September 2026
Five insights with RMA Engineers
What do clients underestimate? What’s changing inside our industry? And what would you change about consulting? In this new series, Five insights, we ask Consult Australia members five questions you won’t find on a corporate website.
RMA Engineers has been in business for more than three decades. This multi-disciplinary engineering consultancy provides integrated engineering, project management, and development advisory services – and Principal Engineer Stuart Doyle shares some secrets into that staying power.
1. What does your firm do brilliantly that people don’t know enough about?
At RMA, we’re known for engineering, but what people often don’t see is how much we invest in developing our people. Growing talent within our business is a core part of our business strategy.
We actively recruit graduates and undergraduates and give them the opportunity to work directly alongside experienced registered professional engineers to gain on-the-job project support and exposure that accelerates their development.
We believe that great client outcomes start with capable and confident people, which is why we invest so heavily in their development. That focus on people creates long-term careers, not just jobs. At our most recent annual Strategy Day, we recognised our 33rd employee for reaching 10 years of service. That’s something we’re incredibly proud of and a reflection of the culture we’ve built.
2. What’s something clients think is simple that really isn’t?
Delivering a successful project is often more complex than it appears. While engineering design is a key part of the process, there's also a constant focus on identifying and managing project risks.
A lot of value comes from recognising potential issues early and putting strategies in place before they become problems. Equally important is understanding the level of detail required at each stage of a project. Investing more time and effort upfront can often save significant time, cost and delays during construction.
3. If you could change one thing about how our industry works, what would it be?
I’d like to see consultants do more to build trust in our industry. This starts by consistently acting in ways that promote a positive public perception of the industry. Consultants must operate to the ethical and professional standards our clients, communities and approval authorities expect.
4. What’s keeping you busy that wasn’t on your radar three years ago?
Our investment in innovation has increased significantly. Our people have always been good at generating ideas, but creating the time and capacity to turn them into something meaningful had been a challenge.
Like many consulting businesses, our people are focused on delivering projects for clients, so dedicating resources to innovation requires a deliberate commitment. We’re spending more time exploring new technologies, improving how we work and finding better ways to deliver value, while balancing the demands of project delivery.
5. What’s something about your firm we’d never learn online?
Probably the amount of effort that goes into creating an environment where people genuinely enjoy coming to work.
We invest heavily in regular one-on-one conversations, wellbeing initiatives and professional development because we know culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s also why so many of our people stay with us for the long term.
Just as importantly, we’re focused on internal succession, giving emerging leaders a clear pathway to take on greater responsibility and become a bigger part of the business.
Got five insights to share?
We love hearing what’s happening inside Consult Australia member businesses. Contact us at media@consultaustralia.com.au to be featured in Five Insights.