Laura McMahon takes the helm at CIBSE Ireland with a vision for a sustainable and inclusive future
As the 38th Chairperson of CIBSE Ireland, Laura McMahon brings a deep passion for engineering, a commitment to nurturing new talent, and a clear focus on embedding sustainable principles throughout the built environment. She speaks with Robbie Cousins about her goals for her tenure and the importance of nurturing young engineering talent.
Laura McMahon stepped into her role as the 38th Chairperson of CIBSE Ireland in April with a clear vision and a deep-seated passion for the engineering profession. A graduate of Building Services Engineering from DIT Bolton Street (now TU Dublin), Laura’s journey has been inextricably linked with CIBSE, an organisation she credits with shaping her 15-year career. For Laura, being an engineer is more than a profession; it’s a commitment to shaping the built environment responsibly. Her initial exposure to CIBSE as a student member in 2006 quickly blossomed into a recognition of its immense value.
“Throughout my 15-year career to date,” she explains, “I have experienced the value of CIBSE at all levels, from YEN events in London, as well as professional networking opportunities, where as a young woman entering engineering, I was able to build a network of likeminded young engineers to learn from and support each other.”
The enduring importance of CIBSE
Laura’s personal and professional growth has been significantly bolstered by CIBSE. She highlights the crucial support she received in achieving her Chartership, a milestone that cemented her professional standing. Upon her return to Ireland after eight years in the UK, CIBSE continued to be a pivotal force.
“I joined the CIBSE Ireland Committee shortly after I returned to Ireland,” she recounts, “and I didn’t realise at the time how valuable it would be to my integration into the Irish industry and professional network.”
Incidentally, she comments, “The technical guidance alone provided by CIBSE Guides is invaluable to engineers across the world.
”Beyond the technical, Laura values the robust professional network and the sense of community that the organisation fosters. She praises the “remarkably strong position” of the CIBSE committee, noting the “wealth of knowledge and technical expertise” it brings together, creating a diverse and vibrant industry.
“The committee comprises men and women, newly established engineers and vastly experienced ones. It covers a wide range of industry interests and concerns.”
Championing women in engineering
As only the third female Chairperson in CIBSE Ireland’s 57-year history, following Margaret Dolan and Mona Duff, Laura is keenly aware of the responsibility and opportunity that comes with her new role.
“I am honoured to have the opportunity to act as a role model for women in the industry across Ireland,” she states. Her own early involvement with CIBSE YEN (Young Engineers Network) and BSRIA (Building Services Research and Intelligence Association) YEN was instrumental in her professional journey, providing invaluable “support, guidance, and professional network.”
This personal experience fuels her commitment to fostering a welcoming and empowering space for all aspiring engineers, particularly women.
She is a proud advocate for women in the field of engineering. She will continue the vital work of the hugely successful WIBSE (Women in Building Services Engineering) subcommittee, initiated by former CIBSE Chairperson Mona Duff and continued by Laura’s predecessors Stephen Weir and Michael Curran.
Laura notes that women bring a different perspective to projects and the workplace and that she hopes that in her tenure, the key message to get across to women is to encourage them to apply for “that promotion”, even if they think they don’t meet all the criteria.
“I hope that the strength of the WIBSE committee provides that professional network and creates that support network for women to grow.”
She adds, “When I was in CIBSE UK, on one occasion, I was on a course with two other women. At the time, I was in two minds about whether I was good enough to apply for my Chartership. Those two women encouraged me to push myself, and I did. I’m not sure if I would have applied at that time without the positive reinforcement I got from them.”
This ultimately leads back to the power of a good and diverse professional network. “This year, we have six women on the CIBSE committee, up from three last year, which is really encouraging.”
CIBSE YEN
Speaking about the importance of building a network early in one’s career, Laura McMahon believes peer networks can stand to young engineers throughout their careers.
Laura is enthusiastic about strengthening CIBSE’s Young Engineers Network in Ireland, ensuring that emerging engineers have access to the same opportunities for development, mentorship, and connection that guided her path.
“When you embark on your career after graduation, particularly if you join a graduate programme in a smaller company, you might find yourself among only a few, if any, other recent graduates. As you advance, your responsibilities will evolve, and having connections with peers at a similar career stage becomes incredibly valuable. This shared experience enables you to exchange knowledge, offer support, and serve as a sounding board for challenges or issues that arise. An external network of peers can provide crucial support.
“Beyond immediate support, these connections often become long-term alliances. You’ll likely progress your career alongside some of the same individuals, continuing to support each other through milestones like Chartership.”
She adds: “Building a strong professional network offers immense benefits, and the sooner you start, the better. While your college network is a great foundation, many peers may emigrate. For example, when I emigrated, the network I cultivated through CIBSE & BSRIA YEN was instrumental in my early career progression.”
She advises any young engineers reading this and looking to build a network, “I would suggest they reach out to the CIBSE Ireland YEN Group, join their LinkedIn group or sign up for one of their social or sporting events.”
A Passion for Sustainable Engineering
Beyond her dedication to nurturing new talent, Laura McMahon’s leadership will be defined by her profound passion for sustainable engineering. Her career has seen her develop a specialised focus in Sustainability Consulting Engineering, and she sees her role as Chairperson as a platform to champion this critical area.
For Laura, sustainability is far more encompassing than just low-energy design and renewables. “Sustainability is good for businesses, their staff and their clients,” she asserts. “Sustainable design, of course, includes low energy design and circularity, but also the health and wellbeing of the occupants of the buildings we are designing.”
Her goal is to ensure sustainability is “intertwined through all stages, from concept design to post-occupancy,” achieving a truly holistic approach. She is committed to increasing awareness of this broader definition and promoting the critical role engineers play in shaping a greener, more resilient future.
Employer support
Laura McMahon takes a moment to thank her employer, Lawler Sustainability in Kilkenny, a two-time international CIBSE Building Performance award-winning practice, for the support it has given her in her CIBSE Committee work.
“Lawler Sustainability has been very generous in allowing me to have the time to carry out CIBSE committee work. I would like to add that for any company which has staff on CIBSE committees, the work that these people do, much of it in their own time, is of huge benefit to their companies and the industry as a whole, as they are building networks, fostering collegiality and facilitating greater collaboration between consultants and clients.”
In conclusion
Supported by her employers, Lawler Sustainability, her tenure promises to build on the outstanding work of her predecessors, championing excellence, innovation, and inclusivity. Laura McMahon’s unwavering optimism, perseverance, and resilience, coupled with her deep belief in the prestige and value of Chartered Engineer status, are set to mark her term with collaboration, growth, and meaningful progress for CIBSE Ireland.
The future, as Laura McMahon sees it, is indeed bright and sustainable.