Case studies: Buildings engineer: Graham

Graham graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering from Strathclyde University in 2007 and now works as a graduate buildings engineer for AECOM (formerly Faber Maunsell) in Edinburgh. He chose his degree subject because he enjoys problem solving, maths and physics, although he didn’t know exactly where the degree would lead!

After looking at various career options I chose building services because of the varied nature of the work and the opportunities to work on high-profile projects that would impact on both people and communities. I was also particularly drawn to the work life balance and the variety in a role that takes me out of the office for at least a day each week.

My degree didn't necessarily teach me things that I use daily at work but instead taught me a way of thinking that allows me to analyse problems and identify options and solutions. I find my knowledge of many of the fundamentals is important for my job as I have to consider a variety of services which work on different principles. Additionally, my degree was useful for giving me knowledge of structures and electrical engineering, which are other important areas in a building's design and with which my mechanical designs must integrate.

One vital factor for success in the graduate job market is to gain as much work experience as possible during the course, so in the summer prior to my final year I did a work placement at AECOM, following which the company sponsored me through my final year, subsequently offering me a job.

Recently, responding to both government and clients’ demands, building services engineers have become key players in advising on energy efficiency in building design. My work now extends beyond the design of ventilation, heating and public health systems. My input and influence are also required at early design stages to optimise and then maintain energy efficiency throughout all stages of the design and build process, whilst keeping to a budget.

I enjoy both new build and refurbishment projects and one particularly challenging high-profile project was the refurbishment of the Grade A listed Caledonian Hilton Hotel in Edinburgh. A full understanding of this very complex building was crucial. My responsibilities included design of ventilation, heating, cooling, water services, drainage and plant rooms. My designs had to work with the existing structure, while bearing in mind the client’s stringent requirements and the building’s historical significance.

Other projects have given me experience of 3-D thermal modelling, energy analysis of buildings, completing renewable technology feasibility studies, calculating plant loads, air movement within buildings and predicting room air temperatures. I am currently working on energy performance certificates (EPCs) for a wide variety of buildings.

Other than the seemingly unavoidable paperwork that sometimes comes along, I enjoy everything about my job. I see a good career path ahead leading to Chartered Engineer status, variety every day of the week and an opportunity to be part of an exciting and rapidly changing industry.