Isadora Pasquini Goncalves, Quality & Environmental Manager
- 2016 - 2017: Quality Engineer Manager at Freyssinet International & Co – Santa Monica Wind Farm Project - Brazil
- 2018 - 2019: Project QSE Manager at Freyssinet Tierra Armada Argentina – San Martin Viaduct
- 2020: Project QSE Manager at Freyssinet International & Co – Kariba Dam Rehabilitation Project
- 2021 - 2025: Senior Quality Engineer at Freyssinet UK
- 2026 - current: Quality and Environmental Manager at Freyssinet UK
A natural curiosity
Ever since I was a child, I wanted to understand how bridges and skyscrapers are built and most importantly, how they stay up! I believe this curiosity naturally led me to choose a career in civil engineering.
During my first apprenticeship I truly realised how fascinating and complex the construction industry can be. When I joined Freyssinet in 2016, the challenge became even greater and more rewarding. Working for a leading organisation that invests in technology and delivers large infrastructure projects across multiple countries confirmed that I had chosen the right career path.
Continuous improvement
My first role at Freyssinet was within the quality department, and since then I have continued to develop in this area. It was at that point that I realised that, in addition to civil engineering, I wanted to build my career in quality and continuous improvement.
In the last 10 years, I have had the opportunity to work in several countries, including Brazil, Argentina, France, and currently the United Kingdom. These experiences significantly broadened my perspective and helped me develop both professionally and personally.
I also had the opportunity to work alongside highly experienced professionals who were always approachable and willing to share their knowledge. This support played a key role in developing my technical skills, judgement, and confidence within the quality function.
Which Freyssinet project are you most proud of?
The San Martín Viaduct project in Buenos Aires is the project I am most proud of. A dedicated precast plant was established close to site for the fabrication of more than 300 pre and post‑tensioned beams, with spans ranging from 25 to 40 metres.
The five‑kilometre viaduct was constructed to elevate an existing railway line, making it a highly challenging, site‑based project with complex interfaces between production, logistics, and installation. Being closely involved on site allowed me to gain valuable hands‑on experience and a deeper understanding of construction realities, coordination, and problem‑solving in real time. Seeing such a complex structure completed successfully was extremely rewarding.
In a different context and more recently in my career, I have been particularly proud to contribute to the implementation of the Gated Lifecycle within Freyssinet UK from a quality assurance and governance perspective. Unlike site‑specific delivery work, this challenge required working at system level, supporting consistent planning, decision‑making, and compliance across projects. Helping embed this approach reinforced the importance of governance in reducing risk and improving overall business performance.
Any advice for a young recruit?
Never be afraid to say that you do not know something or that you need help. This is the best way to learn and grow. In my early roles at Freyssinet, I worked with excellent project directors and foremen who supported me when I lacked experience in dealing with certain situations.
You need to remain humble and understand that a foreman with 20 years of experience can often know more about practical construction than an engineer with only a few years of academic study. Knowledge comes with experience, and improvement happens every day if you stay open to learning.
What three words would you use to describe Freyssinet?
Technology, teamwork and multicultural.