally, ensuring modelling software always reflects the latest asset information.

Detailed Project Experience

  • Snowy Hydro Kurri Kurri Power Station RFP - Global Digital Specialist (2021-2022)
  • Mascot Tunnel System Upgrade - Digital Engineering Manager, TfNSW (2019-2020): Upgrade of mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical services within the Mascot Tunnel to achieve reliability, availability, maintainability, and serviceability. Works included construction of electrical and hydraulic infrastructure outside the tunnel and installation of an 11kV feeder cable from Botany Zone Substation. The primary goal was to create an asset information model for asset and maintenance management. Worked closely with the TfNSW DE Manager to understand information requirements, then utilised programming skills to create a data management solution to effectively manage project data and asset information - increasing efficiency and streamlining the asset information handover. The project received great feedback from all stakeholders.
  • Northern Corridor Works - Portion 7, TfNSW / Laing O’Rourke - Digital Engineering Manager (2017-2019): Modifications to approximately 1 km of rail corridor from Brand Street to the southern end of Chatswood Station to create space for the Metro tunnel dive structure and support tunnel boring machine launch. The key challenge was to ensure construction could proceed without disruption to the current weekday timetable. Responsible for creating the Digital Engineering Execution Plan and MIDP, communicating with the client’s DE Manager to establish agreed object classification schema and modelling requirements, and setting up ProjectWise and the associated workflow to ensure model-based drawing production. Led an innovative approach to modelling and drafting of civil structures including OHWS, Signals, and retaining walls - minimising human error and reducing data handling steps. Also led innovation on model-based alignment design checking and reporting.
  • St Marys WRP Solids Stream Upgrade - Delivery Partner of LSCP - BIM Manager (2018-2019): Upgrade of the solids stream at St Marys WRP to convert the plant from aerobic digestion to thermal hydrolysis and anaerobic digestion, including ancillary equipment design. Responsible for creating the BIM Execution Plan and MIDP, working closely with the Delivery Partner’s Digital Engineer to ensure DE requirements were executed correctly. Established project workflows, defined project standards and specs, ensured production of models with adequate quality and data, and created tools and training to maintain deliverable quality.
  • Biosolids Dewatering Program - Sydney Water - BIM Manager (2017-2019): Concept and detail design to incorporate recuperative thickening and improved dewatering technology across eight existing treatment plants. Responsible for creating the BIM Execution Plan and MIDP, establishing project workflows, and defining project standards and specs. Ensured production of models with adequate quality and data to enable 4D and 5D processes. Provided training to cost estimators and plant operators to enable greater collaboration and engagement during the design phase.

Awards

  • Digital Person of the Year Award, AECOM, 2018
  • Multiple Encore Awards (annual recognition)

GHD - Sydney, Australia

Principal Technical Officer

Jan 2008 - Aug 2016

I started at GHD as a drafter and 3D modeller, getting hands-on with detailed design across water, civil, and rail projects. Over time, my focus naturally shifted toward the systems behind the work — how models were structured, how teams coordinated, and how software could be pushed further. That shift led me into BIM management, where I took ownership of standards, workflows, and team delivery on progressively larger and more complex programs. By the end of my time at GHD, I was leading BIM on some of the firm’s most significant infrastructure projects. Key responsibilities included:

  • Establishing BIM standards, execution plans, and workflows for multi-disciplinary projects
  • Managing and coordinating modellers across multiple offices
  • Performing clash detection analysis and model quality reviews
  • Customising software and writing scripts to streamline model delivery and drawing production
  • Training team members and junior staff on workflows and tools
  • Liaising with engineers to resolve design issues and ensure drawing quality

Projects

  • Woolgoolga to Ballina - Pacific Highway Upgrade, Portion A — BIM Manager (2015–2016)
  • Picton Water Recycle Plant Upgrade — BIM Manager (2015–2016)
  • Malabar Process and Reliability/Renewal (PARR) — BIM Manager (2014–2015)
  • Reclaimed Water Management Scheme — BIM Manager (2014)
  • South Catherine Fields Detail Planning Wastewater — Civil Modeller (2014)
  • Leppington Planning Stage 3 Wastewater — Civil Modeller (2014)
  • South West Rail Link — Detail Design Drafter (2013)
  • West Camden Water Recycle Plant Biosolids Upgrade — Lead Drafter / Modeller (2012–2013)
  • Warriewood Wastewater Treatment Plant Stage 3 Upgrade — Detailed Design Drafter & 3D Modeller (2011)
  • Hoxton Park Recycled Water Scheme Stage 1 — Lead Drafter (2010)
  • The Mardi-Mangrove Link Project — Lead Drafter (2009)
  • Expansion and Upgrade of Broken Hill Water Treatment Plant — Drafter (2009)
  • Surbiton Park Stage 3 Upgrade, Western Water — Drafter (2008)
  • Elmgrove 2 (Jacka) Water Service Reservoir, Rising Main & Booster Pump Station, ActewAGL — Drafter (2008)
  • Car park and road design and drafting for TIDC and RTA — Drafter (2008)

Awards

  • Cornerstone Award, GHD, 2009
  • Team of the Year, GHD, 2012

Worley Parsons (JWP) - Sydney, Australia

Structural Drafter

Mar 2005 - Jan 2008

Projects

  • Maclean Sewerage Scheme Detailed Design
  • North Tuncurry Water Supply Reservoir
  • Bootawa Dam, Taree Water Treatment Plant
  • Pacific Palms Sewage Treatment Plant
  • Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre Secondary Treatment Facility Augmentation

Responsibilities

  • Reinforced concrete, structural steel, and structural timber detailing
  • Setting up standard title blocks for individual projects
  • Producing 3D drawings where required
  • Civil works drafting
  • Liaising with engineers to discuss and resolve design problems
  • Providing guidance to junior drafters

Xiamen Architecture Design Institution - Xiamen, China

Junior Structural Engineer

Feb 2001 - Jun 2002

Mid-size architectural and structural design firm. Worked in a design team under a senior architect and senior engineer across commercial, residential, villa, and mixed-use projects.

Responsibilities

  • Interpreted geotechnical reports and calculated structural loads
  • Analysed, designed, and modelled structures using PKPM (Chinese structural design software) to Chinese Design Standards
  • Designed reinforcement and steel structural details based on PKPM results
  • Foundation design, RC frame structural design, and steel structure design
  • Collaborated with architects to achieve integrated design outcomes
  • Conducted site visits and issued and discussed structural drawings with clients

Skills

Leadership & Management

  • Team player and leader; capable of managing multidiscipline modellers and drafters across local and remote teams
  • Define workflows, create project standards, implement and enforce standards, manage resources, and estimate effort
  • Agile project management for development initiatives - ensuring features are communicated and applied to projects
  • Provide training locally and remotely, internally and externally
  • Recruitment and resource assignment

Digital Engineering

  • Passionate about implementing Digital Engineering across design, construction, cost estimation, and asset management
  • Familiar with popular DE standards: ISO 19650, TfNSW Digital Engineering Framework, UniClass 2015
  • Experience with CDE platforms: ProjectWise, ACC, Forma
  • Experienced in BIM coordination, clash detection management, and Digital Engineering Execution Plans (DEEPs)

Software & Platforms

  • Design & Modelling: AutoCAD Plant 3D, Civil 3D, 12D, Revit, Inventor, Infraworks, Navisworks, ArcGIS, SolidWorks, Rhino/Grasshopper
  • Microsoft Office suite including advanced Excel/VBA

Programming & Development

  • Languages: C#, Python, JavaScript, VBA, Node.js, React, Blazor, SQL
  • APIs & Frameworks: Navisworks API, AutoCAD/Civil 3D/.Net API, Revit API, Dynamo for Revit, Python for Plant 3D, Grasshopper, some experience with Forge API (Autodesk), ifc.js
  • Database: SQL and non-SQL database design and data analysis
  • Web: HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, SQL-based web development
  • Autodesk and Bentley software API customisation

Design Assistance

  • Piping, road, steel, and concrete structure design support

Other

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Photography and visual communication

Education

Master of Design Science (Design Computing)

University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia | 2005

Bachelor of Engineering (Structural)

Kunming University of Science & Technology, Kunming, China | 2000