After studying Civil Engineering at University of Portsmouth and completing his work experience with West Sussex County Council and Southern Projects, Andrew then joined CampbellReith as a Project Engineer in 1995. Andrew is now Senior Partner and a fellow of both the IStructE and ICE.
To celebrate Andrew’s 30 year anniversary we sat down and asked him some questions about his time at CampbellReith and his career so far…
What inspired you to pursue structural engineering as a career?
After leaving school, I worked for a few years as a welder and fabricator, mainly on structural steelwork. I found myself becoming more and more curious about the work of the people who were designing the steel I was fabricating. That curiosity led me to do some research, and eventually I made the decision to give up work and go to university to get the academic qualifications I needed. I’ve always been drawn to the built environment. The opportunity to help shape the world around us feels like a real privilege.
What’s a project you’re most proud of and why?
The Grafton Way Building for UCLH stands out. It was technically challenging, certainly, but more than that, it’s a project that makes a real difference to people’s lives. I was the Lead Partner for CampbellReith, overseeing our structural, geotechnical, civil and land quality services. What made it particularly memorable was the continuity, I was involved from inception all the way through to completion and handover, and the exceptional team I worked with. It was one of those projects where everyone pulled in the same direction.
Has there been any particularly difficult project which stands out in your mind?
Not one in particular, but most projects come with their share of challenges, whether that’s tight programmes, budget pressures, complex designs, difficult sites, or multiple stakeholders. What I’ve found consistently is that clear, honest communication is the key to getting through those challenges. Working collaboratively, clients, designers, end users, contractors, to reach the best possible outcome makes the work incredibly rewarding.
What innovations and technologies have had the biggest impact on your work over the last 30 years?
There have been so many. The use of computer software is probably one of the most significant. When I first started, there was one computer in the office, and you had to book time on it to run any complex analysis. Today, my phone probably has more processing power than that machine. CAD, and later BIM, have transformed the way we work. Even email has changed the pace and rhythm of our days, although that’s sometimes a mixed blessing! More recently, the focus on sustainability and social value has reshaped not just how I do engineering, but how I think about it.
How has your perspective changed as you moved from team member to team leader?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from some excellent business leaders and mentors over the years, and I’ve tried to take the best aspects of what I’ve seen and apply them in my own way. One thing I always try to pass down is the importance of responsiveness, understanding what your client actually needs, and doing your best to deliver that. That, and the value of consistency and relationships.
If you could go back and give your graduate self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Work hard. Under-promise and over-deliver. Treat people the way you’d like to be treated. And above all, nurture the professional relationships around you. Allies and advocates are invaluable throughout your career, and you’ll find you learn just as much from your peers as from those ahead of you.
How do you envision the future of structural engineering, and what role will CampbellReith play in it?
Net zero will continue to be a major focus, and I think we’ll see a stronger emphasis on reusing existing assets. Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) have an important role to play, but we need to be cautious, there’s often too little redundancy, which can make future adaptations more difficult and costly. For me, the real challenge is designing for flexibility, especially in sectors like healthcare and education, where building functions evolve over time. We need to create buildings that can adapt to changing demands while still using natural resources efficiently.
I’m excited about CampbellReith’s role in all of this. We’ve got brilliant people who care deeply about their work. As an SME, we have the agility to respond quickly to change, but we’re also big enough to deliver major, nationally significant projects. It’s a good place to be.
Lastly, what would you say to future generations to inspire them into a career in STEM?
Engineering gives you the chance to make a real, tangible difference to society. It’s creative, it’s challenging, and it’s incredibly fulfilling. If you’re someone who enjoys solving problems and working with others, and if you care about the world around you, it’s a fantastic career. Good communication and empathy are every bit as important as technical skill. If you’ve got those, you’ll go far.