Just the job

Why engineering?

My father was an engineer and I spent time with him at his work during the holidays. I loved to see how things were being constructed. It was a very hands-on experience. My father gave me exposure to all aspects of the job. I didn't want to spend my days pushing papers around a desk, or only deal with figures like in a banking job. It's so amazing to go though the concept stage of a building to actually build the things.

You're from Northern Ireland - when did you move to London?

Ten years ago - I wanted to get more experience on larger projects. There has never been a shortage of opportunities since then. In London you feel a real acceleration of your learning. When I drive in London I am proud to see buildings I have worked on, especially the iconic ones, such as City Point, St George Wharf in Vauxhall or Millharbour Dock in the Docklands.

Does your job involve a lot of travelling?

I spend about 20 days a year abroad for business trips because part of my job is to conduct acquisitions and mergers. It can be anywhere in Europe. I also chair conferences in most of the big cities in Europe for the European Young Engineers. We are engineers throughout Europe who work together to share best practice and help develop skills. More than half our members have already either studied or worked abroad.

Do you have a favourite country?

Italy, definitely, because I have lots of friends there. I love Rome, I feel drawn to the city's history, the architecture and southern Italy is a wonderful place to be. I can't speak Italian, though, which is a bit of a drawback.

Do you see major differences between the construction industry in the UK and other countries you spend time in?

It's interesting to see that European countries look at the UK as a model for the way business should be. People there think that they are very bureaucratic, that their country is not opening doors to market economy. They have a perception that in the UK we're doing this better.

Which countries could the UK learn from?

I am very impressed with some of my colleagues in eastern Europe. In Bulgaria, for example, they are so open to do business throughout the world. They all take their engineering degree in English, German or French. I find it fascinating.

You lead URS' Olympic task group. How important are the Games to you?

I am quite a sportsman myself, so it's fantastic to be able to combine my day job with my great love. I hope I'll get tickets to see boxing, rowing and martial arts events. I wish I could take three weeks off to attend everything and pretend I am working.