Nick
“I studied Geography and Natural Hazards at university, and always had an interest in geography and the natural world. ”
What triggered your interest in engineering / environmental consultancy?
I studied Geography and Natural Hazards at university, and always had an interest in geography and the natural world. I undertook a placement year as part of my degree and worked in a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). This gave me a great insight into the world of flood risk management and from then on I knew that was what I wanted to go into as a career. It’s a decision that I’ve never looked back from!
What made you want to join Metis?
I wanted to work for a forward-thinking, innovative company that values its staff and promotes a healthy work culture; Metis is exactly that.
What type of work have you been involved in since joining Metis?
I have worked with several LLFAs to support them in meeting their roles and responsibilities as set out in the Flood and Water Management Act. This includes responding to resident reports of flooding, working closely with key stakeholders and Councillors, overseeing the progression and development of flood alleviation schemes, applying for (and securing) funding for these schemes and reviewing planning applications as a statutory consultee. I have also project managed the delivery of Surface Water Management Plans and Local Flood Risk Management Strategies, ensuring policy documents are up to date and accurate for LLFAs.
What do you enjoy about the work environment at Metis and how does it differ from previous experiences?
The atmosphere around the office and within the company is fantastic, everyone is very driven and supportive to help each other achieve their goals and there is no individual attitude, which is particularly refreshing. Outside of work, the social side of the company is great, we have a brilliant running club and regularly go for drinks after work which are great opportunities to relax and catch-up with colleagues in a more social setting!
What has been your most rewarding project to work on so far?
Being a part of the development of the Managed Service within Southwark Council has been a particularly rewarding project, as we continue to grow our relationship and deliver a high-level service to manage flood risk across the borough. As part of this, we are delivering a number of flood alleviation schemes that will introduce Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) and greatly improve the levels of flood risk in the respective areas. These SuDS projects also provide amenity and biodiversity benefits, and are very aesthetically pleasing.
What are your ambitions for professional development?
I am currently a non-chartered Member of CIWEM, my next goal is to achieve Chartership.
What do you like doing outside of work?
I’m a very active and sporty person. I’m a keen runner and referee semi-professional football, which is something I’ve been doing since the age of 14, and is a particular passion of mine. I enjoy swimming, playing water polo, going to the gym, going for walks, and going to the pub with my friends, as well as playing computer games. I try keeping up with certain TV shows and movies, but there aren’t enough hours in the day! I am a lifelong Arsenal fan, which brings me more pain than pleasure, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I also love American football, and am a big San Francisco 49ers fan. Going to watch two 49ers games in America was an unforgettable bucket list experience.
What message would you pass on to students thinking about pursuing a career in engineering / environmental consultancy?
Do it! There are so many opportunities in a sector that is thriving and only continuing to grow. You will meet so many great people, and be exposed to more opportunities and experiences than you could imagine. With the right attitude, your development could be exponential and there are so many great opportunities out there for you, you just have to take them!
