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Issue 26

Ben Gracewood

Ben GracewoodWhat do you do?

I’m a Solutions Architect in Intergen’s Auckland office. I make ideas into reality, whether that’s by crystallising ideas into concrete plans, or actually building software.

How do you make a difference?

My background in banking, operational IT and management has taught me that pragmatism and solid code are the roots of great solutions. I help ensure that we don’t over-engineer solutions, while at the same time focusing on the bits that truly matter: security, stability and solution-fit.

What do you love about your job?

I call myself a recovering manager. Having successfully led teams of developers and watched them deliver great software, I’ve come to the realisation that I truly love building software. I love that this role lets me get my hands dirty!

A bit about yourself…

I’m a geek, and I’m proud of it. My Lego space shuttle has pride of place on my desk, I change phones more often than most people change shoes, and I blog about gadgets and software. I’m married to my high-school sweetheart, and we have two gorgeous kids.