Speaking From Experience – Part One Simon Laird
At Superstructures, our commitment to nurturing the next generation of engineers is well known across the local construction community. We take pride in offering degree apprenticeship opportunities that help young people build both competence and confidence in the early stages of their careers.
But what about the people leading the way? What paths did they take into the industry, and what drives them today?
In this new ‘Speaking from Experience’ blog series, we’re shining a spotlight on the senior leadership team at Superstructures, exploring their journeys, motivations, and the experiences that shaped them. First up is Simon Laird, Senior Structural Engineer and President/Chair of the East Anglian Regional Group of the Institution of Structural Engineers.
Q&A with Simon Laird
How and why did you become a structural engineer?
I actually began my career on a mechanical engineering apprenticeship. I enjoyed the design aspects but found the practical side less appealing. That led me to a role in Ipswich, where I designed green roofs. It was my first real experience using CAD, and I quickly realised I wanted to pursue further education in this area.
I joined a local engineering consultancy as a Trainee CAD Technician and studied for an HNC in Civil Engineering on day release. That progressed to an HND and eventually a degree, and I became a graduate engineer. I didn’t set out to become a structural engineer, it was more a case of following what I enjoyed, and that path led me to Superstructures.
What excites you about your career?
Seeing buildings I’ve worked on come to life and shape the built environment is incredibly rewarding. I love problem-solving and tackling challenges. As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve found real satisfaction in mentoring apprentices and helping to develop the engineers of the future. It’s fulfilling to know I’ve played a part in giving them a strong foundation for their careers.
What’s the most interesting or satisfying project you’ve worked on?
There have been quite a few, but some standouts include Stratford Eye (early in my career), the Olympic Velodrome, and the refurbishment of Blackfriars Bridge. More recently, the Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club project has been particularly satisfying. It’s a prominent local building with a rich history dating back nearly 150 years, and it’s been a challenging but rewarding journey to get it to site.
Do you have a favourite structure you admire?
Absolutely, it’s Cannon Street Tube Station (pictured below), a multistorey double cantilever building that spans over the station, creating a column-free ground floor space. The structure is fully visible, but the design is so elegant and seamless that most people don’t even notice it. It’s a brilliant example of structural engineering at its best.
We will be back soon with the next blog in our “Speaking from Experience” series, where we’ll continue to explore the stories behind the Superstructures leadership team.
