What is your role and what does it involve?

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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