Ursula's first project at Demeyer & Associates in Port Elizabeth included the R12 million Lovemore Heights security village development. "This upper class establishment with plots ranging between R2 to R4 million in value consisted of 163 erven. It was a multidisciplinary project that required massive earthwork calculations and services design," she explains.

One of the many factors affecting the design was the steep site which proved to be quite a challenge. "The project architect had specific ideas about what would be aesthetically pleasing and we tried as far as possible to adjust the platforms to accommodate the design. In addition, we wanted to maximise the sea view from each plot."

The estate, in Lovemore Heights on the western edge of Nelson Mandela Bay, proved to be a good project for Ursula to cut her teeth as it required much close interaction between client, engineer and contractor. "With so many aspects to consider, the amount of adjustments can be quite mind-boggling and it might be difficult for someone to understand that even a small change will affect the entire design. Fortunately we could rely on AllyCAD and Civil Designer to update the drawing in good time and this helped tremendously," notes Ursula.

Besides the constant tweaking of the design there were also environmental considerations on the project. "The area had a few Milkwood trees that were regarded as indigenous and we had to navigate our road and sewer designs around these. Fortunately we were able to accommodate these environmental constraints and the project has since been completed with residents occupying the completed homes."

Ursula's never-ending quest for stimulating variety has led her to the doors of civil engineering. Having been positively influenced by her Civil Engineering father, Ursula followed in his footsteps and has already made a significant contribution in the design arena. "I love the fast paced environment and the fact that no two projects are ever the same. I have been privileged to work on the designs for shopping centres, service stations, townhouse developments as well as numerous platform designs." 

"I am also doing the back end work in the office and have experience as the site RE and I love it," she says enthusiastically. It seems that the more challenging the project, the more in her element Ursula is. The St Peter's development is one such project that would test the skill of any civil engineer. "The idea around this project was to develop an entertainment and residential area around the ruin of the former Anglican church of St Peters which stood as a beacon above the harbour. The development will look out over the upgraded harbour which will include a statue of Nelson Mandela."

"Like Lovemore Heights estate, the St Peters development was extremely steep and the terrain very rocky. The amount of earthworks attached to this project was also substantial and it was quite a job to calculate the desired cut and fill levels. Because you are working on a design of this magnitude you need to keep sight of the bigger picture which makes working with Civil Designer so great. You have all your modules from Roads, Sewer and Water right through to AllyCAD integrated in a single interface. I have been using the programs for two years and I couldn't see myself switching to anything else," she says. The R60 million St Peters development is currently in its planning phase and will be completed over the next three to four years, thereby creating a boost for the region's economy.

After studying a degree in Consumer Science, Ursula's transition into the civil environment has been surprisingly easy. "I was thrown into the deep end but I did a lot of reading so that I could make the best decisions in the most cost effective manner. My most rewarding experience ever was flying over Port Elizabeth and seeing the Lovemore Heights development. It gives you a sense of great pride knowing that you did the design. After that, who could ever go back to Consumer Science? I certainly couldn't imagine it," she says happily.