Anastasia Squirrel holds a diploma in civil engineering technologies from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and works as a civil CADD specialist with strong proficiency in Civil 3D and supporting design software. Anastasia’s experience includes civil site design for industrial developments, parking facilities, service yards and community buildings, as well as infrastructure projects involving water treatment plants, pumping stations, roadway design and other civil and water discipline‑related projects. This work has strengthened her skills in grading, utility coordination, and the production of functional, compliant site layouts.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Growing up on Yellow Quill First Nation, we lived under a boil water advisory for nine years. When a water treatment plant was finally built near my home, I became fascinated by its design and construction. With my father being a journeyman carpenter, I was exposed to drawings and plans early on, which sparked endless questions — every answer seemed to lead back to engineering. Determined to pursue this path, I overcame limited resources on the reserve by attending school off reserve with the support of family and friends, taking the courses needed to pursue a career in engineering. That experience inspired my commitment to building and improving infrastructure every day, as it deeply impacted my community and showed me how essential these solutions are.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

At ArchTam, I’ve contributed to many projects across Canada, all of which I’m proud of. Overall, my favorite project is always the one I’m working on now — it keeps me motivated to learn, grow and deliver my best. Each new challenge builds on the last, whether I’m refining grading plans, coordinating utilities, or ensuring that site layouts meet both functional and regulatory requirements.

My most recent favorite project has been the Edmonton – Forest Heights Dry Pond and Storm Improvement initiative, where our team was tasked with enhancing stormwater management for the community. The work involved retrofitting new storm infrastructure into an already dense network of existing utilities, requiring careful coordination to ensure an efficient and constructible design. We also developed a new dry pond, balancing technical requirements with the goal of preserving as many mature trees as possible. The project incorporated several bioswale-low impact development features, which were new to me and provided a valuable learning experience. Overall, it was a rewarding project that expanded my technical skills and deepened my understanding of stormwater design.

Every project deserves to be completed to the highest standard, and that mindset drives my passion for excellence. The diversity of work I’ve been part of continually pushes me to expand my technical skills and contribute meaningful solutions that support clients and communities across the country.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Every project I have my hands on represents a solution to a real need. Whether it’s designing municipal water and sewer systems to keep streets clean, planning landfills and lagoons to protect the environment, or creating site layouts for commercial developments that bring services closer to people, my work turns challenges into opportunities.

One recent project that stands out is the City of Saskatoon landfill expansion, where we added a new landfill cell and helped the City plan for the long‑term future of the site — supporting a project that directly impacts waste management for the people of Saskatoon.

These projects don’t just solve problems — they help communities prosper. Reliable infrastructure means stronger neighborhoods, healthier families and opportunities to grow. Each design choice, no matter how small, contributes to the quality of life for the people who rely on these systems every day.

Share a piece of career advice.

Success starts with teamwork. Always take time to understand the information, don’t be afraid to ask questions. There are people here to help, and we can help each other. When we share knowledge and collaborate toward a common goal, everyone succeeds.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Anastasia Squirrel appeared first on Blog.

Jeremy Salisbury began his career as a civil engineer before moving into project management and over time, into leadership roles. Throughout his career, he has remained closely connected to both civil engineering and project delivery, particularly within the water industry, where he has built nearly two decades of experience.

Outside of work, Jeremy leads a full and lively life with two children and a large extended family. He’s passionate about the outdoors and spends much of his free time cycling — both on the road and on mountain trails — and skiing. Based in North Wales, he takes full advantage of the region’s stunning landscapes, often spending weekends walking, riding, or ideally both, whatever the weather.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I joined the industry straight out of school, drawn by a mix of curiosity and a desire to solve problems. I’ve always enjoyed the methodical process — step one, step two — figuring out how things work and how to fix them. That mindset, along with a strong interest in the environment and sustainability, led me to explore infrastructure and how it shapes the world around us. At a careers event, I met someone from Welsh Water who described civil engineering as the skills that bring civilization to life. That really stuck with me. I started out in the drainage department, very hands-on, and quickly realized how central water is to everything we build. Whether it’s bringing water in or taking it away, it all comes back to water. Over time, I’ve come to see those of us in the water industry as custodians of something essential. Every decision we make has the potential to impact lives — and that’s a responsibility I take seriously.

What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on involved a historic piece of infrastructure originally designed for mine drainage. The engineering challenges were considerable — from navigating difficult geology and aging assets to integrating modern systems within a legacy environment. Innovation was essential, particularly in the method of construction, which demanded clever thinking and close collaboration between the consultant and contractor. Access constraints required a completely different way of working, pushing the team to adapt and rethink conventional approaches. What truly set the project apart was its broader impact: we built trust across communities, engaged meaningfully with stakeholders, and placed environmental stewardship at the heart of our work — protecting habitats and enhancing biodiversity. It was a powerful reminder that engineering is not just about technical precision, but also about collaboration, creativity, and care for the people and places we serve.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

For me, it always comes back to community. Whether I’ve worked in infrastructure, local authorities or the water sector, the goal has always been the same: to make a positive impact. I’ve spent years focused on delivering projects and achieving outputs, but a conversation with a water company director shifted my thinking. She reminded us that while we were solving technical problems, we’d lost sight of the outcomes — what it meant for the people affected. That moment stuck with me. I was working on a flooding program at the time, and despite our efforts, homes were still being flooded. It made me realise that even one person’s experience — like having sewage in their home on Christmas Day — matters deeply. If we can prevent that from happening, we’ve done something meaningful. Whether it’s a highway project or a major water recovery program, I’ve always been fortunate to work on projects that directly benefit communities. That’s why I do what I do.

Share a piece of career advice

Find your passion, listen actively and surround yourself with great people. Passion makes work enjoyable, listening helps you grow, and the right team will push you further than you can go alone.

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From assessment and remediation projects for Defence, to other large-scale remediation projects across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, his work continues to make a lasting impact on history and communities.

A core leader in ArchTam’s Defence Environment team, Peter also brings diverse experience from working across utilities and government organisations, where he became adept at navigating mature frameworks and robust systems. He is highly experienced in managing large teams and complex programmes of work.

Peter is a people person who, above all, thrives on getting the job done while always keeping the best interests of his clients and team top of mind.

What have been the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on in your career?

One that stands out was an assessment project that required stepping back in time. I was part researcher, part historian, diving into archives to piece together history about the site. As an author, I was hands on uncovering records, piecing them together and analysing risks. It was challenging, detailed work that demanded both problem solving and persistence.

I’ve also been fortunate to work on many large-scale assessment programs and remediation projects, which are technically challenging and often involve risky scenarios. One example is an asbestos remediation project. While these projects can be complex, they’re also incredibly rewarding because of the variety and very tangible public health outcomes for communities. I’ve had similar experiences in the utilities sector, where leading major programmes carried the same mix of complexity and community impact. Those roles broadened my perspective and strengthened my ability to adapt approaches across different industries.

What skills do you draw on most when leading Defence projects?

Communication is critical. Defence has processes to follow, layers of responsibility, and representatives from different backgrounds, so communication, both written and verbal, must be clear and precise.

Defence is also very mature in how it manages land, with established guidelines and policies that must be followed carefully. Having an experienced team around me is key, and for new team members, we always hold onboarding meetings to set expectations and align on processes from the start. That foundation sets everyone up for success.

How do you build strong client relationships on complex projects?

For me, it always comes back to being present and engaged. Regular face-to-face meetings are invaluable — you can pick up on the questions and nuances that don’t always come through virtually. On large projects or programmes, this consistent communication helps align scopes and stakeholders, keeping everyone moving towards the same purpose and goal.

I also take a hands-on role, reviewing reports and staying close to the detail. That involvement gives me confidence in the quality of what we deliver and reassures clients that their needs are front and centre. It’s about being part of the solution, not just overseeing it from a distance. This approach has been particularly important when leading large multidisciplinary teams, where fostering alignment and a “best for project” mindset ensures we deliver the right outcomes for clients and communities.

How does your work translate into positive environmental outcomes?

At its core, contaminated land management is about reducing risks to human health and the environment. The most obvious impact comes during the cleanup phase, when we assess and remediate contaminated land for beneficial reuse and it’s made safe for use again.

Outside of the Defence sector, one project I’m particularly proud of was a nature-positive remediation project that remediated sediments on a shoreline. We then hand planted that shoreline with mangrove seeds, resulting in the reestablishment of the native mangrove ecosystem. Seeing nature be restored and then flourish as a direct result of our work was a clear demonstration of the tangible benefits remediation can deliver, and very rewarding on a personal level.

What excites you most about working on Defence projects?

The variety. No two projects are the same, and each presents its own challenges.

On top of that, ArchTam’s Defence team has a strong, in-depth understanding of Defence’s portfolio. Working alongside such a capable team makes it possible for us to consistently deliver for our clients. It’s a team built on trust and deep technical understanding, and that’s something I genuinely enjoy being part of.

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Stephen Munro is a Chartered Engineer and Chartered Water and Environmental Manager with over 30 years of experience delivering complex infrastructure projects. Prior to joining ArchTam through the acquisition of Allen Gordon, where he served as Senior Partner, Stephen led multidisciplinary teams across water, renewables, transport and education sectors. Based in Inverness, he has a strong track record across Scotland and the wider UK, and has also contributed internationally, including post-disaster recovery work in Christchurch, New Zealand following the 2011 earthquake. Stephen’s current role includes leading ArchTam design teams working on a range of water sector projects across Scotland as well as working directly in client teams on major projects in the water and energy sectors.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I’ve always had a natural interest in physics and engineering, even back in my school days. But what truly drew me to civil engineering was the idea of creating infrastructure that genuinely benefits people — bridges that connect communities, dams that protect resources. That sense of purpose has stayed with me throughout my career. Whilst my journey through my career was with a relatively small firm, I have been lucky to work across a diverse variety of major projects and programmes and have taken inspiration from the outcomes the projects deliver.

What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of the most defining projects in my career was the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, which I worked on through the Caledonia Water Alliance (CWA) while still at Allen Gordon, in collaboration with ArchTam. The project involved constructing a major bypass around Aberdeen, which required the diversion of critical water and wastewater infrastructure to allow for the construction of the new road. This road was designed to alleviate congestion in the center of Aberdeen and significantly improve journey times for those traveling around or across the city.

I led a collaborative team that included Scottish Water, CWA, and our supply chain, navigating a five-year program of high-risk, technically demanding works. The complexity of the project was matched only by the pressure we faced. We were responsible for relocating major aqueducts and strategic water mains, and in some cases, failure would have meant cutting off the water supply to the entire city. This work involved complex designs, frequently including connections whilst existing water mains remained live, and construction of diversions often in constrained locations within live existing roads and during construction of the new road, including major bridges.

Yet, through strong teamwork and a shared commitment to delivery, we successfully completed the infrastructure works. What stood out most was the spirit of collaboration — even with the main contractor, where despite challenges, we built relationships that lasted beyond the project. It was a true testament to what can be achieved when everyone pulls together.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the most profound and personally impactful experiences in my career was the work I undertook in Christchurch, New Zealand, following the devastating series of earthquakes in 2011.

I spent several months leading efforts to re-establish essential water and wastewater services in a city still grappling with ongoing aftershocks and widespread infrastructure damage. The environment was incredibly challenging, not only from a technical standpoint but also emotionally. Many of the team members and residents were still living without basic services and dealing with the trauma of repeated seismic events. I was Program Manager leading a multidisciplinary design team working alongside construction teams and some were themselves directly affected by the disaster.

Our work went beyond restoring infrastructure; it was about supporting a community in recovery. We had to approach every task with empathy and heightened awareness with project teams partnering with communities, understanding that even minor issues could become emotionally charged in such a fragile context. This involved working closely with contractors and council teams in engaging with communities and minimizing the impact of initial service re-establishment and longer terms solutions. The experience taught me the importance of balancing technical delivery with human sensitivity, and it remains a powerful example of how engineering can play a vital role in healing and rebuilding communities.

Share a piece of career advice

Success comes down to two key traits: aspiration and application. If you have the drive to achieve and the commitment to put in the work, there isn’t just one path — you can carve your own.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Stephen Munro appeared first on Blog.

Growing up in Palestine’s West Bank with a civil engineer father, Ahmad saw how strong water infrastructure can make a real difference for communities. That early experience sparked his passion for sustainability and water reuse. After earning his engineering degree in the West Bank and a master’s degree from Utah State University, Ahmad made Charlotte home. Motivated by the potential for smart water use — including the One Water concept in which all water sources are managed as equally valuable with an eye on resilience and reliability — Ahmad works on projects like water reclamation networks and biosolids dewatering systems to create lasting, positive impacts. 

What inspired you to join the industry?

 It all started with my dad, a civil engineer working on water and wastewater projects in Nablus, a city in the West Bank. Growing up in the 1990s, we would be walking around the city and I would watch as people came up to thank him. I’d ask why, and he’d say, “We installed a new water line,” or “We built a well to improve access to clean water.” Seeing firsthand how infrastructure could change lives inspired me early on.

In high school, I gravitated toward science projects about wastewater. For my ninth grade science project, I explored different treatment processes. Naturally, I chose civil engineering for my undergraduate degree, with a focus on water and wastewater systems.

During my senior year, professors encouraged me to consider graduate school at Utah State University. I was accepted and joined the Utah Water Research Lab, which focuses on hydraulic modeling and environmental wastewater treatment. That’s also when I got involved with the Water Environment Federation (WEF). I joined the student chapter, competed in the state’s annual design competition twice, and represented Utah at WEFTEC both years. That experience sparked my deeper interest in biosolids and introduced me to the professional side of the water industry.

In 2018, I moved to Charlotte where I started with pipeline projects, odor control and biogas systems. I gradually took on more responsibility — running calculations, conducting field work, and contributing to design efforts. When ArchTam reached out, I was drawn to the opportunity to work with a tight-knit local team backed by a global firm’s resources.

Now, I lead technical work on pipeline and biosolids projects, handling everything from early study phases to detailed design submittals. I also stay active in the industry through my involvement with North Carolina One Water.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

We designed a water reuse network for the University of North Carolina at Charlotte that uses reclaimed water from a nearby Charlotte Water treatment plant for irrigation and use in cooling towers. Our team developed the connection from the plant to the university campus, and the pipe distribution network throughout campus grounds.

Before it’s reused, the water is treated to EPA standards suitable for agricultural or industrial use, in this case, for cooling systems. It’s a smart, sustainable solution that reduces the university’s use of potable water and supports Charlotte Water’s “One Water” vision of circular water use.

The university has completed part of the system, with plans to expand it over the next few years. I served as the deputy project manager for the initial phase and will step into the project manager role as construction continues.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community

We’re working on a biosolids project in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, alongside ArchTam’s global biosolids lead, Terry Goss, who’s based in Raleigh.

The local wastewater plant uses belt filter presses to remove water from biosolids, reducing their volume and weight. Those presses are at the end of their useful life, so we’re evaluating options to replace and increase capacity. That could mean newer, larger belt filter presses — or different technologies like screw presses, centrifuges, or volute presses that offer more reliable performance and better dewatering. My role specifically is to choose the right dewatering equipment to replace the existing belt filter presses, correctly size it to fit their current and future needs, design the polymer system that will be added to thicken the biosolids, and design the necessary connections and appurtenances.

Dewatering is key to biosolids management. The more water you remove, the less volume there is to haul or dispose of — saving municipalities money, especially when biosolids go to landfills. Many utilities are also exploring composting or biogas production to turn waste into usable resources.

My role specifically is to choose the right dewatering equipment to replace their existing Belt Filter Presses, correctly size it to fit their current and future needs, design the polymer system that will be added to thicken the biosolids, and design the necessary connections and appurtenances.

Upgrading the equipment in Fort Lauderdale will have a meaningful impact on both public health and the environment. Keeping waterways and beaches clean is a big part of what drives me. It’s an exciting time in the industry. Technology now allows us to treat wastewater to the point that it can become clean drinking water again. That full-circle approach is at the heart of the “One Water” concept: using and reusing water wisely to protect our limited resources and reduce environmental impact.

Share a piece of career advice

Try everything at least once. Accept the opportunities that come your way. Maybe you’ll find there is something you do not want to do again. That’s fine. But at least try it first and see where it takes you. Biosolids weren’t something that I initially wanted to work on. I was approached to work on them. I found that I liked the work and have remained involved ever since. Being receptive to opportunities keeps your options open and will motivate you to learn new things.

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As a leader in our Civil Works department, Kimberly Heenan brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and deep personal commitment to infrastructure resilience. With more than 19 years of experience and over $2.5 billion in constructed projects, she has led the inspection, assessment, design and construction of levees, floodwalls, dams, floodgates and stormwater pump stations across the U.S.

Kimberly’s portfolio spans more than 275 miles of levee systems and 35 dams, supporting agencies such as the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), United States International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC), and USACE Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). Under her leadership, our civil works team has grown into a nationally connected group equipped to take on the country’s most complex water infrastructure challenges. Whether managing risk assessments, engineering solutions for flood protection, or guiding large-scale alternatives analyses, Kimberly is driven by one goal: protecting communities and helping them thrive.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

Hurricane Katrina occurred while I was in college, and when I saw the devastation, I felt a deep calling to do something. I wanted to help fix the levees and to be part of the recovery. I remember students from Louisiana State University, Tulane University, and other universities relocating to Texas A&M, where I was attending. Their experiences really stayed with me — I just kept thinking, what can I do?

At the time, I was still finding my footing and building confidence in my ability to be an engineer. Then, during a career day event, I handed my resume to a representative from ArchTam. They passed it along, and shortly after, I received a call about a junior Geotechnical Engineer position — working on the levees in New Orleans that had been devastated by Hurricane Katrina. It felt like a sign. Even though I was nervous about moving to the big city, I accepted the offer and committed fully to the opportunity. I worked long hours, asked questions, and soaked up knowledge from teammates who loved to teach. It was a chance to contribute to something deeply meaningful — something that had personally impacted me — and that experience became the turning point that truly anchored me in this field and shaped the trajectory of my career.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

Obviously, the New Orleans levee project will always mean a lot to me. But another that stands out is the Freeport Levee Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) project. Unfortunately, the client’s funding limitations meant we couldn’t finish the project, but it gave us the space to build something special at ArchTam — a civil works group that can operate from anywhere in the country and work with anyone. 

Over the course of the work we were able to complete, we grew from a team of just six people to about 20. And it wasn’t just our group working on the project. At one point, there were over 100 people across ArchTam contributing.

The project raised our team’s visibility and gave us this incredible experience with the Galveston Corps of Engineers District. The Gulf Coast region is facing significant challenges from rising sea levels, aging infrastructure, and increasingly severe storm events. The experience positioned us to contribute meaningfully to future critical resilience work still needed across this part of the country.

And honestly, I just loved the team. The people on that project made it a favorite, too.

How has the growth of ArchTam’s civil works team prepared us to meet the infrastructure resilience challenges of communities?  

For me, it means having a team I can rely on to help design these incredible levee systems that protect people and communities, so they never have to go through something like Hurricane Katrina again. Building a civil works team that can do this work, and do it well, has always been deeply meaningful.

Many of these flood risk projects are happening in communities that have historically been underserved. It’s not just about protecting property. It’s about protecting lives, bringing peace of mind, and in many cases, helping families financially by lowering flood insurance costs. Everyone deserves that kind of security, no matter where they live.

We’re at a critical moment in the U.S. Much of the nation’s infrastructure, including levees, floodwalls, and protection systems, was designed to last about 50 years. That time has passed. I knew we had to grow our civil works team because I knew these projects were coming. These systems either start to fail, or they get updated. Too often, people only pay attention after a catastrophic failure, but we shouldn’t have to wait for that to happen.

To me, this work is about making sure we don’t wait — that we’re ready. When we bring new people onto the team, we look for those who are driven by purpose, who genuinely want to make a difference in people’s lives. That’s what it’s all about.

Share a piece of career advice.

My dad coached women’s basketball, and he used to say something that stuck with me: “It doesn’t have to be perfect.” He noticed that many players would hesitate, waiting for the perfect moment to take a shot and by then, the opportunity was gone.

He taught me there are only three outcomes: you miss and the other team gets the rebound, you miss and your team gets the rebound and you get to try again, or you make it. Two out of three isn’t bad. I’ve carried that with me throughout my career. When I’m facing a challenge, I remind myself not to wait for perfect. Just take the shot and keep moving forward.

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Dana brings a unique blend of architectural vision, engineering expertise and strategic leadership to her role. With a career rooted in both design and delivery, she has built a reputation for guiding complex projects that make a lasting impact on communities. Her commitment to collaboration, sustainability and client success shines through in every phase of her work, from concept to completion.

Tell us a bit about yourself – your career journey and current role as Market Sector Lead.

My interest in the built environment took root early on. I was drawn to the idea that every structure begins as a vision and, then through a blend of creativity, coordination and technical skill, becomes something tangible and lasting. That curiosity led me to study architecture, but as my understanding of the industry deepened, I found myself increasingly drawn to the engineering side of construction. I transitioned into construction engineering at Arizona State University, and later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix to strengthen my leadership capabilities and broaden my strategic business perspective.

Over the years, I’ve discovered that my greatest strength lies in helping clients bring their capital improvement and facility expansion goals to life. As a market sector lead, I take pride in building strong teams and delivering strategic growth through thoughtful leadership and collaboration. I am deeply committed to fostering meaningful partnerships with small, local and diverse suppliers, recognizing the vital role we play together in shaping a more inclusive and resilient industry. By working side by side, we deliver projects that reflect our clients’ values and create lasting benefits for the San Diego community.

Talk to us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on has been during my time as a project manager with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). My relationship with SDUSD spans decades — from 2001 to 2007, and again since 2013. What keeps drawing me back is the impact. It’s a place where strategic planning meets real, lasting community transformation. As a project manager for SDUSD, I’ve had the opportunity to lead efforts across more than a dozen campuses, overseeing modernization, new construction, and infrastructure upgrades under multi-billion-dollar bond programs. Our work has helped SDUSD expand access to safe, inclusive and future-ready learning environments for charter schools and traditional campuses. These projects like whole site modernizations, new student union buildings, and improved security features, incorporated solutions that helped schools better accommodate growing student populations, refresh aging facilities, and foster more inclusive learning environments. Revitalizing these school facilities has increased community safety and engagement as well as created shared spaces that serve families beyond the classroom.

Helping ensure that schools are equipped to meet both current and future demands has been incredibly rewarding. Walking through a completed site and seeing it come to life with activity and purpose, knowing it directly benefits students, educators and families, is deeply fulfilling. Every time I step onto a campus or attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony, I’m reminded that our work matters. We’re helping shape the places where the next generation will learn, dream and grow.

How do you incorporate community engagement into your design process to support sustainable practices and enhance health and well-being outcomes?

For me, community engagement isn’t optional, it’s essential.

Every project starts with listening. We prioritize understanding the unique needs and values of the people we serve, which allows us to design spaces that are not only environmentally responsible but also supportive of health and well-being of the community.

The San Diego community’s top concerns in education include equitable access, safe and inclusive learning environments, and long-term sustainability. These priorities shape every project we undertake. To address them, as a project manager, I have the opportunity to lead a process grounded in early and ongoing engagement with stakeholders, including district staff, school leaders, families, and community advocates.

Community input informs planning and design from the start, ensuring each project reflects local values. Through transparency and collaboration during construction, we deliver outcomes that are functional, resilient, and deeply connected to the communities they serve. This approach is especially important in a place like San Diego, where the vibrant, collaborative spirit of the city shapes everything we do. The city’s diversity, creativity and innovation create a dynamic environment where partnerships can truly flourish. It’s a privilege to work alongside people who care deeply about their city and its future. Our shared commitment drives more thoughtful, inclusive and sustainable outcomes.

Share a piece of career advice:

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of being intentional with your time and energy. It’s easy to get caught up in the pace of a demanding career, especially when you’re passionate about the work, but staying grounded requires more than just good time management. It takes self-awareness, clear priorities, and the ability to pause and reset when needed.

I often say my life runs on 15-minute calendar blocks, and while that’s partly a joke, it reflects how structured my days can be. What keeps me balanced is making space for the things that matter outside of work. Whether that’s volunteering with ACE Mentor program or Construction Management Association of America (CMAA), leading a Girl Scout troop, or spending time outdoors hiking, skiing or golfing. A fulfilling career isn’t just about what you accomplish professionally, it’s about how you stay connected to your values and your community along the way.

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We’re spotlighting our Veterans Champion and project manager from our Buildings and Places business in the UK, Thomas Westlake, whose experience and continued contributions are helping shape how we support veterans across our organization. Their insight is helping us build a more inclusive, resilient, and supportive workplace for those transitioning from military to industry life.

Thomas Westlake is from our Project Management team in London and works predominantly in the Security and Resilience sector. He has been with ArchTam since 2023, following a career in the British Armed Forces. Thomas works on projects across government, public sector, defense, and disaster management, coordinating with a wide range of stakeholders and teams. His projects have been across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

After serving in the British Army for eight years, I was eager to find a career where I could apply the skills I had developed and continue doing work that made a real difference. A friend who was working at ArchTam at the time introduced me to the company. What stood out was the scale of the projects, the global footprint, and the opportunity to contribute to work with real-world impact, particularly in areas like infrastructure, security, and resilience. Project management felt like a natural transition from the armed forces, and ArchTam offered the structure and opportunities to grow in that space. My role within the defence and government sectors allows me to contribute to meaningful projects in the UK and overseas. It’s rewarding to be part of efforts that help safeguard communities and protect national interests while supporting international efforts to foster resilience and enhance security.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my most fulfilling projects was delivering a resilience assessment of six emergency shelters in the Turks and Caicos Islands. These shelters are crucial during hurricane season, providing protection to local communities when extreme weather hits. I led the assessment on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), working closely with some outstanding specialist consultants, local government representatives, and community leaders.

Our team conducted on-the-ground inspections, assessing compliance of six key areas: structural integrity, fire safety, hygiene facilities, security, accessibility, and gender sensitivity. We also reviewed emergency plans and practices and spoke with key stakeholders and residents to understand local needs and context.

What I enjoyed most was the challenge of building trust quickly, navigating cultural differences, and shaping practical, community-led solutions. Based on our findings, we made clear, actionable recommendations, ranging from structural improvements to clearer roles, better coordination between agencies, and enhancements to better support women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

The project helped strengthen local preparedness by addressing key vulnerabilities ahead of the next hurricane season and empowering local teams to lead the changes. It was a project where the impact was clear, the collaboration was strong, and the work genuinely helped improve readiness on the ground. That made it a particularly rewarding experience for me.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

After being appointed Veterans Champion for ArchTam, I have taken a leading role in organising the ArchTam Armed Forces and Veteran Industry Insight Programme in the UK and Ireland. This initiative was developed to support individuals transitioning from military to industry careers by providing a platform to explore opportunities and access a dedicated support network.

The event highlighted diverse career pathways and demonstrated our ongoing commitment to veterans, service leavers, and reservists through targeted training, mentoring and advocacy. It underscored the wide range of roles available across the organisation and the broader industry — from project management to leadership positions — many of which align closely with the skills veterans bring from their military service.

The event also created a valuable space for attendees to connect with industry professionals, gain insights into civilian work environments, and explore new career possibilities. A key focus was on recognising and translating the transferable skills veterans possess — such as leadership, problem-solving, resilience and teamwork — into meaningful opportunities in the industry workforce.

The event’s success was reflected in the positive feedback we received and the stories of participants who left with renewed confidence, many now actively considering careers in project management. Looking ahead, we are committed to building on this momentum. I have begun developing an internal veterans’ network to foster a sense of community, provide peer support, and ensure that the voices and experiences of veterans are reflected across the organisation.

Share a piece of career advice

Embrace transferable skills and be open to new opportunities. My transition from the British Army to project management wasn’t straightforward. No matter where you start or what your background is, the experiences you’ve gained and skills you have developed are often more transferable than you realise, trust in them and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone.

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Since joining ArchTam in 2017, Felicia has worked on numerous Defence projects. She provides ongoing leadership, support and project management on the Australian Defence Force’s Regional Contamination Investigation Program. Through this, she’s developed extensive site contamination knowledge of the Defence Estate in South Australia and within other regions. She’s used her knowledge of the program to design, implement and provide technical advice on multiple other land contamination and resource quality Defence programs and projects across Australia.

What have been the most rewarding projects you’ve worked on in your career?
I find projects with complex problems — that need diversely skilled teams to solve — most rewarding. Additionally, I derive great satisfaction from working on projects that foster genuine partnerships with clients. These projects force me to think outside the box, to find the right people that will find the best solutions. In these scenarios I need to leverage my skills and networks, and build trusting relationships. Some projects that come to mind are remediation projects where complex challenges like co-mingled contamination or hazardous wastes were presented. These projects required established partnerships with clients, specialist teams, and subcontractors to deliver safe solutions.

In your role leading our contaminated land services teams for our Defence clients, what key skills and strategies do you often use?
My experience leading projects within the Defence estate has equipped me with a deep and practical understanding of Defence policy, legislation and technical guidance. I leverage this knowledge to develop and implement strategies tailored to the unique needs of each project to tackle contaminated land and other environmental issues for the sector.

I often draw on strategic planning, regulatory navigation, stakeholder engagement and technical risk assessment to deliver for our Defence clients. I prioritise early and proactive collaboration to identify issues early, streamline approvals and maintain compliance. My approach ensures the delivery of practical and cost-effective solutions to support long-term estate sustainability.

How do you deliver exceptional value for our Defence clients?
I deliver exceptional value to our Defence clients by building and leading high-performing, multidisciplinary teams that combine deep local knowledge with specialised technical expertise. During my time at ArchTam, I’ve cultivated strong relationships with our people across Australia in our Environment business, our broader multidisciplinary teams, and our global network of technical experts who have specialised and niche technical knowledge. I also maintain close working relationships with trusted subcontractors who bring specialist capabilities to the table.

These relationships are essential for building teams with the right local and technical knowledge, best suited to the unique challenges of each project, to deliver excellent results for clients. I’ve used this team approach to deliver complex remediation pilot trials and remediation projects for Defence. Ultimately, I focus on understanding our clients’ priorities and bringing our best people to align solutions to their operational, environmental and strategic goals.

How do you build and maintain strong relationships with clients when you’re working on complex projects like contaminated land remediation?

Relationships are only built and maintained on trust. By treating a project as a partnership with our clients, we jointly own the task of finding and delivering the right solutions. We continuously engage and communicate with transparency through project delivery so our clients can trust we’re doing what we say we will. We bring clients along the delivery path, sharing progress and wins, and if issues arise, we tell our clients immediately so there are no surprises. This is crucial for complex and sensitive projects.

What long-term environmental benefits result from successful contaminated site remediation? How do you measure and communicate these to stakeholders and the community?

When a site is successfully remediated it is no longer a potential (or actual) contamination risk to the environment and the people around it. When we remediate a site, land is unlocked for community/economic/industrial benefit, rather than being wastefully restricted. We plan for remediation by assessing a number of factors and determining which remediation approach is best. The approach is based not only on returning the land for use but also on meeting sustainability targets such as low energy use and low waste generation. This means we return the land to its most beneficial community impact. Stakeholder and community engagement is so important in remediation to make sure our approach best meets the expectations of those impacted by the land being decontaminated.

Felicia’s leadership has been instrumental in our 20+ years of delivering robust and consistent environmental services to the Australian Defence sector.

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Georgie Bambridge joined ArchTam in 2022 as a graduate engineer working in the nuclear sector. As a structural engineer, she has experience working on a major nuclear energy project and on asset care projects on a nuclear energy site.

What inspired you to join the industry?

I was inspired to join the nuclear industry due to the unique combination of technical challenges, responsibility, and impact on the future of energy. From an early age, I wanted to make a positive impact on the world, and I knew the best way to achieve this was through a job I loved. I chose to study structural engineering because of my passion for solving complex problems and applying the mathematical and mechanical principles I learned throughout my education to my project work every day.

 The nuclear industry is the perfect field for me to channel my passion for structural engineering and make a meaningful impact. The challenge of constructing safe, durable, and precise structures, combined with the significant benefits of clean energy, inspires me. I am driven by a commitment to technical excellence and environmental responsibility, making this career path truly fulfilling.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favourite projects at ArchTam has been working on a nuclear new build facility — an ambitious and highly significant project. ArchTam serves as the lead designer, with a multi-disciplinary team based in the Warrington office. The team’s close collaboration between disciplines — architecture, civil & structural, mechanical, electrical, building services, and project management — ensures seamless coordination and effective problem-solving.

On this project, I had the opportunity to design a seismically qualified portal frame building. This involved designing the structure to maintain stability and integrity under seismic forces, specifically engineering it to resist earthquake-induced loads and deformations. Seismic design is complex provided the unpredictable, dynamic forces applied to the structure, unlike static loads such as gravity and wind. Seismic forces can cause buildings to sway and deform in different directions requiring a deeper understanding of structural dynamics. This design was particularly rewarding given the complexity involved. Through this experience, I developed a strong understanding of seismic structures and how seismic loads are distributed throughout a building.

Nuclear projects require extended timelines due to stringent regulatory requirements, intricate engineering challenges, and high safety and quality standards. This project has a timeline of over 10 years and being part of such a complex and impactful endeavour has been deeply fulfilling.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

I’ve had the privilege of working on nuclear waste management and asset care projects, contributing to legacy cleanup. These efforts play a vital role in creating a cleaner, safer site for future generations, with a positive impact on the local communities. The projects I’ve been involved in have successfully reduced risks, prevented further contamination, and made incremental progress toward the long-term cleanup goals.

This work is profoundly rewarding, as it allows me to contribute to both environmental preservation and public health protection. By restoring contaminated land, air, and water, we’re safeguarding ecosystems and reducing radiation risks for surrounding communities. The challenges are both technical and intellectual, requiring the use of dynamic thinking and close collaboration across disciplines. Ultimately, there’s a deep sense of fulfilment in tackling the lasting impacts of nuclear activities, knowing that our efforts are making a tangible difference in securing a safer future for generations to come.

Share a piece of career advice.

Every project and role presents a fresh challenge and requires a new way of thinking. It’s important to remain open to learning and growth at every stage of your career. Pursue work that you enjoy and remember that with the dynamic nature of the industry, there are countless opportunities. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new — it’s often where the greatest personal and professional growth happens.

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