Workplace

Tell me about your background – previous jobs, qualifications, work experience

I’m a chemist by training. I studied in Swansea and stayed there as a postgrad student, working on amorphous semiconductors for use in solar cells. So I spent a lot of time learning about photovoltaics and energy issues.

After Swansea, someone suggested I apply to the civil service. I wasn’t too sure but it seemed sensible to apply. I ended up at the BRE doing research into materials and durability. I spent 12 very enjoyable years in research, standards and research policy.

What attracted you to the industry?

I had always been interested in engineering. We lived next door to an airline engineer with BOAC (that dates me!) and he got me interested in planes. My family had a long-term project rebuilding an old stable block and my father got me doing all sorts of jobs. At school I got involved in helping to build a 20m ferro-cement sail training boat. So I had lots of practical hands-on experience.

How did you come to work at CIBSE?

Shortly after Richard John took over as CEO in 1998 his research manager was looking to retire fully. I had worked for Richard at BRE and he approached me to take the role part-time.

What does your new role as technical director involve?

My job is to provide technical input where it’s needed: in publications, policy work, consultations, and developing an accredited scheme for energy assessors, which involves regular contact with the Department for Communities and Local Government. I get involved in projects and steering groups, trying to connect them with the right people in CIBSE. And I get invited to talk about CIBSE publications and energy performance issues at various events.

What do you feel you’re contributing to the industry?

In a word, communication. I hope that I’m informing and helping people. CIBSE provides a vast amount of information and knowledge but those who can put it to use don’t always know it’s there. So I try to tell people what we do, and how CIBSE’s information and knowledge can help them in their work.

What opportunities are there for research-based work in the industry and at CIBSE?

There are opportunities almost everywhere. Whether it’s finding out about new ideas in low-energy cooling, or passive design of buildings, or biomass heating, or green roofs, there is a wealth of information available for people to research and learn from.

There are opportunities to get involved in projects at CIBSE to update publications or develop new ones. Anyone interested is welcome to drop me an email – we’ve always got several publications under way.

Funded research projects are a bit more of a challenge, as we spend less in this area as a country than we used to, and less than we should given the value of good buildings to our economy and the importance of buildings that make efficient use of resources in construction and operation.

What advice would you give people looking to follow a similar career path to yours?

I’m not sure about following others. We’re all individuals, and have different opportunities. But anyone can work hard, learn new things, learn from their mistakes and get involved – you never know where it will lead.