Spotlight – Toffee Chen

Why did I choose Structural Engineering?

My journey began at 14, watching my dad, a landscape engineer, meticulously work on CAD drawings for a footbridge. Seeing the precision and creativity involved as he translated ideas into designs was incredible to me. That moment lit a spark, and I knew I wanted to be part of building structures that could withstand time, impacting people’s lives in ways both seen and unseen.

What has been the most memorable moment for you?

One of my most memorable moments was finding archive hand drawings from the 1950s for a building I was working on. Holding those delicate, detailed drawings, I felt connected to the engineers who’d come before me, people whose names I may never know but whose work had become a part of history. It struck me that what I do today might become a record for future generations, that someone down the line might look at my drawings with the same admiration and curiosity. It’s humbling to think that our work, even in digital form, could inspire and guide future engineers decades from now.

What has been the most challenging part?

The greatest challenge is definitely design coordination with other experts—whether that’s architects, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineers, or contractors. Each discipline brings its own expertise and requirements, and balancing all these perspectives isn’t easy. But through these collaborations, I’ve had the chance to broaden my understanding, finding innovative solutions that meet everyone’s needs and push me to keep expanding my structural engineering knowledge.

What do you like most about your job?

I love problem-solving and making things happen. Every project has its own unique hurdles and questions that need solving. Whether it’s figuring out how to support a complex architectural design or making sure the structure can handle unique loads, there’s always a sense of accomplishment when I see a solution take shape. It’s a thrill knowing that something I helped design will soon become a real, tangible part of people’s lives.

What’s the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

“Don’t assume—check it!” This has been invaluable advice. No matter how confident I am in a calculation or assumption, taking that extra step to verify everything has saved me from potentially costly mistakes. It’s a lesson in humility and discipline that I carry with me on every project.

What’s your favourite structure in the world?

The Taj Mahal. As a young girl, the love story behind it captivated me—the devotion, the artistry, the sheer scale of it. It’s a reminder that structures are not just buildings or monuments; they carry stories, emotions, and meanings that resonate across generations.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting out in Structural Engineering?

Always remember that the work you do today has the potential to become part of a legacy. The designs you create could be seen 50 or even 100 years from now by another generation of engineers. Take pride in your work and strive for excellence, knowing it could leave a lasting impact on both the built environment and those who experience it.