Please introduce yourself
I am a Chartered Engineer with 10 years’ experience in fire safety engineering, having gained a Master’s Engineering (MEng) degree in civil and structural engineering from the University of Sheffield. I have experience in developing fire strategies for complex buildings within various sectors across the UK and internationally.
Tell us about your career to date
I started life as a Graduate Engineer within Hoare Lea’s Manchester office, and had the opportunity to be supported and mentored by many experienced Chartered Engineers who were more than happy to give their advice and guidance. I then relocated to the Midlands to start the Hoare Lea Birmingham fire engineering team. I gained valuable experience in the early RIBA Stages of projects, working on landmark schemes such as the Athletes Village for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
I then moved onto Hydrock where I gained experience working in the later RIBA stages with Delivery Architects and Contractors, providing pragmatic advice to deliver schemes through to completion. During this time I also had exposure to external wall work and the FRAEW/EWS1 process. I worked my way up to National Lead Director of Fire Engineering (South) at Hydrock, where I was responsible for developing and leading teams across multiple regions, creating business development plans and setting national strategies for project delivery.
Recently I have joined Trigon, and for 6 months have been supporting the London based team from afar whilst initially developing a client base and a new team in Birmingham. With focus on competency, and delivering high quality service, I am enjoying the opportunity to once again be more technically and delivery focused in an agile team of experienced fire engineers.
Is there a great professional achievement that you would like to tell us about?
I was very proud to have worked on multiple football stadia for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Watching the matches on TV, and explaining the innovative solutions that I developed to my family, was very rewarding. Please describe your role or position within your current workplace
I am one of four Directors at Trigon, and my main area of responsibility is developing a new team and presence in Birmingham and the Midlands, whilst also supporting national initiatives.Can you describe a typical working day?
A typical working day revolves around communication and conversations, whether this is with the team or clients and collaborators, communication is a key part of a consultants role. It involves a lot of emails, however, my preference is always to meet people face to face or speak over the phone to build lasting and trusted relationships.
The favourite part of my day is reviewing reports and drawings of others within the team, where I can offer insights and constructively challenge proposals, to ensure we always find the most appropriate solution, all whilst assisting in the development of the team. Whilst reviewing other’s work ensures quality and consistency, it also plays an important role in allowing me to continuously learn from my peer’s approach.Are there any particular challenges or unusual aspects to your role?
The role of a fire engineer is ever-evolving, and the industry and guidance are not always in agreement with how to solve problems with emerging technology or the drive for inclusive design. The biggest challenge is adopting consistent approaches in a constantly changing field, and explaining to clients and Approving Authorities why the solution that was adopted ‘last time’ is not necessarily appropriate the ‘next time’ a similar problem arises.
What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
I enjoy working with different people across the industry with different backgrounds and experiences – there is always an opportunity to learn something new and to consider a different viewpoint. But the most rewarding part of the job is mentoring and coaching someone, and witnessing them reach their potential with a little nudge in the right direction.
What pointed you towards an engineering career?
I have always been fascinated by how things work, and as a boy helped my dad and grandad with putting up fences, building garages, fixing cars, or working in my grandad’s DIY store. As a young teenager I enjoyed dismantling and reassembling cars. From there, I wanted to become a structural engineer and develop structural designs for landmark buildings and football stadia. I stumbled onto a fire engineering placement at Hoare Lea in my penultimate year of university, and I have never looked back. What contributed to your decision to gain IFE membership?
I wanted a recognised way of demonstrating my competence, as well as gaining further qualifications and the prestige of being a Chartered Engineer.
Would you recommend joining the IFE to others?
Yes. Competency is something which I place great value in and we are at a point in time when competency underpins everything designed and constructed within the built environment. IFE registration is one of the few ways to demonstrate that you have been assessed by your peers within the industry as competent based on your qualifications, experiences, skills and behaviours.
Is there any advice you would give to someone considering professional registration/IFE membership?
Absolutely go for it! But ensure you are familiar with the Initial Professional Development requirements and Engineering Council UK-SPEC to allow you to tailor your development and growth in the right areas to meet the requirements of Chartership. But, most importantly, find a good leader and mentor who can guide and support you.