Celebrating the women who #ShapeTheWorld
As a company that is committed to working to address the gender imbalance in construction, we’re supporting today’s International Women in Engineering Day.
We’re enormously proud of the many female engineers in our business. They do an amazing job across a wide range of roles. You can meet a few of them here.

Mimee Oo, Cladding Manager
Why are you celebrating INWED?
Even though we're still outnumbered, women are feeling empowered and are challenging the male-dominated stereotypes in the industry! It is immensely satisfying for me personally to be able to stand up to old-fashioned mindsets and prove them wrong. The most effective and innovative firms are also now recognising the importance of diversity in the workplace.
How and why did you get into construction?
I started my career in a design consultancy and took a secondment opportunity with a contractor to broaden my engineering experience, which then inspired me even more. I get a great sense of achievement to live and breathe projects as they are being built.
What advice would you give to a woman considering engineering as a career?
Don't hesitate to speak to people in the industry as there are a wide variety of roles and responsibilities that may interest you. If you can, try to get an industrial placement at an engineering company to see the industry from the inside.
Carys Gilbert, Engineer
How and why did you get into construction?
What advice would you give to a woman considering engineering as a career?


Lauren Tawn, Package Engineer
How and why did you get into construction?
What advice would you give to a woman considering engineering as a career?
Alison Cox, Director of Engineering & Technical Services
How and why did you get into construction?
What advice would you give to a woman considering engineering as a career?


Claire Mullen, Chief Engineer
Why are you celebrating #INWED20?
"To be it, you need to see it.” I am a mother of two currently on maternity leave. Prior to going on maternity leave I was a Chief Engineer at Battersea Phase 3a and became a Chartered Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. I am also the chair of the Sir Robert McAlpine Gender Affinity network, where one of our objectives is to attract, retain and promote more women in engineering. I believe that by celebrating International Women in Engineering Day we shine a spotlight on and raise the profile of women in engineering.
How and why did you get into construction?
While in university I completed a number of work placements both on the design side and on the construction side of the business. I found that I was drawn to the dynamic nature of the construction site where no day is ever the same. After finishing university I emigrated to Australia where I worked on a large scale infrastructure project in the outback of Western Australia and have been in construction ever since! I still have the same enjoyment from the dynamic day-to-day I experienced during my first placement ten years ago as I do now, but with the satisfaction of seeing the end user enjoy the project for years to come.
What advice would you give to a woman considering engineering as a career?
If you enjoy solving problems and want a varied career with endless opportunities then engineering is the career for you.
Paula McMahon, Structures Engineer
Why are you celebrating INWED20?
To promote the possibility of a career in STEM to a wider potential workforce.
How and why did you get into construction?
Most of my working life I was in design working alongside various construction teams. I started as a Construction Manager on the SNF Project when the design phase ended. After working with SRM on this project I decided to join its A19 DBFO Team.
What advice would you give to a woman considering engineering as a career?
For any career find a path you think you would enjoy, makes best use of your skills and has the potential to give you satisfaction then - go for it!


Kristen Taylor, Design Manager
Why are you celebrating INWED?
To raise awareness of the engineering profession as a whole and especially for women, who wouldn’t necessarily think of considering a career in engineering as it is predominantly a male career choice.
How and why did you get into construction?
On the advice of my Head of Year at school I started work experience with a geotechnical company during A levels. Once I finished my exams, I became a full-time employee. On my request they sent me to college on day release to study civil engineering and I met others who were working for consultants and contractors. I liked the sound of that so applied for a job as a site engineer with Sir Robert McAlpine.
What advice would you give to a woman considering engineering as a career?
Believe in yourself. It’s a very rewarding job. There’s a huge sense of accomplishment when you finish a project.
Alex Ward, Community Manager
There is a real need to raise the profile of women in engineering. There is still a misconception that construction is just a man digging a hole! I work with so many amazing and talented women. INWED is an opportunity to shine a light on their talent and highlight the career opportunities available to women in the industry.
I get bored easily! I needed a job where every day would be different. My role as Community Manager is just that! One day I could be giving a careers talk to a school, the next helping a local resident with their enquiries about the build, or working with the site team on a volunteering project. No two days are the same!
If you enjoy problem solving, engineering is for you! The reward and satisfaction at the end of the project in saying “I built that” is immense.
