On Engineers Week we are celebrating the technical expertise of our talented engineers at IG Lintels. Matthew Knight and Mark Howells explain what inspired them to become engineers and share their advice for aspiring engineers who want to build a career in the industry.
Matthew Knight
Technical Engineer at IG Lintels
What inspired you to become an engineer?
From a young age I was interested in finding out how things worked, then trying to understand if and how I could improve them. I explored this passion further and applied it to my studies, graduating with a degree in design and joining IG Lintels shortly afterwards. 13 years later, I’m still loving the fact that I’m designing and improving life within the lintel sector.
What have been your favourite projects to work on to date?
One of my favourite projects to date was a pair of high-rise apartment buildings in London. I had an architect contact myself who required lintels for the buildings, but he did not want to see any steelwork at lintel level. At the time we had just started producing feature brick slip lintels where the underside of the lintel is clad with the same brickwork from site, hiding the structural element.
After a number of meetings with the architect and builder, it was the exact product they had been looking for but didn’t know existed. Myself and their engineer teamed together and worked through the project together to complete it in the required timeframe and with the aesthetics the architect envisaged.
What one piece of advice would you give to any aspiring young engineers?
Keep your pen or smartphone handy. The solution or idea to your problem which you have been thinking about all day may pop into your head whilst on your commute home, shopping or on an evening relaxing. By having a pen or phone available means you can write the ideas down to further investigate when you’re back at the office and have time to look into them further. As an engineer, I don’t believe you will ever switch off from thinking or designing issues you come across in work or in life.
Mark Howells
Technical Engineer at IG Lintels
What inspired you to become an engineer?
I always enjoyed the practical element of construction and used to help my father and brother with home projects which involved carpentry, landscaping and concrete laying. I first entered the construction industry working on site as a Labourer, followed by a role as a Mine Surveyor before applying for a position at IG Lintels. Even now, I still like to do odd DIY bits and build things that involve precision.
What have been your favourite projects to work on to date?
I have thoroughly enjoyed working on a whole host of projects, particularly those with a unique design and throw a new technical challenge. I take great pleasure in being involved in local projects, where I can see the progression from my technical production drawings through to completion on site knowing I had an input in the community.
What one piece of advice would you give to any aspiring young engineers?
Take on the challenge. Don’t shy away from a difficult task but instead take it head on. Commit and give it your best every time.
Recent Comments