Josephine has extensive experience in both historic and modern structures, including residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Her expertise spans modifications to existing buildings and new developments, consistently delivering cost-effective structural engineering solutions across a wide range of sectors.
When did you first become aware of the possibility of a career in engineering?
I always enjoyed STEM-based subjects and activities growing up. When applying for university, I attended several open days for different courses, one of which was for civil engineering. The talk was about the foundation design for wind turbines and the force produced when the turbines are in use that needs to be resisted by the foundation. This immediately interested me, and I realised physical engineering on a macro scale captivated me.
Why did you choose Structural Engineering as a career path?
Engineering combined many of the subjects I enjoyed studying, so it seemed like the natural path for me. I particularly like the general engineering courses offered at select universities that allow students to try different modules with an option to specialise in later years once they have had a chance to get a feel for which branch of engineering they are interested in.
What advice do you have for someone interested in engineering?
Whatever stage you’re at, work placements are a good way to learn more about the industry. If you’re finishing your studies and not sure about what type of engineering interests you, graduate rotation schemes in larger companies give you good exposure to different disciplines. However, I strongly advocate for the benefits of responsibility and exposure to varying structures working in SMEs.
What has been your favourite project?
I’ve enjoyed the challenges of working within historic structures, reverse engineering changes and alterations throughout the years, and understanding historic building techniques.
What is your favourite structure and why?
This is a tough question, as there are so many interesting feats of engineering in the world. From stunning historic structures to modern masterpieces, it would be obvious to say the tallest building, the longest bridge or tunnel, or a highly advanced technological building such as the University of Oxford’s Beecroft building, designed for hypersensitive lab equipment.
However, I have two buildings that come to mind. The Senedd, the Welsh national assembly building, I feel was ahead of its time in terms of design and sustainability objectives. The other is the Guinness factory in Dublin. My favourite element is the circular atrium surrounded by balconies that vary in diameter to replicate the shape of a pint glass!
Photo credit: weekendnotes.com
Photo credit ‘National Assembly for Wales’