As PJA expands its presence in Australia, we are excited to introduce two new additions to our growing team – Denmark Yuzon and Zara Xie, both based in Melbourne.

We sat down with these new team members who bring knowledge and capacity to PJA’s growing Australian team to discuss their experiences, expertise, and ambitions. Here, they share their insights on joining the team and their fresh perspectives on the future of transport and engineering in the regions.

Denmark Yuzon, Senior Engineer, Melbourne

Denmark, welcome to PJA! What motivated you to join the team? 

PJA’s diverse project portfolio stood out to me, as it allows engineers to contribute across multiple disciplines and project types. The wide variety of projects not only supports professional growth but also encourages solutions that go beyond standard or habitual approaches.

Equally important to me is workplace culture. From my interactions and observations, PJA has a genuinely warm, collaborative, and welcoming culture where people support each other and value teamwork. That combination of technical opportunity and positive culture strongly aligned with what I was looking for, and ultimately motivated me to join the team.

You’ve delivered transport projects across Australia, New Zealand, Guam and the Philippines — how have these different environments shaped your approach to civil design and problem-solving? 

Delivering transport projects across countries has significantly shaped how I approach civil design and problem‑solving. Working in these different environments has broadened my understanding of how road design and infrastructure must respond to local conditions, whether its urban density, user behaviour, or levels of network maturity.

Exposure to diverse design standards, approval processes, and regulatory frameworks has strengthened my ability to understand what is required and adapt my approach accordingly. It has helped me become more efficient in navigating varying technical expectations while still maintaining safety, constructability, and compliance at the core of my designs.

Working across different cultures has also influenced how I think about design solutions. Cultural context often affects how infrastructure is used and perceived. Experiencing this first-hand has encouraged me to think more openly and explore alternative or innovative solutions where standard approaches may not be the most effective.

What aspects of the design process do you find most rewarding, and why?

The point where the geometry and the model truly come together. There’s a sense of satisfaction when the proposed contours are clean, smooth, precise and when the model reflects exactly how I envisioned my design would be.

I’m also motivated by the challenge of fitting new vertical and horizontal geometry into existing conditions. Achieving a solution where the proposed alignment works with constraints such as topography, tie‑ins, services, surrounding infrastructure and complies with design standards is especially rewarding. When a design balances compliance, functionality, and minimal disruption to existing conditions, it shows how effective the engineering behind the design is.

You’ve led multidisciplinary teams on major transport programs — what do you think makes collaboration successful on complex infrastructure projects? 

I believe successful collaboration on complex projects starts with strong coordination between all disciplines. Everyone needs to understand how their work connects to others, and regular communication is key to avoiding gaps or surprises. Just as important is having an open mindset and a culture that genuinely supports teamwork. On large projects, success is shared, if one part of the team struggles, it affects everyone, and when things go well, the whole team looks good.

I also think it’s important to recognise that there’s rarely only one right solution. Good collaboration allows different ideas to be explored and helps the team agree on the most practical and efficient way forward together.

Zara Xie, Civil Engineer, Melbourne 

Zara, it’s great to have you on board! What drew you to PJA?  

I was motivated to join the team because of the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work while continuing to grow professionally. The team’s focus on collaboration, innovation, and delivering high-quality results really stood out to me. I was particularly drawn to how my skills and experience align with the team’s goals, and I saw a chance to make a tangible impact while also learning from talented colleagues. Being part of an environment that values both performance and development was a strong factor in my decision.

You’ve worked across a wide range of sectors, from public domain to high-rise and aged care — what draws you to such diverse projects, and how does that variety influence your work?  

Each project type comes with its own set of challenges, stakeholders, and design considerations. That variety keeps the work engaging and pushes me to think more broadly and creatively. It also strengthens my ability to transfer knowledge between sectors. Working across different sectors makes me a more adaptable and well-rounded designer.

You’re passionate about development applications and detailed design — what do you enjoy most about this stage of a project?  

That’s where ideas are rigorously tested and refined into something buildable. It’s the point where design intent meets real-world constraints—planning controls, regulations, budgets, and construction requirements. I enjoy navigating that complexity and finding solutions that satisfy both compliance and design quality. There’s a real sense of achievement in resolving details, coordinating with consultants, and knowing that the work you produce directly shapes what will be constructed.

With your focus on technical problem-solving and attention to detail, what motivates you to consistently deliver high-quality outcomes? 

My motivation comes from a strong sense of responsibility to the project, the client, and the end users. I take pride in producing work that is not only technically sound but also thoughtful and well-resolved. Attention to detail is important to me because small decisions can have a significant impact on the overall success of a project. I also genuinely enjoy problem-solving—working through technical challenges, identifying potential issues early, and developing clear, efficient solutions. That combination of pride, curiosity, and accountability drives me to maintain a high standard in everything I do.

With Denmark’s expertise in transport infrastructure design and geometric modelling, and Zara’s broad experience across public and private sector developments with a strong focus on detailed design and water quality, PJA’s Australian team is further strengthened. Their technical capability, attention to detail, and commitment to high-quality, well-resolved outcomes are already adding value to our work. We are proud to welcome both Denmark and Zara as we continue to expand PJA’s presence in Australia, building a collaborative team committed to delivering excellence across diverse and complex projects. 

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