The talent of today ensuring a brighter future for all

Taking the lead on the design and implementation of an industry-enhancing innovation, Crown House Technologies’ (CHt) Aarushi Bhargava was a very worthy winner of this year’s BCIA Young Engineer of the Year Award. 

As a software and commissioning engineer, Aarushi played a vital role in the design and implementation of a UK-first automated metering and targeting (AM&T) system, designed to enhance energy efficiency and accurately bill tenants for electricity, gas, water, and heat consumption.

The platform used was new to the UK market and previously untested. However, Aarushi worked closely with the software developers to provide on-site assurance, testing, and relevant details to the client.

Despite working in the industry for just eight years, Aarushi has accomplished so much in just a short period of time. Specialising in software development, application design, commissioning, and graphics design, the talented engineer was also responsible for the design and integration of more than 8,000 points into the client-specified Niagara platform.

A thoroughly deserving winner, Aarushi highlighted her intense motivation to push boundaries and make an impact in the building controls sector. She said: “Personally, and professionally, winning this BCIA award is a huge honour. It’s a recognition of the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my career, and it validates the positive impact I’ve strived to make in the industry. It also motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and achieving even greater things.”

Testament to her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to delivering successful projects are the various accomplishments and certifications Aarushi has achieved during her short time in the building controls industry.

Alongside working on a myriad of incredibly challenging and technical projects, including the £3.5m Whiteleys redevelopment and a £2.5m Baker Street project, she has also completed a variety of BCIA training certifications, such as the BCIA Technical Certificate in 2021 and the  BCIA Advanced Technical Certificate in 2022.

With a fierce determination to enhance the service she provides to her clients, Aarushi draws upon her five years of experience working on various Honeywell platforms, such as Comfort Point, Enterprise Building Integrator, and Niagara, and leverages the knowledge she gained from the BCIA training programmes she completed in the past two years.

Acknowledging the support she has received from colleagues throughout her time in the industry, Aarushi is keen for the sector to look internally at the ways in which more young professionals can be encouraged to start a career in engineering.

She said: “This industry offers a variety of incredibly rewarding and interesting careers. However, it can and should encourage increased diversity and inclusion in several ways, including the promotion of STEM education programs in under-served communities, the creation of mentorship programs for young people from diverse backgrounds, and the fostering of a more inclusive workplace culture that celebrates differences. By taking these steps, we can create a more diverse and successful engineering industry for everyone.”

Crown House Technologies’ (CHt) nominated Aarushi for her work on the Whiteley development project. Jen Vickers, Senior Project Information Manager at CHt said: “Aarushi has been working at CHt for the last two years and in that short time, has proven to be a valuable member of the team and wider business. She is approachable, with a calm and methodical demeanour, which is reassuring to those she interacts with in what is often a fast-paced and stressful environment.

“Aarushi has worked closely with our client at The Whiteleys, concerning factory acceptance testing, site acceptance software tests, witnessing and demonstrations, including both planned and ad-hoc client training.”

Antony Garrett, the Senior Resident Engineer at HDR, praised Aarushi’s expertise as a BMS engineer and her role in the development of the AM&T package. He said: “Aarushi’s knowledge, politeness, and efficiency has made her the go-to person within the BMS team. The fact that she has played a crucial role in the development of the AM&T package, which we plan to implement in future developments, highlights her forward-thinking and strategic contributions.

“The commendation of Aarushi’s patience and methodical approach suggests that she not only brings technical expertise to the table but also possesses important interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Aarushi has had an incredibly positive impact on the Whiteleys redevelopment project, and her contributions will have lasting benefits for both this and future projects that will be undertaken by HDR.”

BCIA President Stacey Lucas highlighted the key role Aarushi is playing in furthering innovation and ensuring a promising future for the entire industry. She said: “Aarushi was a thoroughly deserving winner of this award. All the nominees were of a tremendously high calibre but Aarushi’s contributions, especially to the Whiteleys redevelopment project, really stood out. Her drive, dedication, and technical expertise are absolutely outstanding.”