International Women’s Day is a time to recognise the women shaping industries, challenging norms, and contributing expertise across every sector. At Setpoint Solutions, we’re proud to celebrate Alice Raio, our Wellington-based BMS Controls Engineer, whose global experience and technical creativity play an important role in delivering intelligent building automation solutions across New Zealand.
A Global Career in Building Automation
Alice’s journey into engineering began in Portugal, where she completed her degree in Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Engineering in 2000. She went on to spend 14 years working for Sauter Controls in Portugal before relocating to Singapore for a further three and a half years working for the same branch (franchising).
In February 2020 — just before New Zealand’s first lockdown — Alice and her husband moved to Wellington. Since joining Setpoint Solutions five years ago (May 2021), she has become a valued member of the team, bringing nearly two decades of international building automation experience to our projects.
Working across different countries has shaped her adaptability and perspective.
“I like to learn and be challenged. Moving to a foreign country, leaving my native language, and adapting to different cultures has been one of the biggest challenges of my career — but also one of the most rewarding.”
What Does a BMS Controls Engineer Do?
As a BMS (Building Management System) Controls Engineer, Alice specialises in developing and upgrading system graphics and interfaces that allow building operators to monitor and control mechanical and electrical systems.
Her work includes:
- Designing floor plan graphics for commercial buildings
- Upgrading BMS interfaces
- Integrating background databases and system architecture
- Personalising systems with client branding and colour schemes
- Troubleshooting remotely via client systems
While building automation systems can be technically complex, Alice’s role is to make them intuitive and user-friendly.
“If you have one machine, you know what the output is — but internally you don’t know how it produces that result. My job is to imagine how I’m going to explain / simplify – through a graphic -what’s inside and communicate it clearly so the client can navigate it easily.”
Behind every clean graphic interface sits a detailed database and control logic. Translating that complexity into clarity is where her skill lies.
Navigating a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
Engineering and building automation have historically been male-dominated fields. Alice has seen firsthand how attitudes can differ across countries.
In Portugal, early in her career, she was often given parts of projects rather than full project ownership. There was a level of caution — sometimes framed as protection — around assigning women entire projects.
Rather than seeing this as a setback, Alice saw opportunity.
“If I was only getting part of the job, I decided I would become really good at that part.”
That focus helped her build deep technical expertise in BMS graphics and system presentation — a niche that requires both technical precision and creativity.
Her experience in New Zealand, however, has felt notably different.
“At Setpoint, it was the first time I’ve been encouraged to put forward my ideas and think outside the box. I’ve been given the freedom to be creative and supported in doing so.”
That autonomy has allowed her to bring both technical and creative strengths to her work.
Leadership Through Collaboration
During her time in Singapore, Alice stepped into a project management role, leading a small team. Her leadership philosophy remains clear today:
“Leadership is about the team — not just being the boss.”
She believes that the best solutions come from collaboration and collective problem-solving. When challenges arise in building automation projects, brainstorming together leads to stronger outcomes than isolated decision-making.
That team-first mindset reflects Setpoint’s broader approach to delivering building management systems across New Zealand — where collaboration between engineers, project managers, and clients is essential.
Advice for Women Entering Engineering
When asked what advice she would give to young women considering careers in engineering, automation, or technology, her response is straightforward:
“Go for it. Don’t be scared of failing because you’re a woman or from a different culture. Everything is a learning process.”
Alice remembers that in her university course, there were only two women in her class. While engineering still has progress to make globally, she sees positive change — particularly in New Zealand, where diversity and inclusion are increasingly prioritised.
“Women have different ways of thinking and have a lot to add in the workplace. It’s good to see that change happening.”
What International Women’s Day Means
For Alice, International Women’s Day is about recognising the generations of women who came before her — many of whom faced restrictive expectations and limited opportunities.
Growing up, she felt traditional pressures around what it meant to be a woman. Those experiences shaped her independence and determination.
“Things have changed a lot, but there are still women around the world in limited situations. I hope this day continues to help women gain more rights and opportunities.”
Celebrating Women in Building Automation
At Setpoint Solutions, we believe diversity strengthens innovation. In an industry driven by data, precision, and intelligent systems, varied perspectives lead to better outcomes for clients and smarter buildings.
Alice’s journey — from Portugal to Singapore to Wellington — reflects resilience, adaptability, and technical excellence. Her ability to translate complex building management systems into intuitive, user-friendly solutions ensures our clients across New Zealand can operate their buildings efficiently and confidently.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate Alice and all women contributing to engineering and building automation across Aotearoa.
Because behind every intelligent building is a team of intelligent people.
