I’m sensitive to the importance of aesthetics in architecture. Understanding the balance between look, performance and cost allows me to create affordable, workable and attractive engineering solutions.

Working as a Project Engineer has developed my problem-solving skills. I start from the brief, working out the gaps and finding solutions for the buildings services design. It’s important to plan for the unknown wherever possible, that way you can respond quickly if questions arise onsite.

With experience from concept design to site delivery, I’ve learnt how to analyse information and apply it to my project to get the best result. I always have the finished building in mind.

My lighting design projects allow me to work with the architect to ensure the lighting enhances their architectural vision. Lightning Protection at Transforming Tate Modern was no different – we took a standard component and innovatively applied it to a complex project, ensuring both the architect and structural engineer were happy with the result.

My specialisms at Max Fordham include passive systems, creative lighting design and environmental engineering, and I think it helps that I like to think of these subjects from first principles.

Only by understanding the underlying physics behind the environment we live in can we develop our designs along new directions, and come up with novel and practical engineering solutions. 

I believe the greatest example of sustainability is permanence, and so always aim to deliver systems and concepts which really work, and provide the best possible user experience in our buildings. 

I continue a relationship with many of our clients after completing a project. Much of the impact our installations have is not revealed until after a project reaches completion. I try to keep redefining the limits of what we can achieve, so that each project we are able to deliver more.

Buildings are agents of interaction. People interact with a building, which then interacts with the environment.

As a designer, I consider the interplay between all the design parameters of a building to help create something that works and operates coherently.  

It all starts with the brief - a straight forward brief doesn’t have to imply a straightforward solution. It simply identifies all the aspirations of the project that need fulfilling; it defines the boundaries. I investigate the brief until I understand exactly what and where those boundaries are. That allows me to work with creativity and freedom within them. 

I like to design the building as if there are no electrical and mechanical systems - how can the architecture be optimised to make a naturally comfortable internal environment? When passive design is doing as much of the work as possible, only then do I add tech to maximise building performance. The result is lean, well-developed engineering that supports the architecture.

Inside the front door of our London office, inscribed on the wall, is a quote from Max Fordham.

It reads ‘start with the edge of the universe as a boundary and quickly narrow down to the specific problem’. To me, the essence of Max’s words is, keep an open mind.

When it comes to collaboration with clients, architects and other members of the design team, my mind is open. Regardless of the training people have, I’m always keen to hear what different people involved in the project have to say. I think great ideas can come from anywhere.

As a result of my studies in civil and architectural engineering, I bring a different perspective to both the conceptual and the technical. I’m an approachable professional and I love having a positive impact on the architecture.

Like every engineer at Max Fordham, I’m trained across a broad range of skills relating to mechanical and electrical engineering as well as building physics. I also have a specialty in architectural lighting and am really fascinated by the impact it can have. Lighting can make or break an interior space, and a building’s exterior for that matter. It’s an intriguing blend of science and creativity.

I’ve had the good fortune to work on a number of great projects with some talented design teams. So much of what we do as engineers is invisible or barely noticed by the people that use our buildings, and to me that is something of a triumph. But I love using light to enhance the character of a space, from the subtle to the spectacular. You might call it beautiful engineering.