Young achiever

What attracted you to study a joint honours degree in materials and mechanical engineering?

A course for the indecisive! I think the combination of science and engineering was appealing; microscopic detail in materials, a macroscopic view in mechanics. Architects are normally solely responsible for materials selection in the construction industry, so an enthusiasm for materials in an engineer can often be a welcome addition to the design team.

You undertook a doctorate in Daylighting and solar energy - a subject with no connection with your earlier studies. Why?

I had harboured an enthusiasm for renewable energy systems throughout my undergraduate studies but, barring a summer placement, I had little opportunity to pursue it. While looking for jobs, I spotted the research post at Nottingham University - it presented a way of furthering my knowledge and achieving a useful qualification.

In practice, the degree led me into the construction industry almost by accident, and gave rise to my interest in low energy buildings, not to mention good daylighting design. I had been sponsored by light pipe supplier Monodraught throughout my PhD, so went to work for them full-time after graduation, heading up their R&D division.

What made you approach Gifford for a job?

The idea of selling knowledge and expertise in a consulting role appealed, along with a desire to be more directly involved in building design. Gifford first caught my attention with an article in BSJ as it happens - Andrew Pettifer, a partner, had written about the new company HQ in Southampton. Designed using the principles of "commercial green", a Gifford philosophy of sensible low-energy design, the building seemed to show a firm commitment to sustainability. I'm happy to say that two years with Gifford has confirmed that first impression.

What is your role there?

I work as part of the Building Sciences team, helping to deliver commercial green buildings. We provide building modelling expertise and specialisms that add value to projects, such as renewable energy and computational fluid dynamics. My role involves a significant amount of knowledge dissemination, within the company and externally, through short seminars, lectures and advising on project-specific issues.

How do you go about developing new business opportunities with architects?

The Building Sciences team is helping to bridge the traditional, unhelpful gap that can exist between architects and engineers, largely by having an appreciation of what architects are trying to achieve and trying to make their job easier. I don't think we give them enough credit.

You also work as a lecturer in sustainable design at University College, London. What do you enjoy most about this?

Presentation and communication skills are very important in today's industry, so this is a useful challenge, as well as a chance to meet students and impart an interest in sustainable design.

Do you have any advice for others considering a career in building services?

Go for it. The rate of change in the industry right now is phenomenal, throwing up all kinds of interesting challenges. The pressing need to reduce the environmental impact of buildings looks likely to continue in the long term, giving building designers plenty to think about.