<<

InspireINSPIRING TOMORROW'S ENGINEERS ► CAREER PATH STORIES Abigail Teekaram Julia Evans 04 Elliot Northmore 24

Rebecca Hogg 06 Michelle Agha-Hossein 26

Sebastian Syrjanen 08 George Adams 28

Hadeel Saadoon 10 Jo Harris 30

Ben Roberts 12 Ceri Hobbs 32

Stephen Foot 14 Jack Dinnewell 34

Nick Cullen 16 Chris PounTney 36

Divya Deepankar 18 Ben Johnston 38

Jon Woodard 20 Ro ma Agr awal 40

Tim Rossington 22 Laura Nolan 42

2 3 English, Geography, MPhil in Exercise MBA in Business BA Hons in Psychology Chief Executive History Physiology Administration Car e e r Pat h UNIVERSITY OF SWANSEA NATIONAL FEDERATION OF BUILDERS Chief Executive A – LEVELS UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM WARWICK BUSINESS SCHOOL BSRIA

Summarise what your How long have you What infl uenced your BSRIA aims to Are there any role What advice would you career is about. been in your career for? decision to join the models in engineering give to young people "Make Buildings As my career has been a bit I have had a number of roles in and that you are inspired by? who are interested in itinerant, it’s diffi cult to fi nd just a wide variety of organisations engineering industry? Better" and Really too many to mention but pursuing a career in How did you become the construction and one thing, but I would say that both public and private sector, without engineers Ada Lovelace, a woman really most of what I do and have so really couldn’t say that I have involved? ahead of her time. engineering industry? done is about people and how had a single career in one thing. I wouldn’t give anyone career I got offered my fi rst CEO job of all sorts, this they work together and how to I have been in the construction advice except to say that if you in the sector and have been just wouldn't be move and change organisations and engineering sector for have a dream and the ambition involved ever since. I did lots of into better ways of working. about 15 years and loved every to follow it then “Noli Umquam other things before I came into possible. minute of it. Desiste” which means (more or construction and engineering for less) “never give up”. example General management, HR, estate management, in fact I would say for the kind of job I have that it’s more or less essential to have wide experience.

Julia Evans

4 5 5 MEng in Acoustical Engineering ISRV, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Maths and Physics Acoustic Consultant Car e e r Pat h A–LEVELS ACCOUNT UK LTD Acoustic consultant Summer work placement ACCOUNT UK LTD BSRIA

Summarise what your What originally What is the most A career in Have you undertaken What do you believe is career is about. interested you about enjoyable aspect of any interesting projects? the essential skillset for acoustics can mean My job title at BSRIA is an Acoustical Engineering? being an Acoustical Yes! I’ve tested in rooms with your career? Acoustic Consultant and my Why did you choose to Engineer? going into so many temperatures down to -20°C You need to be good at study that at university? role involves acoustic testing Variety. No two projects are different areas: (don’t forget to wear a hat!) problem solving and work well of heating, ventilation and air I wanted to study engineering the same and there is always and up to +40°C. I’ve stood on in a team. You also have to be conditioning products, both in and was looking at general something new to learn. environmental the roof of buildings in London prepared for the unexpected the laboratory and on site in . While Acoustics is not a stand-alone acoustics, building and watched the sunrise and be willing to adapt. order to determine the sound researching options I found out discipline and often involves (acoustic testing is sometimes Academically you need a good power level. Testing can be about acoustical engineer, working with others, so since acoustics, outside normal hours!) and grasp of maths and physics, carried out on all different which sounded much more starting my career I’ve learnt just underwater I’ve dealt with sheep, foxes but you don’t have to go down types of products including interesting. I was drawn to the as much, if not more, about non- and people singing karaoke the traditional A-level and heat pumps, air conditioners, wide range of applications of acoustics as I have extended my acoustics, into a microphone during university route to obtain the coil units, , , air acoustics and also the larger use knowledge of acoustics. environmental noise surveys. skills required. handling units, valves and fans. of maths within this discipline of electronics and I also carry out sound absorption engineering, without studying a audio engineering. testing of materials, such as wall straight maths course. and ceiling panels.

Rebecca Hogg

6 6 7 7 Maths, Physics, Product design Architecture (in course) Car e e r Pat h A–LEVELS UNIVERSITY OF BATH Architecture Student UNIVERSITY OF BATH

What inspired you to Which subjects did What have you The most enjoyable Have you undertaken What advice would you pursue a degree in you study during your achieved? Which is the any interesting projects give to students who are architecture? A-levels and why? achievement you are aspect of my degree during university? interested in pursuing a I have been interested in the I studied maths, physics and most proud of? so far is being We had to design a gallery degree in architecture? fi eld of architecture and design product design. Maths, as it is I have won design competitions allowed to design space on the site of our university Make sure that you defi nitely in general. I have wanted to be a very useful subject for most entered by thousands of peo- as one of our projects. It was want to follow this career path as an architect for over 11 years fi elds of work; physics, as it aids ple. Additionally, my work at in your own style interesting as we had to work it requires years of persistence. now and so my path has been with understanding of materials, university has been consistently whilst being advised with materials assigned to us Ensure you make an effort to relatively direct. electronics and construction; solid. Recently, I got a place along with building requirements experience architecture through product design, as it allowed on an architectural summer and supported by and a restricted site. In , it different forms of media and me to continue to express course in China and at the end professionals. The was great to work with students keep your knowledge up to date creativity, understand design was offered a part time job to from around the world on as the fi eld is ever-changing. principles and practice model design buildings and plan towns diverse range of masterplans and linking the Ideally, choose a mixture of making and technical drawing. in China while studying at my buildings to the culture. subjects that cover creative and university. project types is also scientifi c fi elds. fantastic.

Sebastian Syrjanen

8 9 Maths, Physics, English, and Art BEng in Architectural Engineering MSc in Construction Management Architectural Technologist Car e e r Pat h A – LEVELS UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY COVENTRY UNIVERSITY CIAT bim manager COVENTRY UNIVERSITY

What is the most What inspired you to Have you undertaken I advise young What do your current Are there any role enjoyable aspect of pursue Architectural any interesting projects? projects require of you? models in engineering people to follow your career? Engineering at Yes. I am currently working on For live projects I have to that you have been Continuing to learn every day University? a number of interesting projects their dreams! work with various teams inspired by? and being able to work with new I was very much attracted to the for Coventry University including There are a lot of including the architectural My role model is the late Iraqi- technologies and using them to Architecture Engineering course building a new Engineering consultants, Building services British architect Dame Zaha design, build and manage assets because it offers a wonderful mix and Computing Building, a new career options in and mechanical and electrical Hadid. I met her at her last in a different way than it is used of art and science. It requires a technology centre, student every speciality and consultants, civil engineers and lecture at the RIBA in February traditionally. I am responsible for wide imagination which I had accommodation projects project managers. Each team 2016 and thanked her for being introducing and managing the that helped me to develop and refurbishment of existing everyone can fi nd works to provide a 3D model such a wonderful inspiration to process of implementing new design skills. It is also very buildings. The most interesting something they are of their discipline and then we young people, especially female building information modelling technically challenging which I project I ever worked on federate the models into one to architects around the world and management solutions. I really love. previously was a pre-boarding passionate about to run a clash detection. I work to and she was very happy and feel it is a huge responsibility but zone for Dublin Airport. It was ensure that we are getting the overwhelmed. She will always at the same time it is a wonderful the fi rst project where we used be able to develop right asset information into our be my role model of success, opportunity to be at the forefront Virtual Reality in BIM and design. themselves. models to get the right building dedication and talent. of digital transformation. information at handover to facilitate the operation and maintenance of the Building.

Hadeel Saadoon

10 11 BEng in Mechanical Engineering UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH Maths, Physics, Music, Media Graduate Mechanical Engineer Executive Mechanical Engineer BIM Delivery Car e e r Pat h A – LEVELS MSc in Energy and Sustainable HOARE LEA leader Building Design HOARE LEA DE MONFORT UNIVERSITY

What inspired you to What have you Have you undertaken Keep learning new When it comes to How do you see your pursue your career? achieved throughout any other interesting these major projects career progressing in the things; during your I’m passionate about your career? projects? what is required of your future? environmental issues and could I delivered one of the fi rst Yeah, loads!! I worked on the career you will see role to ensure success I’m not sure where my career will within them? see a massive opportunity to mechanical, electrical and Olympic Village for London 2012, totally new tools take me next to be honest, but reduce the energy consumption plumbing BIM projects in the UK helped to design a converted As an engineer, the most I hope to continue innovating, of buildings. I started out as (and even in the world!), back power station in London, and and processes that important aspects of my role has inspiring others, saving time and a mechanical engineer and in 2010. It was working on this contributed to quite a few disrupt the industry been the ability to communicate energy and improving the way have diverted into running ward block when the contractor schools and hospitals along the well with people across a range we design the built environment. a centralised team of digital asked us to deliver the project way too. My fi rst major project and fundamentally of technical understanding, The main goal I have is to be able innovators. I wasn’t particularly using Revit (BIM Software) and as role was on a new ward block change what we do, being comfortable with reports, to design much lower impact into computers originally but a BIM job. I saw an opportunity for the Royal Infi rmary; this presentations, meetings, buildings in signifi cantly less time, have always sought more to do something differently, was where I got started in Revit, so make sure you’re workshops and knowing which is allowing space in our lives for effi cient ways of working, so and grabbed it! I really enjoyed worked with a great collaborative the best format to communicate more leisure and less work! when new tools emerge I’m the challenge of pioneering team, and got to infl uence always picking up your ideas. always keen to see if I can use something new, took advantage things like a green roof, rainwater new skills. them to save me having to do of automating calculations and collection and solar PVs. the boring stuff by hand! schedules linked to my 3D model and drawing output.

Ben Roberts

12 13 HND in Construction and Trainee Building Assistant Building Senior Building Car e e r Pat h Built Environment Control Officer Control Officer Control Officer Senior Building Control Surveyor EAST BERKSHIRE COLLEGE BRACKNELL FOREST BOROUGH COUNCIL BRACKNELL FOREST BOROUGH COUNCIL BRACKNELL FOREST BOROUGH COUNCIL BRACKNELL FOREST BOROUGH COUNCIL

Summarise what your How did you find out What is the most The importance of Can you describe some What are the desirable career is about. about this career? enjoyable aspect of your of the projects you have skills and abilities my career is to safe I am Senior Building Control Initially I found out about build- career? been involved in? someone needs as Surveyor who checks for building ing control via the interaction Surely, the variation of work I get guard the client The conversion of 10 floor office a building control surveyor? regulations compliance on a on construction sites. In the involved in from normal domestic and members of the block into flats and formation range of domestic and commer- context of finding out my career to dangerous structures. of new multiscreen cinema Organisation, motivation, cial projects. In addition to this I located trainee roles via job Domestic examples comprise of public by ensuring including 4K screens. Both of ambition and determination I conduct enforcement works searching at the time of altering minor works such as removal of all buildings these projects required me I believe these core attributes of the Building Regulations as my career path from being on loadbearing walls to single and to conduct a full plan check are vital to have as Building well as attending and resolving the tools. two storey extensions, whereas comply with the to enable a set of approved Control Surveyor to ensure you dangerous structures. All projects the more complex examples then building regulations building regulation compliant carry out your statutory duty require me to adhere to health diversify into new dwellings, new drawings to be issued. effectively. Without optimising and safety protocol, and adher- flats, conversions into flats and making our built During this process, communica- these attributes the job role ing to all codes of conduct. then into commercial units such tion and consultation had to be and dependency from others as cinema and schools. environment a safe conducted with other domains will then be complicated thus Dangerous structure examples I and functional such as the Fire Service. Regular making you unable to perform have worked on are garden and inspections were conducted your duty and provide the boundary walls, tree collapses environment to throughout construction phase service to the employer and into dwellings, house and garage live in. to ensure compliance. members of the public which fires and ram raids on shops. require this of you. Stephen Foot

14 15 BSc Hons in Building Biology, Maths, Physical Science Design Engineer Environmental Engineering Car e e r Pat h A - LEVELS 11 YEARS AT HOARE LEA RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT PARTNER UNIVERSITY OF BATH HOARE LEA

Outline what your What inspired you to Have you undertaken It was not You mentioned you’ve What are the desirable career involves. pursue a career in any interesting projects worked across the world on skills and abilities someone about complex I am now a Partner in an engineering? yourself? various projects – can you needs as a Building engineering consultancy. I I was always fascinated by I was the project leader on the mathematics (that expand on this a bit more? Services Engineer? have spent my whole career buildings and how they were BRIT School in Croydon which came later) but I have had projects in both North Enthusiasm, patience and tolerance. in the same firm from my constructed. However, the talk provides talented children and South America (), The people you work with and for undergraduate days to the that Ted Happold gave at the with the skills to work on the about imagining Russia (although I didn’t visit) and are important, so treat them with present. I spent the first 11 years Bath University open day inspired performing arts. The project solutions, something Switzerland. I also worked on a respect and give your all to your as a design engineer before me. He had recently completed was reminiscent of the thinking European research project where work. That said a balance between moving to Research and a project on the Vauxhall cross behind the Pompidou centre I have always the team met at different European work and home life is very important. Development which I now head and talked about the complexity with the structure configured enjoyed more than locations including a Greek island! I also think the willingness to change up. I have worked on projects of the problems, having to to facilitate the maximum and to learn new things is an across the world and on research coordinate works to avoid spatial flexibility. I was the lead anything else. important part of the engineer’s life. projects across many different railway tunnels. I was hooked. project mechanical engineer Lifelong learning and developing subject areas. responsible for the system new skills are essential. design and specification, attending design meetings and when on site working with the mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractor. Nick CullEn

16 17 BEng in Civil Engineering UNIVERSITY OF OSMANIA, INDIA MSc in Environmental Change Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Management Car e e r Pat h A – LEVELS Research Engineer Work experience and internships UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD AS PROJECT VOLUNTEER, PROJECT ASSOCIATE, BSRIA MANAGEMENT TRAINEE

Summarise your career At what point in your I have, however, continuously The most construction fi rm. I specialised in Have there been and key roles. life did you realise done internships and short-term residential projects doing estima- any role models in work experience relevant to my enjoyable aspect tions, costing and quantity survey- My career interests lie in striving you wanted to go into engineering that you career interests during term- ing. Following this, I worked as a to be in sync with the UN Sustain- engineering? of my career have been inspired by? breaks. Since September 2015, “Project Associate” at the Indian able Development Goals while To me it was always about I can say two: Sir Chandrase- I have been working at BSRIA is working with Institute of Sciences, Bangalore balancing the quest for profi t working in the environmental khara Venkata Raman, a Phys- as a “Research Engineer” in its coding the fracture behaviour of with a responsibility towards pub- sciences sector. I would say the people with icist who conducted ground Sustainable Construction Group. reinforced concrete beams used lic good. decision became clearer as breaking research on scattering creative ideas, in rail construction bridges. Two key environmental issues I had to choose the subjects I Can you describe some of light, and Sir Ove Nyquist Arup, in the infrastructure sector that wanted to take for A-Levels, so of the work experience and passion to What do you believe is the founder of ARUP. concern me the most are Urban- let’s say 15 years old. and internships you did? solve problems. the essential skillset for isation, with the ever-increasing I started my career in 2013 intern- your career? pressure on resources, and ing as a “Project Volunteer” at a If I had to list the top 5: willingness Energy security. As a researcher Which career path Non-Governmental Organisation to learn, strong technical ground- in the construction sector, our did you take to begin teaching best environmental ing, adaptability, ability to foresee roles are to identify the new pursuing this? practices across government problems, and fl exibility. trends and help our clients make I have been a full-time student schools in Hyderabad, India informed business and policy at every stage studying in where I pursued my Bachelors decisions. school, college and university. degree and moved on to work as a “Management Trainee” at a Divya Deepankar

18 19 Apprenticeship in commercial, Contracts Manager contracts manager retail, residential, social housing Electrical Validation Engineer for Electrical Activities Car e e r Pat h BROMLEY COLLEGE BANYARDS BANYARDS Electrical activities AIR-TECH PREMIERE

Describe what your What importance does offered opportunities with two I take immense head offi ce. Validation of 10 What advice would you career involves? your career serve within commissioning consultancies apartments at the top of the give to someone who the built environment satisfaction from the Starting out as an electrician, I (this was completely alien to me Shard. Commissioning of venti- is interested in pursuing and in general? became an electrical validation at the time) in 2015 and have whole aspect of my lation systems serving chemistry your career? engineer in the commissioning Installations are safe and been growing and learning laboratories for an international role; from providing Ask lots of questions and don’t be industry and now manage compliant; intended design can every day since. Every day is a pharmaceutical company. afraid to step out of your comfort mechanical commissioning be carried out cost effectively school day. project quotations, Surveying a former Brewery site zone unless it means putting and mechanical, electrical and with confi dence; mechanical prior to de-commissioning. securing projects, yourself physically at risk. If you and plumbing validation systems are performing correctly Have there been any interesting projects you What are the desirable want to be hands on, fi nd an contracts in addition to business and effi ciently; provide answers coordinating, apprenticeship and get stuck in. development/strategy activities. and solutions to complex building have undertaken? skills and abilities services problems. Validating the high voltage coaching engineers someone needs as a Commissioning generators located in a secret to deliver of Why did you bunker that provide emergency Engineer? choose to become support for all of the London technical reports Being dynamic, proactive and a Commissioning based Parliament/Government and maintaining inquisitive. Understanding that Engineer? buildings. Validating full land- you do not know everything, I come from a family of electri- lord’s infrastructure of No. 1 client relationships. and probably never will but cians but did not enjoy the life of Poultry. Delivery of mechanical, that someone will be able to a contractor, so decided to focus electrical and plumbing vali- support you. more on consultancy work. I was dation by direct appointment Jon Woodard to Kenwood De’Longhi at their

20 21 Maths, Economics, Physics BSc in Materials Engineering Compliance Engineer Car e e r Pat h A – LEVELS UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM BSRIA Service Delivery Manager BSRIA

Summarise what your What do your day-to- on site, we work closely with the It is important to this difference, normalise it to the satisfaction but really helping career is about. day tasks involve as a administration team to ensure envelope area of the building, a client who may be having the client receives the required gain a high degree and compare the result against issues meeting their targets I am a Compliance Engineer compliance engineer? certifi cation to demonstrate the design specifi cation. either acoustically or in terms of specialising in Acoustic and We conduct air tightness, sound of knowledge in compliance with the regulations. Sound tests involve using a sound airtightness is great. Airtightness Testing. I maintain insulation and ventilation tests the area that you source to generate noise and and improve standards in to confi rm requirements with the Can you describe some we measure the effects in an In your opinion (predominantly) residential relevant Building Regulations. are interested, and of these tests that are adjacent area to see whether what attributes and building. Initially as an acoustic Each site can offer different performed? qualities are needed gaining a broad the structure suffi ciently reduces engineer and then additionally challenges, dependent on We conduct tests in accordance the noise level. to be successful in your as an air tightness tester, we the outcomes of the tests fi eld of knowledge with the relevant test standards. For ventilation we measure career? ensure that new dwellings meet we perform. In the event of The standards, usually approved of related areas airfl ow rates to see whether Problem solving/ logical thought. Building Regulations. failures, we work closely with by government, set out how we enough ventilation is being site operatives to show them perform the tests and under as they often tie in provided. how and where the tests have what conditions we test. been failed, with the aim of and give a greater An airtightness test utilises a fan What is the most assisting them in achieving the to create a pressure difference understanding of enjoyable aspect of required standard and therefore across the building, we measure your career? a pass. Once we have fi nished the whole. the airfl ow required to generate Solving problems. Doing a good job obviously provides some Tim Rossington

22 23 MEng in Electrical and Physics, Electronics, Maths Graduate Electrical Engineer Electronic Engineering Car e e r Pat h A – LEVELS HYDROCK Project Engineer UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM LORNE STEWART GROUP

Outline your career. Where did your interests What have you Being an electrical Have there been In your opinion, what is What do your in engineering and achieved throughout any other interesting the essential skillset for day-to-day tasks construction arise from? your career? Which is engineer is fast projects you have your career? involve? I grew up on a working farm the achievement you paced, lots of undertaken? Communication, problem are most proud of? I am an electrical engineer with- and was involved in many ad problem solving. I worked on the ABB Blyth Inter- solving, thick skin, technical in the building services industry. hoc , as such. I Completing designs and connector project as part of knowledge. I manage sub-contractor works then developed an interest managing contract packages. There is always a mechanical and electrical Are there any role and Contractor Design Portion in engineering, construction I worked on a number of plenty to do and consultancy team and am cur- (CDP) design elements of work and problem solving. I enjoyed projects as part of a building rently working on the prestigious models in engineering you have been including earthing, lightning electronics and physics at A-level, services design team, generally lots going on, 1 Palace Street project as part inspired by? protection, fi re alarm and smoke however, it was after university at a junior level and working every day is a of this team as well. 1 Palace vent. I undertake design checks, when I realised I actually wanted with a senior engineer. Street is a high-end residential Elon Musk, Nikola Tesla and review CDP and installation to join this industry. Notable projects included: school day in redevelopment project adja- George Stephenson. drawings. I also attend weekly City College Plymouth STEM cent to Buckingham Palace. design workshops with the main Building, National College for construction. The site is to be served by two contractor, client and client Nuclear, Beckley Court Student high voltage supplies with there design team – purpose being to Residential development, being two UK Power Network bring issues to the forefront and Penvose Student Village and Rail switchrooms, two private high assist in resolution. Central (SRFI). I was also a lead voltage switchrooms and three electrical designer on an offi ce low voltage switchrooms. redevelopment in Cornwall. Elliot Northmore

24 25 EngD in Sustainable Maths, Physics, English BEng in Civil Engineering Research Engineer Buildings Car e e r Pat h A – LEVELS UNIVERSITY OF SURREY HALCROW GROUP Energy Engineer UNIVERSITY OF READING BSRIA

Outline your current When did you realise Where did your interest Engineers can on real world projects and like to take, a little bit of love for profession as an Energy you wanted to be in sustainability arise interact with professionals in maths, physics/chemistry can engineer. an engineer? What from? do anything. different disciplines helped me help a lot. massively in my communication My career is to optimise prompted this decision? My undergraduate dissertation Problem solving and management skills. I was What advice would you buildings’ performance in When I was about 10 I realised my topic was about the viability is a main part of involved in writing bids, project give to someone who terms of energy and occupant passion for maths and later on, of the timber frame method progress meetings, testing, data is interested in pursuing wellbeing. I provide consultancy physics. Since then I knew I would of construction for student any engineer’s gathering and analysis, writing your career? on how buildings can perform do a Maths or Physics-related accommodations. Sustainability working day. I reports and doing presentations. Whichever engineering degree better to keep both indoor and degree at university. Despite all was one of the main parts of my you study, graduates can fi nd outdoor environment healthy the discouragements from my dissertation. Since then, I realised have also always In your opinion interesting jobs in a variety and sustainable. In addition, parents (as they really wanted the importance of considering what attributes and been interested in of disciplines, from project I work on many different me to do medicine and would sustainability in everything we do. qualities are needed management to design, types of projects, and provide always tell me engineering was sustainability and to be successful in your installation and maintenance. consultancy services to our for boys!), I undertook a degree You mentioned you career? You will never get bored. clients and I also do research in civil engineering and then an worked for an industrial how that can make You need a keen eye for detail and write publications. Some Engineering Doctorate degree organisation during your people and our that allows you to get to the days, I am in the offi ce working sponsored by an industrial Doctorate. What skills bottom of an issue and identify on projects and other days I am organisation. The Doctorate and experience did you planet happy. solutions. Depending on what out meeting with our clients. degree and the Dr. title made my gain from this? engineering course you would parents happy to some extent! I worked 75 percent of my time at my sponsor company’s offi ce. Michelle Agha-Hossein Having the opportunity to work

26 27 National Engineering Hons Degree in Physics, Engineering Craft apprenticeship C e r t i fi c a t e Environmental Engineering Other work experiences* Car e e r Pat h A – LEVELS HACKNEY TECHNICAL COLLEGE Director of Engineering SOUTHGATE COLLEGE SOUTHBANK ENGINEERING UTC SPIE UK

projects with other disciplines, and gives you an opportunity to Outline what your high quality hotels) for satisfi ed Engineering What advice would you innovative methods of design open up your mind and think for career involves as occupants, affordability and give to someone who assessments and the optimisa- makes things innovation and technology. an Environmental functionality for the owners is is interested in pursuing Engineer? tion of building performance. your career? a fascinating mix of hard engi- happen, it designs In your opinion The real fun is taking a problem neering and human comfort. What is the most and builds things Engineering for the built environ- what attributes and or a challenge, using science enjoyable aspect of ment is not static or repetitive. qualities are needed What made you and maths to establish the engi- your career? we need, provides It is a mixture of engineering to be successful in your specialise in neering scope and then turning systems, technology, design, career? There are so many aspects. safety and that into something the factory Environmental human needs and energy Engineering at From working in collaborative Looking back, I would say a or site teams can construct. Then comfort, go for it, conservation. It makes buildings design teams, to creating reasonable grasp of science to follow that through in how to University? come to life with light, clean air, functional innovations to grasp it and make and maths, imagination, vision, best to set up and operate an I was intrigued by the com- comfort conditions, security and building up solutions that not confi dence, honesty and engineering system that brings bination of hard engineering a safe environment. It is a chal- only can be built but that your success. dedication. a building alive and makes it solutions coupled with a di- lenge of imagination, applica- operate successfully. Energy usable. Learning how to do this rect relationship with the more tion of sciences and planning for conservation has always been across different facilities (such emotional issues of comfort and both cost and time. It is exciting, a big feature in my work. The as Formula 1 car manufac- wellbeing of people. sometimes it really stretches you most exciting project was the turing, complex hospitals and I studied Environmental Engi- *Other work experiences Heathrow Terminal 5 with energy neering at Southbank London DESIGN AND BUILD PROJECTS saving and a huge program which included collaborative GROUP MANAGER FOR D&B PROJECTS of large scale modularised BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN EUROPE engineering packages. PFI HOSPITAL DEVELOPMENTS George Adams HEATHROW AIRPORT TERMINAL 5

28 29 Principal Consultant BSc in Electronics with BSRIA Chair of the Maintenance Controls engineer Facilities engineer Controls and Project Management Task Group Car e e r Pat h NATIONAL PHYSICAL LABORATORY INTEL UNIVERSITY OF WEST LONDON MSc in Facilities CIBSE Engineer Management READING UNIVERSITY ELI LILLY & CO.

Summarise what your opened up opportunities to work for two apprenticeships – Mars You get to work Were there any nars has ensured people know career entails. in other environments like facto- Confectionery or British Airways challenges you faced my name before we meet, then I ries and construction sites. engineering. There was no back anywhere and just have to live up to the name. Facilities management is about throughout your career? up plan; I just knew I didn’t want How did you overcome ensuring the buildings that Where did you complete everywhere What attributes and to be at school any more. them? people occupy support their your apprenticeship with your skills qualities do you believe needs, keeping occupants and how long for? What What is the most The challenge for me has been are needed to be safe, warm and productive. made you choose this enjoyable aspect of your moving from one overcoming an unconscious successful as a facilities We operate the buildings their route to your current career? organisation to bias of women working in a manager? staff work from and provide the male dominated industry of role? The satisfaction of a job well done Problem solving and a sense of support for any changes in those another which can maintenance. To overcome I completed my apprenticeship where I’ve helped other people, wanting to help others. To be a buildings. this you have to prove yourself at Mars Confectionery. It was improved their environment or range from charities good problem solver you need over and over. For me, creating a four year apprenticeship created something new. to understand the basics and Why did you decide an industry profi le through the programme in the maintenance and the NHS to question what you see and what to pursue a career in authoring of the guides and department that supported the is happening to fi nd the root facilities management? banks and computer making presentations at semi- factories and sweet production. I cause of the problem and see I wanted to do something prac- started this when I was 16 straight data centres and past just the quick fi x. tical – I didn’t want to sit in an from school and I only went offi ce all day. The apprenticeship from one country to another.

Jo Harris

30 31 BSc Hons in Civil Managing Director Thin Engineering Graduate Engineer Engineering Other work experiences* Car e e r Pat h Sandwich Course STENT FOUNDATIONS POLYTECHNIC OF WALES Geotechnical engineer C. HOBBS ASSOCIATES LTD

Outline what your ment, I worked with Balfour Beat- Can you describe I enjoyed physics Have you undertaken Are there any role career involves. ty’s ground engineering business what designing the any other interesting models in engineering “Stent” and was employed and maths at I design and manage specialist three-storey offi ce projects? you have been directly by them on graduation. foundation engineering pro- development was like? school and I was retained to resolve inspired by? jects. Geotechnical engineering What have you I was on secondment to Trevor wanted a career construction and design Brunel for his ability to design is a professional engineering achieved throughout Crocker and Partners of Leeds problems on the foundations and construct complex civil discipline that deals with the your career? on from my employer “Stent in Engineering and for the new radiation shelter at engineering structures with design, construction and main- Foundations”. This was to gain the Chernobyl nuclear plant a strong reliance on the I have successfully managed the idea of working tenance of the physical and design experience to meet the in Ukraine. I was also the bid observational approach. numerous departments in naturally built environment. requirements of the Institutions outdoors led me Director of the station boxes geotechnical engineering rules for Chartered Membership. for the Crossrail project and companies followed by the to taking up Civil What inspired you to The building was an “L” shaped bid manager for the Thames establishment, growth and pursue your career? offi ce on a combination of piled Tideway shafts at Barking Reach. sale of my own piling and Engineering. I enjoyed physics and maths at and conventional foundations In Australia I was the regional engineering business. I have also school and wanted a career as it was positioned over the Director responsible for the designed a three-storey offi ce in Engineering and the idea of edge of an old quarry. The bids on the Roy Hill mine development during training for *Other work experiences working outdoors led me to tak- frame was concrete with a steel development and introduced my Chartered Engineering status. PILING DIRECTOR MORGAN SINDALL ing up Civil Engineering. During mansard roof. The ground fl oor the concept of circular STATE MANAGER AT AVOPILING PTY LTD my fi nal year sandwich place- was ground bearing and the diaphragm walls to Western BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT BELPILE PTY LTD fi rst and second fl oors were fl at Australia. ENGINEER DIRECTOR AT ALTIUS GOC slab construction to minimise the Ceri Hobbs height of the building.

32 33 Heating and Ventilation Engineering Apprenticeship Military NG BAILEY Car e e r Pat h ROYAL NAVY Heating and Ventilation Heating and Ventilation Engineer NVQ LEVEL 2 AND LEVEL 3 NG BAILEY LEEDS COLLEGE OF BUILDING

Describe what your What inspired you to Have you completed Every day is Are there any What are the desirable career is about. pursue this career? any interesting challenges you face skills and abilities different from As a heating and ventilation After leaving school I was projects? throughout your career? someone needs as a engineer, I tend to be based unsure on what career path I’ve worked on a whole range the last which How do you overcome Heating & Ventilation them? Engineer? more on the installation side to take and ended up joining of different and interesting is good and of industrial sites. This involves the armed forces. After serving projects but one that stands When working on a project it Safety forms an important part of installing various systems and my time I decided to pursue out for me was a project at I’m constantly can be numerous things from project work. This includes mak- pipework in buildings that another career path and Harewood House, a renowned learning all installation to maintenance and ing sure the area I’m working in can either help to heat them decided a more “hands on” attraction near Leeds. The include issues such as leaking is safe, all my tasks are carried up or cool them down. These role would be best suited to project was very early in my the time whilst pipes or systems not working. out in a safe manner and also systems include radiators and me. Unfortunately, I didn’t apprenticeship and offered enjoying my job. The biggest way to overcome considering the safety of others air-conditioning, and we also have much experience to just a great opportunity for me to this is the ability to learn and try on site. Having an eye for detail is cover hot and cold water for walk into a job that would suit learn and gain experience from to gain as much experience as necessary, as well as working to a toilets and sinks etc. my needs, so while looking at both the work being undertaken you can whilst also being very high standard. I also think perse- apprenticeships I came across and others on site. It was great adaptable to situations. verance is essential and having a a heating and ventilation for my development and skill set willingness to see a job through to apprenticeship with NG Bailey. to witness an older system being the end. And fi nally, always being This sounded ideal for me. transformed and updated. It willing to listen and learn new involved traditional engineering things, you never know how useful methods and this was the fi rst they may be in the future. time I’d used these on a project. Jack Dinnewell

34 35 Graduate Engineer Maths, Further Maths, Physics, MEng in Mechanical FABER MAUNSELL Associate Gap year Design Technology Engineering Car e e r Pat h FABER MAUNSELL Mechanical engineer A – LEVELS UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL MSt in Interdisciplinary Design for the Built Environment ARUP UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE

Outline your career. ter leaving school. I worked in Currently, my emphasis is on The variety of project objectives. Usually this What advice would you What do your day-to- the Applied Research team in helping cities develop strategies involves some preliminary work give to young people day tasks involve? Building Engineering at Faber that build sustainability into work in the built to scope the key sustainability who are interested in Maunsell and during that year I their future plans. So, this is issues and understand the most I help embed sustainability environment has pursuing your career? began to learn how to code, how important in some respect, but effective actions. in the design of the built Try to get as much experience to think logically and I gained a there are many others delivering always kept me environment. My day-to-day in as many different disciplines. detailed understanding of build- sustainable solutions at the What are the desirable tasks involve data analytics, interested. The variety of work in the built ing energy modelling. I also saw scale of components, systems, skills and abilities including developing models someone needs for you environment has always kept engineers who used an analytical buildings and districts. Often analytical of energy systems and carbon me interested. Developing approach to improve building career? emission reduction strategies. skills are needed, digital skills is as important as design through careful thought Within your role how do Often analytical skills are you ensure you achieve ever and I’ve found that a little and sustainable solutions. but I’d say that it is needed, but I’d say that it is vital What made you bit of personal investment can sustainability in the built to be able to relate to others at decide to pursue a bring great benefi ts to projects What importance does environment? vital to be able to a personal level. The ability to career in Mechanical and open up unexpected your career serve within Sustainable outcomes require listen is important too. I think it is Engineering? relate to others at a opportunities. the built environment an engaged client and a also really helpful to be able to I was inspired by the example of and in general? collaborative design team. personal level present ideas clearly to groups of the enthusiastic team I worked Sustainability has been a This means that I try and get people, even though this can be with during my gap year af- buzzword over the past decade, involved as early as possible to nerve-wracking at times. but it really does affect every help shape the client aims and aspect of the built environment. Chris PounTney

36 37 Marine Engineering Operations Director C&G 2078 Training Lennox Industries Klimatec Ltd Car e e r Pat h Course Refrigeration and ROYAL NAVY KLIMATEC LTD

Summarise what your What importance does What inspired you to Chillers and Air down a path that I had never In your opinion career is about. your career serve within pursue your career? expected to go down because what attributes and conditioning have I can’t see the colours red or I am the Operations Director the built environment I had always wanted to go into qualities are needed green very well. Up to this time of for a Fluid Specialist and and in general? the Royal Navy from a young a wide variety of to be successful in your my life I had very little interest in Air Conditioning company. We supply temperature control age. When I got through to the career? works within such as engineering. I run a team of 22 engineers from the smallest security interview process I originally You need to be technically savvy across London, The South and guards’ offi ce up to the biggest wanted to join the warfare electrics, plumbing, Have you undertaken and understand the process Midlands. Our daily works range data centres in the UK. We branch (basically weapons etc.), air movement, any interesting projects? of what we do as engineers. from the maintenance of small aim to provide and deliver a however, at the medical stage I However, the most important Klimatec Ltd have installed some air conditioning units through to service around the needs of the was informed that due to being water movement qualities are humility and of the most diffi cult to access the replacement of large 1mv critical environment. Without colour blind I could only join the perspective. Everyone makes and working on chillers in the UK which were chillers. I work closely with my companies like ourselves the marine engineering branch. mistakes, it’s human nature seven fl oors underground and team and our clients to ensure built environment wouldn’t be I completed a six month and as long as everyone goes pressurized systems the chillers were built in situ back that we provide a professional climate controlled and the secondment in the refrigeration home in the same shape that in the 1970s and we had the and well managed service. average offi ce space would be section on my last ship when a they started the day everything honour of replacing them. a very stuffy place to work. colleague said he had been else can be dealt with or fi xed We have completed projects on the C&G2078 course and accordingly. inside the Tower of London, St managed to get a job in a Marys Axe and numerous other week. I completed the same high profi le sites. course and managed to get a job at Lennox Industries a week Ben Johnston later. So bizarrely I was guided

38 39 Maths, Further Maths, MSc in Structural MA Hons in Physics Structural Engineer Structural Engineer Physics, Design Technology Engineering Car e e r Pat h UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD WSP CONSTRUCTION Structural Engineer A – LEVELS IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF LONDON AECOM

Outline what your What inspired you to Can you tell us a little I’m most proud In your opinion Are there any role models career involves as a pursue a career in bit more about the what attributes and in engineering you have Structural Engineer. engineering? projects you have been of the day when I qualities are needed been inspired by? I joined AECOM about 15 I loved physics and maths and involved in? What was fi rst stood on L87 to be successful in your I’m a big fan of Emily Roebling it like being involved in career? months ago and am working in wanted a career where I could of The Shard. That who is the daughter-in-law of John the structures team in London. use my technical skills to make the Shard? Technical skills are important Roebling, the original engineer I have been involved in a real things. During a work experi- I’ve worked on a sculpture, rail- was years of design but it is also vital you can work of the Brooklyn Bridge. After John variety of projects during my 12 ence placement at university with way station, a footbridge, heaps work coming to well with people. Engineering tragically died and his engineer year career from footbridges mechanical engineers, I realised of new housing and a couple and construction are about son Washington suffered from to sculptures and apartment that engineering was the career towers. The variety has been fruition and what creating things for people, and illnesses related to being on site, blocks to skyscrapers, including for me and I did a masters in struc- brilliant. Working on The Shard engineering is any structure requires the input she studied engineering and ran The Shard. My work days are tural engineering after complet- is an almost one in a career of 1000s in order to become the construction site for eleven a mixture of having meetings ing my undergraduate degree opportunity, it was immense fun, about for me – reality. I also think being good years and even won the respect with other engineers and in physics. I chose to specialise in technically challenging and at drawing is helpful, so you of the workers and politicians she designers, speaking to different structures because I had a child- hugely rewarding. changing things, can communicate quickly and dealt with. All at a time when departments around my hood fascination with skyscrapers making things. effectively with the team! people still believed that women company and working with my so it seemed like a great fi t. were less evolved than men and team on projects and also bids so our brains were not developed for new work. enough to understand complex engineering. Ro ma Agr awal

40 41 Sustainability Engineer Maths, Technical BEng Hons in Building CUDD BENTLEY CONSULTING Graduate Engineer Drawing, Chemistry Services Engineering Car e e r Pat h CUDD BENTLEY CONSULTING Senior Sustainability Engineer A – LEVELS DUBLIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY MSc in Renewable Energy, Technology and Sustainability CUDD BENTLEY CONSULTING UNIVERSITY OF READING

Describe what your What is the most Have you faced any I had a passion for What advice would you In your opinion what career entails. enjoyable aspect challenges throughout give to someone who are the desirable low carbon design I help design low carbon and of being a Senior your career? If so, how is interested in pursuing skills and abilities energy effi cient buildings, I Sustainability Engineer? did you overcome and renewable your career? someone needs as a them? Sustainability Engineer? provide advice and carry out I enjoy the diversity of my role; technologies and I think work experience is a calculations to determine the no two days are the same. My After completing my degree in brilliant way to try and gain an I think you need to be best technologies to choose for role can vary from energy strat- Building Services, I assumed I wanted to keep understanding of a profession. interested and motivated with each individual project. egies to local authority queries, would become a mechanical learning more. I believe most companies would a passion to do well. It is a I provide a service to help sustainability reports, Energy design engineer. However, when be more than willing to give a career which requires effective clients achieve their Building Performance Certifi cates, time I spent more and more time young person an opportunity to communication, teamwork and Regulations and Local Authority management and prioritising working in the fi eld of take part in some work experi- continuous learning. It helps to planning requirements. work to meet deadlines for sustainability, I was really enjoy- ence in the hope of encourag- be organised too! example. In addition, each ing it, so I decided to specialise ing them into the profession. project is unique and requires a in sustainability. I found this Second to that, choosing sub- different approach. decision a challenge but I took jects such as Maths, Physics and some time to work in both areas Applied Maths for example will as a graduate so that I felt I was assist with studying at University. making an informed decision.

Laura Nolan

42 43 Engineering, where we turn imagination into reality

Old Bracknell Lane West, Bracknell, Berkshire, RG12 7AH T: 01344 465 600 E: @bsria.co.UK W: www.bsria.co.UK