What is your current role?

Buildings and construction are responsible for about 40% of global carbon emissions and 60% of the UK’s waste. As Head of Sustainability in Building Structures at Ramboll, I collaborate with engineers, architects, and clients to reduce the carbon impact of building design by reusing existing materials. This can involve salvaging steel beams, crushing concrete for reuse in new projects, or supporting teams to adopt low-carbon innovations such as bricks made from construction waste or concrete made with coffee grounds. By reusing buildings and materials, my work not only reduces emissions but also helps restore and protect the natural environment.

Why structural engineering?

I have always enjoyed making and designing things. My interest started in fashion, moved into art and design, and then shifted to buildings where creativity meets technical problem solving. I realised the importance of designing structures that people rely on every day. This led me to study structural engineering and architectural design, combined with a whole load of passion for protecting our planet, set me on the career path I am on today.

What does your day to day look like?

Day to day in my role, I support my team to develop new sustainable designs and lead the way on how to measure the carbon involved in each project we are working on. I spend time in the office in project meetings and sometimes visit sites to see our designs come to life.

A big part of my role is research and sharing knowledge, I often speak at conferences. I’m currently researching the environmental impact of extracting construction materials, like how mining for iron used in steel affects nature and ecosystems.

What technology, tools and skills do you use everyday?

I use specialist structural engineering software to analyse and model buildings so we can make the most of existing structures. Life cycle assessment tools help me measure and compare the carbon footprint of design options. I work with material databases to source reclaimed steel, low-carbon concrete and new sustainable construction products. 

My role also depends on problem solving, critical thinking and collaboration. I work closely with engineers, architects and clients to find practical, sustainable solutions. I translate complex sustainability data into clear actions that encourage climate-positive choices. 

What were your most challenging subjects?

I found maths challenging at school and did not enjoy it until I was about 16 or 17, when I had a brilliant teacher who just made it click! I got a C in Higher (A-level) maths at first, which meant I did not get the unconditional university offer I was hoping for. I resat and got a B the second time, still not perfect, but enough to get me into university.

I also did not study physics, which is required for most engineering degrees, so I filled the gap with an Open University course called Engineering the Future.

The first year of maths at university was really challenging. In my first semester I got a D. I studied hard, got some tuition and by second year I got A's. As someone who is naturally more creative, the technical details just take a little bit longer to click for me. I wasn't sure I would make it through my course, but 5 years on I graduated with a 2:1 Masters of Structural Engineering with Architectural Design. 

Apprenticeships

My school never offered STEM outreach, so I discovered engineering and my career path on my own. That is why I am so passionate about sharing my story with others now. 

I did not consider an apprenticeship at the time because it was not a well-known route for the kind of work I wanted to do. Today, with the range of apprenticeships available, I would definitely have considered that option.