Marwa Saad
Engineer – New Business, CB Civil & Drainage Limited
Master of Construction Management with Honours (First Class)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Architectural Engineering (First Class)
Marwa Saad now works for CB Civil & Drainage Limited and is responsible for preparing detailed construction methodologies, programming, coordinating input from cross-functional teams, and ensuring alignment with client specifications and industry standards.
“I work closely with estimators and operational leads to produce robust, well-structured proposals that demonstrate our capability and innovation. I’m also driving the adoption of construction automation within our tendering and planning processes, championing digital tools and workflows that improve accuracy, efficiency and constructability insights during the preconstruction phase.”
Marwa enjoys the balance of technical challenge and strategic thinking that comes with tendering.
“Every project is different, requiring a deep dive into construction methodology, risk analysis and innovation. I find it rewarding to shape how a job is approached before it even hits the ground, knowing that strong planning sets the foundation for successful delivery. I also enjoy collaborating with diverse teams and bringing together different perspectives to craft solutions that are innovative, efficient, safe and future-focused. Being part of a company that values innovation enables me to continuously explore how construction automation can transform our processes, which keeps the work dynamic and forward-looking.”
An interest in design and construction
Her time at AUT equipped her with a strong foundation in both technical engineering principles and critical thinking, says Marwa who completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Architectural Engineering and a Master of Construction Management, both with first-class honours.
“I pursued my bachelor's degree driven by a keen interest in both design and construction. After graduating, I entered the civil construction industry and quickly developed a passion for bringing infrastructure to life, transforming plans into built environments from the ground up. Choosing to undertake a master’s degree at AUT was a strategic decision to advance my understanding of the latest construction methodologies and innovations. The emphasis AUT places on sustainability, innovation and practical problem-solving has enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the way we approach project planning and delivery.
“One of the standout aspects of my time at AUT was its hands-on, practical learning environment. The integration of real-world projects and close collaboration with industry partners made the coursework highly relevant and immediately applicable. Other highlights were AUT’s smaller class sizes and the accessibility of faculty. This created a highly supportive learning atmosphere where mentorship, personalised feedback and open dialogue were encouraged. It made a real difference in my ability to refine ideas, challenge myself and grow.”
She says there were two AUT staff members who had a particular impact on her academic and professional journey.
“Associate Professor Nicola Naismith and Professor Ali Ghaffarian Hoseini have both been exceptional mentors since my undergraduate studies, and their support has continued through my master’s degree and beyond. Their guidance went far beyond the classroom – they were consistently available to offer advice, provide academic insight, and help me navigate key decisions in my studies and my early career. Their mentorship played a vital role in shaping my academic direction and continues to be a valued source of support post-graduation.”
Advice for other students
Marwa – who completed her master's degree in mid-2025 and loved serving as both a student ambassador and a leadership team member of the AUT Muslim Students Association – has some great advice for other students.
“Take full advantage of the hands-on learning and industry connections AUT offers – those experiences will set you apart. Don’t be afraid to get involved in student groups or take on leadership roles; they build soft skills that are just as important as technical ones. Stay curious, ask questions, trust your gut and follow what you enjoy doing.
"When your interests align with your work, your job becomes more than a role; it becomes a passion. The construction and infrastructure industry is ever evolving, especially with new technologies and sustainability practices. Embrace that change, stay adaptable and aim to contribute meaningfully.”
