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But I felt that if I wanted to talk more about the things I’m passionate about I’m going to have to get better at it, and the only way to do that is get out there and do it. 

Something that worked for me was passion or genuine interest in the subject, whatever people say about talking in public, it’s so much easier if you believe in what you’re saying. 

Also tell a story. Rather than relying on pre-written text or bullet points on slides (which can seem counter intuitive – hey, prepare nothing and just talk….) simply tell a story. Think about the beginning, the middle and end, how it started, what you did and what the outcome was. This allowed me to (some might say waffle) but talk freely around the subject and become less fearful of losing my flow or place or what I was ‘supposed’ to be saying. It’s also Ok to make a mistake, in fact if anything it settles me down and with a little laugh or a joke hopefully the people listening too.  

Imposter syndrome always shows up, often in strange ways. I can talk at length about complex ideas or topics, yet completely unravel when it comes to the easiest part: introducing myself. It’s ridiculous how often my mind goes blank at the words “Hi, I’m…”. I overthink it, rehearse it, worry about sounding awkward and then forget it entirely. Meanwhile, everyone else seems to reel this off effortlessly, as if they were born knowing exactly who they are. It can totally derail me as it’s usually the first thing I say! 

One thing that’s become obvious is that speaking in public is actually no different to anything else you don’t do very often. The less you do it, the bigger it feels. The more you do it, the less power it has over you. The more you feel like you’re telling a story or having a conversation the easier it becomes, the confidence slowly builds. The fear begins to be replaced with the feeling of having done this before, it’s going to be OK. 

What I’m slowly learning is that most people aren’t as confident as they appear. They’ve just practised. And the audience isn’t looking for perfection they’re looking for honesty. 

I’m still not comfortable with public speaking. Each time I do it I think it could and should have been better but, and this is a big but, I now enjoy it and I’m happy with that. 

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I’m a Project Engineer, which means I design, analyse, inspect and oversee structures ranging from houses to multi-storey commercial buildings. 

A big part of my role is solving problems creatively. Yes, there are calculations, but there’s also plenty of planning, documentation and communication. I spend a lot of time making sure what’s being built matches what was designed and that it meets building regulations.

There’s also a huge collaborative side. I’m constantly speaking with clients to understand their vision, and coordinating with architects, M&E consultants, sustainability teams, civils and more to make sure everyone’s aligned and the project is delivered on time and to specification. I also carry out inspections of existing structures, spotting any issues early and advising on the best way forward.

Can you describe your career journey so far?

I started studying Civil Engineering at Coventry University, but by the end of my second year I switched to Civil and Structural Engineering after realising I had a real passion for structures.

I did my placement year at Hockley & Dawson, a firm specialising in smaller and historical builds. It was such a great experience, and I loved the variety. After completing both my undergraduate and master’s degrees, I joined Waterman Group, where I got stuck into larger, more commercial projects.

I decided not to return to my placement year at the time because I didn’t want to niche down too early in my career. Looking back, I realised I really enjoyed the smaller, more architecturally led projects. They felt more creative and more personal, and that’s exactly what brought me to Jensen Hunt Design. I’ve been here just over a month, and it already feels like a great fit.

What’s your biggest career achievement so far?

Honestly? Getting a job in this economy!

But on a more serious note, seeing a project through from start to finish is something I’m really proud of. It’s not always possible, especially on larger projects that can take years to complete, so being able to follow the process all the way from design to construction and then seeing people use the space is incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give someone starting out in the industry?

Take every opportunity that comes your way, even if you’re unsure. You never really know whether something’s right for you until you try it. Every experience gives you something new to take forward, even if it’s just clarity on what doesn’t suit you.

At the end of the day, it’s all part of figuring out where your interests and strengths lie.

What do you think the biggest challenge is within the industry, and what can we do to change it?

One of the biggest challenges is getting younger generations interested in engineering. There’s an incredible amount of experience in the industry already, but it’s important to keep balancing that with new voices and fresh ways of thinking.

Younger engineers bring creativity and different ways of problem-solving, and that’s vital for progress. To attract more of them, especially young women, we need to break down stereotypes. Engineers aren’t all antisocial brainiacs hiding behind a calculator! We’re social, creative people who love collaboration and design.

It’s important to show that you don’t have to fit into a box. You can love fashion, or art, or anything else and still be a brilliant engineer. Getting involved in school career days, creating more role models, and working with organisations who support young engineers, could make a huge difference. We need more initiatives like that championing visibility and opportunity.

What’s your biggest passion outside of work?

I love trying new activities, travelling and scrapbooking; basically, creating memories and then finding ways to hold onto them. Whenever I go somewhere new, I collect little bits and pieces like tickets, postcards and scraps, and turn them into a keepsake I can look back on later. It’s a creative outlet and a nice way to relive experiences with friends and family.

What’s a surprising fact about you?

Even though I travel a lot, not all my trips are glamorous. I’ve slept in hostels, trains, airports and tents, and even in the wild with limited electricity. I’m always up for an adventure, but I also love a bit of luxury here and there. It’s all about balance, right?

How would you describe yourself in 3 emojis?

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For us, it’s about visibility with purpose. As a specialist engineering practice, we put our energy into building genuine relationships, showcasing our expertise, and making sure we’re in the right conversations, not just the loudest ones. We’re not chasing numbers or reach for the sake of it. Instead, we’re asking: who do we want to connect with, and what do we want them to understand about us?

That mindset shapes how and where we invest. We focus on content that has a long shelf life: project stories that go deeper than the headlines, thought pieces that add value to industry conversations, and environmental impact narratives that reflect what we stand for. It’s not about churning out constant posts; it’s about creating content with real depth, substance and purpose.

And being a small team? Honestly, it’s an advantage. We’re nimble enough to experiment, learn quickly and pivot when something isn’t quite hitting the mark. If a new idea doesn’t land, we move on and try something else. No bureaucracy. No lengthy approvals. Just quick decisions and faster action.

Of course, marketing a structural engineering practice comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s face it: engineering isn’t always a “sexy” sell. When we do our jobs well, our work often goes unnoticed. It’s invisible by nature, and that means the real challenge is making something highly technical feel human, creative and valuable.

Our answer? Storytelling. Instead of focusing on the nuts and bolts (literally), we talk about why we design the way we do and the impact that has on places, people and the planet. We dig into the thinking behind the structure and the value it creates, not just the finished product.

We’re also competing with some big names out there, global consultancies with big teams and even bigger marketing budgets, and that’s okay. Because our strength isn’t in size, it’s in authenticity. We lean into who we are, what we care about, and why we approach projects the way we do. 

One of the trickiest parts is translating the technical into something that resonates. We do a lot around carbon reduction, circular design and responsible engineering, but explaining those ideas without jargon, in a way that actually lands with clients and collaborators, is an ongoing priority. It’s a balance we’re always working on.

At the heart of everything we do is storytelling. It’s the thing that helps us cut through in a crowded market. We’re not just talking about buildings; we’re telling stories about how structures shape communities, reduce carbon and stand the test of time. Through behind the scenes content, collaborative features and sharing the thinking behind our projects, we’re bringing engineering out from behind the curtain and into the spotlight.

A big part of that story is our Impact//Duty manifesto: our commitment to building environmental responsibility into every decision we make. It’s not a slogan; it’s a reflection of our purpose and the principles that guide our work. Leading with those values makes our message stronger, more meaningful and more memorable.

Marketing as an SME will always have its challenges: tighter budgets, smaller teams, bigger competition. But those constraints also drive creativity and innovation. They push us to focus on what really matters: telling stories that resonate, building relationships that last, and creating impact that goes far beyond the technical, and in an industry built on trust and long-term thinking, that’s exactly what makes small businesses like ours stand out

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I’m one of the co-founders of Jensen Hunt Design, alongside James Mickelburgh. James and I first met when we were both at BDP—he actually interviewed me for a role there and gave me the job, so I’ve got him to thank for kickstarting this chapter of my career! We only worked together briefly at that time but kept in touch, and around 10 years ago, we decided to join forces and start Jensen Hunt Design.

As for my role now—it’s a bit of everything! I spend a lot of time making sure the business as a whole is running smoothly. That means bringing in work, ensuring our team feels supported and happy, and keeping us all aligned with our goals and ambitions. It’s also about making sure we’re heading in the right direction strategically—growing, evolving, and building a business that lasts. And, of course, there’s the practical side: we need to be profitable so we can reinvest in people, projects, and the future. It’s a balancing act, but one I really enjoy.

Can you describe your career journey so far?

I studied Civil Engineering at Leeds University, which gave me a solid foundation and confirmed that this was the industry I wanted to be in. After my degree, I took a year out to travel. That time away gave me space to think about what I wanted from my career—and it also gave me a real sense of independence, which I think served me well.

My first role was at a small company in Nottingham. Because it was a smaller practice, I was exposed to all sorts of projects—industrial, residential, commercial, and office schemes. That variety was invaluable, especially early on, as it helped me understand the breadth of work within structural engineering.

I then moved to BDP in London, where I met James. After that, I joined HTS, which was a medium-sized practice with a lot of interesting London-based projects. I really enjoyed my time there, but I also knew I had a long-term ambition to start my own business. I’ve always been fascinated not just by the engineering side, but also by how businesses are built and run. The opportunity to create something from the ground up, to shape a culture and a direction, was always something I wanted. About 10 years ago, that became a reality when James and I co-founded Jensen Hunt Design.

What is your biggest career achievement so far?

Without a doubt, setting up Jensen Hunt Design and seeing it thrive over the past 10 years. Starting a business is both exciting and daunting—you never know how things will play out. In the beginning, one of the biggest milestones for me was when clients started coming to us independently, choosing us because they valued our approach, and then returning as repeat clients. That was a huge moment of validation.

Looking back now, I’d say the real achievement is seeing the business still here, still growing, and still attracting great people and great projects a decade later. It’s incredibly satisfying to know that we’ve built something sustainable, and that we’ve created a place where both clients and employees want to return.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

I’d encourage anyone starting out to do as much research as possible and really picture what you want your career to look like. Try to get experience in different areas early on—don’t just settle into one niche without exploring, because this industry is broad and diverse.

At the same time, patience is key. Stick with things long enough to learn properly before you make big decisions. It’s easy to want instant results, but real learning and growth come from immersing yourself in projects and giving them time.

And finally, listen. Learn from those around you—colleagues, mentors, even clients. Take on different perspectives and don’t be too quick to rule out certain branches of engineering before really getting to know what they’re all about. The best engineers I’ve worked with are those who are always curious, always willing to learn.

What do you think is the biggest challenge in the industry, and what can we do to change it?

There are several challenges at the moment. One is attracting and retaining talented, passionate people. We need to make the industry more appealing and accessible, not just for graduates but for people from all different backgrounds. There’s still a gender imbalance in structural engineering, and we need to create more pathways that support women and underrepresented groups into senior roles.

Education is also a big factor. We need to inspire the next generation and give them the tools and confidence to thrive. That’s why we’re proud to support organisations like Build The Way, which does brilliant work creating pathways for young people into architecture and engineering. We’d love to see more organisations like that—more bodies supporting early careers, offering mentoring, and helping young engineers see the potential of this industry. If we can make engineering feel like an exciting, supportive, and rewarding place to be, we’ll be in a much stronger position.

What’s your biggest passion outside of work?

Family is definitely my biggest passion and priority. Work can be all-consuming at times, but making sure I have that balance—being present for my children, involved in their schooling, and visible in their lives while they’re young—is hugely important to me. I even try (with mixed success!) to spark their interest in engineering and creativity.

Alongside that, sport is a big part of my life. I love both watching and playing—tennis, football, and more recently padel, which seems to have swept across London! 

What’s a surprising fact about you?

It’s a bit of a quirky one, but when I was a baby, I actually sat inside the European Cup! My team, Nottingham Forest, won it in 1980, and I somehow ended up in the trophy cabinet with a photo to prove it. It’s a very niche claim to fame, but one that still makes me laugh.

How would you describe yourself in three words?

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Can you describe your career journey so far?
It’s been a bit all over the place! I’m originally from Canada and started out in events, working in a variety of roles—event manager, on-site décor crew, and buyer (sourcing everything needed for events). Then I moved to Australia, where I became an account manager for an events company, looking after all our clients and making sure they were happy.

After that, I moved to London and worked for Ennismore, a hospitality group, for about two years, managing events at their head office. Then I made quite a career change into geotechnical engineering, where I worked for nearly four years doing marketing and business development alongside the BDM there. That role taught me a lot. I then took a side step into structural engineering, and I’ve now been the Business Development and Marketing Manager at Jensen Hunt for about a year.

What is your biggest achievement in your career so far?
I’d say my biggest achievement is being flexible and adaptable. I’ve worked in different countries and different roles, often with visas tied to my jobs, and I’ve always managed to find work I genuinely enjoy no matter where I am in the world. I’m also really proud to be working for a company whose vision and values I truly align with, alongside a team I love working with!

What advice would you give to someone taking their first steps into the industry?
Coming at this from a marketing and business development perspective (rather than an engineering one!), I’d say—even though this can be quite a niche industry for marketing—my experience has been nothing but welcoming. My advice is to get as much exposure and experience as possible. Really understand the business you’re marketing: learn from your team, see what the company actually does, and, if possible, go on-site.

Try working across the built environment—engineering firms, architecture practices, contractors, project managers, quantity surveyors—so you can figure out where you want to focus and also gain a broader understanding of the work you’ll be promoting.

What do you think is the biggest challenge within the industry, and what can we do to change it?
I’d say there are two big challenges.

First, sustainability. We’re committed to sustainable design, but we can’t always take it as far as we’d like if clients aren’t on board. If more of the bigger players in the industry embraced sustainable design and made it a priority, it would help drive real change. People are still learning that sustainable engineering can be cost-effective and reliable.

Second, the retention of women in the industry. We recently hosted a Women in Engineering Day event, and some of the statistics—especially for women aged 25 to 40—are shocking. We need to rethink how we approach maternity leave, career progression, and work-life balance. Instead of seeing these as challenges or “burdens,” we need to make sure everyone feels welcome across the industry.

What is your biggest passion outside of work?
Honestly, it’s the classics—spending time with friends, going out, having fun, being outdoors, and trying new restaurants. I love a good pub garden or sitting in the park playing cards. I also love travelling and taking advantage of being in Europe, where you can hop on a short flight and be somewhere amazing in just a couple of hours!

What’s a surprising fact not many people know about you?
I don’t know if it’s still that surprising because I tell everyone (mostly because they’re always shocked)—but I’ve never eaten a burger. And no, I’m not vegetarian; it’s just never appealed to me. At this point, it’s become a bit of a personality trait—never have, never will!

How would you describe yourself in 3 words or 3 emojis?

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Minimising our environmental footprint is a core part of our mission, and this recognition reflects our continued efforts to build with the planet in mind. Thank you to the judges – we’re proud to stand alongside others driving positive change in the built environment.

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