Julian Sutherland

When did you join Atkins?

In July 2008.

Why did you join Atkins?

To be involved in a broader spectrum of engineering in the built environment.

What did you do before you joined Atkins?

On graduation I went to work for a large engineering firm in New Zealand, then moved a couple of times before joining Atkins.

How would you describe your role and responsibilities?

To provide sustainable design advice and leadership.

How do you describe what you do to friends and family?

I say I translate the word sustainability into simple actions for our clients and staff.

Do you have any professional accreditations?

I’m a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers and a Member of the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand.

What key projects have you worked on?

Lowestoft College and the London 2012 Olympic Park, both in the UK and Pandok Klub Villas in Jakarta.

What are you currently working on?

Two office buildings in Cyprus and distributed energy networks in North London.

What achievement are you most proud of?

Being asked to stand in for our chief executive and give an address titled: ‘The Delivery of a Low Carbon Society - Beyond Rhetoric’ which is part of the Brunel International Lecture Series.

What’s the most technically challenging project you’ve worked on at Atkins?

Creating a simple, robust and cost effective, carbon critical solution for Lowestoft College in Suffolk, UK. And seeing the huge earth ducts installed for the ventilation system within the college.

How has your career developed at Atkins?

I have developed a large network across the businesses and geographies providing expertise and advice.

How were you supported in this?

Senior managers have given me the freedom to take on as much responsibility as I want.

How do engineers and Atkins make a difference?

Through our no-nonsense delivery of projects. We do what we say we’ll do.

How would you describe the culture at Atkins?

It’s reliable and supportive.