An Interview With Gill

To celebrate International Women in Engineering Day we have interviewed our Senior Structural Engineer Gill. If you are considering a career in engineering or would simply like to know more about working in the industry have a read. Gill gives an honest and open opinion on her engineering journey.

 What inspired you to pursue this field?

I was always interested in the built environment. As a teenager I wanted to do something different from the norm and pursue, what I believed at the time, was treading a new(ish) path for a woman in a man's world. It also allowed me to follow my interests of maths and science.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a structural engineer?

The most rewarding aspect of being a structural engineer is to see something on paper, turn into a reality on site. Being able to visit projects I have been involved with is always exciting.

Have you encountered any specific challenges or barriers as a woman in the field of structural engineering? How have you navigated them?

I have, on a small number of occasions, encountered people who have disregarded my opinion, or treated me differently to my male counterparts. Whilst this has been frustrating, I realise that this is not my problem but theirs, therefore have been able to laugh at this behaviour.

How do you see the role of women in engineering evolving over the next decade?

Hopefully, the specific skill sets that women often bring to a team will get greater recognition and will be nurtured in the future to improve how we all work together.

What advice would you give to young women who are interested in pursuing a career in structural engineering?

I would advise young women to take the time to find out what to expect from a career in engineering. Talk to as many people as possible about their experiences. Try to arrange visits to construction sites, design offices, fabrication shops - whatever they can to get as broad an understanding as possible about the different aspects and jobs within the industry.

Can you describe a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of in your career?

I have been very lucky to work on a wide range of projects throughout my career, from landmark buildings in the Middle East, international stadiums and historic railway stations, through to educational and domestic buildings, each bringing their own unique challenges.  In recent years I am particularly proud of the work I have done delivering new, high-quality boarding facilities at Bloxham School and Shrewsbury School, collaborating with local architects to produce designs which sympathetically work within the context of the rich history of the schools and their surroundings.

 How do you approach problem-solving and innovation in your work?

I love working out how things go together and seeing how two-dimensional plans and sections transform into 3-dimensional structures. I like to sketch the old-fashioned way (pen and paper), and use 3 D analysis to understand the complexity, finding the solutions to problems.

What changes or improvements would you like to see in the field of engineering to better support gender diversity?

If we can engage girls in science at school, then there will be a natural progression into the world of engineering and design. I have observed with my daughters going through school, that whilst they studied alongside other girls doing chemistry and biology, the numbers doing maths and physics were very low. Somehow, we need to spark this interest and show the girls what opportunities there are to make a real difference in the innovative world of engineering and design. 

What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in structural engineering?

To be a good engineer it is helpful to be creative yet methodical. You need a keen interest in the world around you, with an eye for detail. You need to be able to collaborate with people from a wide range of professions, so listening and communicating are key skills.

Are there any notable mentors or role models who have influenced your career?

I have been lucky throughout my career to work with enthusiastic and talented engineers who have taken the time to help me learn and support me.

What do you find most exciting about the future of structural engineering?

Our role as structural engineers is becoming more quantifiable with the new building safety act, which will no doubt raise the profile of the profession.

Thank you Gill for taking the time to answer our questions. If you have a question for Gill, or any other members of our SOLID team, get in touch! Our Engineers are always happy to support future generations of engineers.