In this week's podcast  we talk about the challenges of building a career in the complex modern world of structural engineering.

My guest today is Claire Gott, Head of Structures at global consultancy WSP - an engineer whose work has helped shape some of the most ambitious and high-profile structures in the UK and beyond but who has also devoted large parts of her career to date helping and encouraging others to join and navigate the profession. 

I first met Claire back in 2011 when, just out of Southampton University, she won the New Civil Engineer Graduate of the Year Award. She was hugely impressive then, and she continues to be today in a senior leadership role at WSP that puts her at the heart of designing many of the buildings and infrastructure that define our cities and communities.

Major projects such as 40 Leadenhall, a landmark commercial tower in the City of London that’s redefining how we think about wellbeing, heritage reuse and sustainability; the visionary Eden Project North in Morecambe, a regenerative design project pushing boundaries on biodiversity, embodied carbon and community engagement; London Bridge Station refurbishment, Paddington Square and of course a rake of structures on the London the Birmingham HS2 project.

And I imagine that she will be turning her hand to the newly approved 1 Undershaft, and it’s clear her influence spans some of the UK’s most complex and high-profile developments.

But as we will explore, Claire’s impact extends far beyond the drawing board. A powerful advocate for diversity in engineering, she is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, a mentor with the Circle Partnership, and a visible role model for women in STEM. 

And she remains hugely active in Cameroon Catalyst, the charity she co-founded at university focused on sustainable development in rural Africa.

So how do you build such a rounded and complex career like this? Overcoming the technical and cultural challenges to lead projects that build not just for performance, but great places for people and the planet. 

Resources

• Claire Gott Linked In
• WSP website
• Cameroon Catalyst
• Creating the LEGO Bridge: A Civil Engineering Challenge
• ICE Connects
• 40 Leadenhall
• Eden North