by
Frazer Argyros-Farrell | Managing Director, CHPK Fire Engineering
Last week marked my third year at CHPK Fire Engineering and just over 27 years in the fire and insurance industries, or 30 years if you include my degree in Fire Science. Over that time, the industry has improved significantly. I have worked in training, insurance, property risk management, business development, and leadership, and each role has deepened my grasp of our work and the responsibility it entails.
When I began my career in fire training, the industry was very different. Technology was less advanced, interdisciplinary collaboration was limited, and fire engineering often lacked the recognition and influence it deserved. Fire engineering was not a new concept, but its basis often depended on the client’s desired outcome; fortunately, this has long been a thing of the past.
There has been a major shift in our approach to fire safety. We now focus on understanding risk, protecting people, and ensuring buildings perform as intended throughout their lifecycle, rather than simply meeting regulations. When we look at older buildings, we now consider risk versus compliance: it may not comply with current regulations, but what is the actual risk of loss of life or harm? Yes, the sprinkler head may be too close to the wall, but it will operate and still have an impact, allowing safe evacuation. Focusing on the challenges that will cause harm will make the biggest difference.
We now collaborate with fire engineers, architects, developers, insurers, building owners, and regulators. No single discipline can address these challenges alone; shared knowledge, experience, and responsibility are essential.
One proven tip for effective interdisciplinary teamwork is to hold regular project kick-off meetings that bring together all stakeholders from the outset. At these sessions, each discipline can outline its goals, raise early concerns, and clarify expectations regarding responsibilities and timelines. Keeping communication open through joint progress check-ins ensures everyone stays aligned and can quickly resolve issues as they emerge. This approach helps build trust, encourages transparency, and leads to better, more coordinated solutions overall.
Advances in fire modelling, engineering analysis, digital technology, and access to technical information have enhanced our ability to address complex issues. We are now better equipped to examine assumptions, make informed decisions, and provide robust, evidence-based advice.
Fire engineering has grown significantly in professional recognition, competence, accountability, and influence. There is now greater recognition of the specialist knowledge that fire engineers provide. We must continue to invest in the next generation of fire engineers and professionals. One way we can do this is by offering mentoring, organising knowledge-sharing sessions, and creating opportunities for hands-on learning through structured training programs or outreach with local colleges and universities. Encouraging experienced professionals to support newcomers strengthens our workforce and builds a sense of community in our field. We need to consider how we engage those still in education about the construction and fire industry and support better development of apprenticeships in fire-related fields.
We are moving in the right direction, shifting from awareness to accountability. Behind every assessment, strategy, design decision, and recommendation are people whose lives depend on our work
Workforce diversity and inclusion have improved significantly, especially for women in engineering. 27 years ago, there were only a handful of women in the fire industry. Today at CHPK Fire Engineering, over a third of our team are women, whose talent and contributions are making a strong impact across the fire industry. Understanding that the workplace needs to be truly inclusive and accessible, not just on paper, has helped us grow our diverse workforce. This is worth celebrating.
Even though challenges remain, we are now better informed, more aware, more connected, more accountable, and more ambitious than we were 27 years ago.
Throughout my career, one constant has been the value of people. Colleagues who challenged me, mentors who guided me, and clients who trusted the teams I have led have all influenced my journey.
As Managing Director of CHPK Fire Engineering, I am grateful to be part of a growing industry and a business that values expertise, collaboration, integrity, and people.
The past 27 years have taught me to learn from the past, challenge the present with confidence, and take responsibility for the future. I am proud to contribute to this effort and to help shape what comes next.
