DHI Canada Honours Our “Women In Construction” - Rachel Barr

Rachel Barr, P.Eng 

Engineering Manager

Ambico Limited

Responsibilities:

Managing the engineering team at Ambico. The engineering group at Ambico is responsible for processing the paperwork on standard orders, design work and processing paperwork on custom projects, maintaining product information and design drawings, and R&D initiatives.  

What led you to the door and hardware industry?

My background in mechanical engineering helped lead me to Ambico and the door & hardware industry. The ability at Ambico to work in both a manufacturing and design environment means there is opportunity for constant growth and learning!

How many years have you been in the industry?

I have been in the industry for 8 years.

What was your first job?

My first job in the industry was as a Design Engineer, working through custom projects as well as research and development initiatives.

What is your proudest professional moment?

My proudest professional moment was being given the opportunity to lead the engineering team at Ambico. We have a strong engineering presence in the industry and I'm excited to see how we continue to grow in the coming months and years. 

What has been your biggest challenge?

The last few years being in a people management role rather than a design role has been an adjustment. While I may not be directly in the design space the way I previously was, it's rewarding to help support and lead my team as they work through various projects and initiatives.

Who do you consider a mentor or hero?

Both my parents were engineers (they are retired now). My father was in manufacturing most of his career, while my mother was in consulting. Their guidance and support helped to lead me to a career in engineering and design.

My manager at Ambico, Tim Berry has also helped me throughout my time at Ambico through leading by example and remaining calm under pressure.

What is the best advice you ever received?

Take the time to do it right the first time. When you have a large list of items to get through or a deadline approaching it can be tempting to try and rush through the project to get it completed. In the end though, this often leads to mistakes that will take longer to fix.

What is the best advice you never received?

Embrace being outside your comfort zone! Especially starting out in your career, or just starting in the door and frame industry there is going to be a lot of learning. Being outside of your comfort zone allows you to learn and grow.

What changes have you seen in the industry over recent years?

In the specialized industry, we are seeing more and more requests for product requiring protection against multiple threats: Acoustic, Blast, Ballistic, RF-shielded product and more in some combination.

What changes do you see facing our industry in the future?

It will be interesting to see how AI might impact the industry in the coming years.