I am a structural design engineer and specialise in building construction. I use my engineering know-how, my experience to solve unique real-life problems. My job varies tremendously in a typical week. I use computer models to evaluate structural behaviour, produce calculations and sketches; think about how it will be constructed, supervise the development of drawings with architects, wider design team and the ultimate client; and collaborate with a contractor to build them safely. In addition to my technical side, I mentor younger engineers.

I ask people to imagine life with nowhere to sleep, no electricity, no clean water to drink, no good quality food, no roads to take us from one place to another, no offices, schools to get educated, no hospitals and no shopping centres. Then imagine an artist with the power to build all that in their head and then use materials, mathematics and technology to transform that into reality to shape everyday life for everyone. That’s me, a structural engineer.