50,000 tonnes of engineered rock first sparked my interest in structures when, aged 7, I visited Pont Du Gard, one of man's most striking yet practical constructions. However, despite its beauty, what fascinated me most, even then, was that this famous feat of architecture had been built using merely ancient tools. To think what we could create in the next century alone with our ever advancing knowledge in construction is overwhelming and inspires me to contribute, as a woman, to the constant reshaping of our built environment. My interest in this career has made me realise how buildings affect everyone's lives - from the ancient buildings I have seen in modern day Rome to the national excitement of the Olympic stadium to how a project on TV's DIY SOS can transform the life of a family struck by hardship. I would love to be a part of something that can make a real difference in the world.