Digital Innovation with Cole Brown
At Tonkin + Taylor, digital innovation goes beyond adopting new technologies—it’s about creating a culture where individuals are empowered to turn challenges into opportunities. Cole Brown, an Engineering Geologist based in Ōtautahi Christchurch, exemplifies this mindset.
“Big ideas and optimism are all very good, but these are ultimately ineffectual without the commitment and skills to actually make things happen. And it is this ability to deliver meaningful change for our industry and communities which most impresses me when thinking about Cole’s impact over recent years. At the root of his approach is a deep understanding and care for the real problems our people are facing in their consulting work, with this clear focus driving the path forward. With forward-thinkers like Cole leading the charge, I am very optimistic indeed about what the future holds.” Mike Jacka, Expertise Director for Geotechnical Engineering at Tonkin + Taylor.
Driving Digital Innovation | The ACE New Zealand Futurespace Award
A finalist for the 2024 ACE New Zealand Futurespace Award, Cole has been pivotal in driving digital transformation at Tonkin + Taylor, ensuring the company stays competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
From Earthquake to Engineering | A Career Reimagined
The 2011 Christchurch earthquake was a turning point in Cole’s career. Originally focused on computer science, he shifted his attention to geology, driven by a passion to understand the geological forces that shape communities. This journey eventually led him to Tonkin + Taylor, where he now blends his technical expertise with a drive for innovation.
Tackling Knowledge Management | The Creation of Site Search
One of the biggest challenges Cole faced was how to effectively harness the collective knowledge of an organisation that has grown from 200 to over 1400 employees. Recognising that poor knowledge transfer was creating inefficiencies and missed opportunities, Cole worked closely with colleagues to develop Site Search — Tonkin + Taylor’s new AI-powered internal search engine.
Site Search offers staff quick access to tens of millions of documents, vastly improving knowledge sharing and project efficiency. What began as a proof-of-concept quickly gained momentum, with Cole leading the full-scale deployment, and realising the value of the project by achieving successful adoption throughout the company.
Empowering Others | Leading a Collaborative Digital Culture
Cole’s impact doesn’t stop with Site Search. He has also been pivotal in advancing Tonkin + Taylor’s Centres of Technical Excellence. Through initiatives like the Engineering Geology Mapping Tool, he has standardised terminology, enhanced data collection, and fostered cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Beyond his technical contributions, Cole is dedicated to empowering others. By mentoring junior engineers and geologists, he’s helping to cultivate a future-focused culture where innovation thrives.
AI and Beyond
Looking ahead, Cole’s vision for Site Search includes integrating generative AI, further transforming how our staff access and utilise knowledge. His leadership ensures that we remain a leader in digital innovation while nurturing an environment where the next generation of innovators can flourish.
Read more about Tonkin + Taylor’s Digital Engineering Solutions here.
