The sustainability consultant at Hoare Lea talks about combining a passion for the environment with a career in construction.
Why did you choose construction as a career path? What else might you have done?
All of my family work in the built environment sector so I have grown up with an interest in construction as a career path.
I studied BSc Biomedical Science as my undergraduate degree and intended to pursue a career in medical research. However, my interest in buildings took over and I ended up working for a contractor.
I then signed up to study MSc Sustainable Environmental Management and completed this alongside working in the sustainability team at Hoare Lea, where I work now. Construction is a really rewarding sector to work in, as you can see the projects you are working on coming to life on site.
What are your ambitions for your career?
I am passionate about all forms of sustainability, and particularly the social and environmental impacts of the built environment, so I want a career where I can directly influence these elements.
My intention is to build a career as a sustainability consultant collaborating with project teams working towards a more equitable and low-carbon built environment. I have a particular focus on ensuring inclusive design principles are embedded into sustainability ambitions.
In addition, I am working towards achieving chartered environmentalist status with CIOB.
If you could change one thing about the industry what would it be and why?
I would like to see more diversity in the industry. I am a member of South West Women in Construction and the Hoare Lea Gender Balance Network Group as I want to address the gender imbalance seen in the construction industry.
What do you do in your spare time?
I am an active person and play for a local hockey team so most weekends I am playing in a match. I also like to run, swim and play badminton.
If I’m not doing something active, I like to be creative, and enjoy drawing and watercolour painting.
