I started at further education college studying building with a placement working in a joinery business, and progressed after a few more years of study into research at university in building science, on an energy in buildings project to use thermography for non-destructive testing of buildings.

What are the current challenges of your role?

In my role I am a conduit to bring together the various stakeholders that provide construction projects for my employer. This involves clients with variable construction experience, students, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, maintenance staff, other professionals and built environment parties essential to the building construction process.

What is the biggest challenge facing the profession, in your opinion?

Sustainability is the biggest challenge for society and that includes the built environment professions within it, too. Energy resources, rare metals resources, single-use plastics and pollution are all interfaced with a growing global population and increasing global and domestic inequality, which will require huge systemic changes. The built environment needs to play its part in the early transition to net zero carbon and in energy and resource-use reduction. The existing building stock is a larger problem to address than new buildings.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Try on lots of hats. Recount the story of the elephant and the six blind men. See lots of different views. Remember to smile, laugh or cry – all healthy emotions.  



Read Gilbert Valentine MCABE's full article here | buildingengineer.org.uk/community/5-minutes-gilbert-valentine-mcabe