Spotlight – Kenny Macintyre

Why did you choose a career in Structural Engineering?
I have always been interested in how things work and enjoyed Science, Design and Technology, and maths at school. Engineering felt like a good combination of problem-solving and creativity. On top of this, the variety of projects and job opportunities in this field appealed to me.

What has been the most memorable moment for you?
Issuing the reinforcement drawings for a development of eight concrete framed blocks of flats was the most memorable for me. It was the first and the biggest project that I have worked on, from start to finish and I learnt a lot working on this project.

What has been the most challenging part?
At the start of my career, the steepest challenge was balancing the need to be productive on real projects with the need to develop new engineering skills on the job. Over time, I have managed to balance these demands more effectively and become more confident in my own capabilities.

What do you like most about your job?
I like the people I work with and enjoy the variety of projects I get to work on. I have worked on a variety of projects during my career from high-rise developments to home refurbishments. Being part of a multidisciplinary team means working with a variety of people with different expertise such as architects, contractors, and engineers which helps keep the work interesting. Getting to see my designs take shape on site is interesting and rewarding.

What’s the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?
A former colleague, Brian, and one of our current directors, Arash, both emphasised that if you want to understand something, you need to sketch it out in section first and be able to explain it to someone else. Translating a concept into a clear drawing and walking others through it is an effective way to learn new things and reinforce your knowledge.

What’s your favourite structure in the world?
It would be close between the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover Dam. I visited them during a family holiday to the US. The Golden Gate Bridge has a striking design and is in an excellent location while the Hoover Dam is an impressive feat of engineering.

What is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in Structural Engineering?
I would say asking for help when you need it. It can be intimidating at first, but it helps you learn and grow. Even now as a more experienced engineer I continue to learn new things all the time.