At university my lecturers always used to mention Arup projects, and referred to the firm as the best engineering consultancy in the UK, so it seemed obvious to apply. I spent my first few years here learning the tools of the trade and basic elements of design on various projects. I was able to see something tangible emerge from something I worked on, which I found very satisfying and that process was one of the things that drew me to engineering in the first place.

I didn’t think about the values of Arup when I first joined, but now I realise that the firm’s people-orientated culture and values have been a key part of why I’ve stayed here so long. That, and the incredible diversity of projects I’ve worked on, or see my colleagues working on.

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To belong at Arup is to have a sense of achievement and pride in what the firm does. I can’t really imagine working anywhere else. ”

After having my children, and then returning to work on each occasion, in 2000 I decided to go part time and have worked four days a week ever since. Since then, I’ve led the design team on some significant projects in the UK before starting on overseas projects, acting as project director for large projects in Abu Dhabi and Moscow.

It’s a very supportive place. I have always worked with people who have placed a lot of trust in me and given me a lot of responsibility and freedom, while providing support when I needed advice or back-up. As a group leader, I took enormous pride in the team’s achievements in all sorts of things – good client feedback, project awards and the good-natured comradeship of a talented team.

To belong at Arup is to have a sense of achievement and pride in what the firm does. A sense of collaboration and shared achievements, and great people to work with. I can’t really imagine working anywhere else.