Scott is a Chartered Civil Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), with almost 30 years of experience in the UK nuclear industry. As an ICE Supervising Civil Engineer, Scott is committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers. His career spans a wide range of complex nuclear sector projects, including asset management, waste retrievals, decommissioning and demolition, and the design substantiation of legacy facilities.

What inspired you to join the industry?

From a young age, I found myself drawn to engineering — largely inspired by my best friend’s dad, who worked in the field. Coming from a family with professions in the General Post Office and insurance services, I didn’t have a technical background, but I really enjoyed subjects like technical drawing at school. That early interest led me to complete a work experience placement at an aeronautical engineering facility, where I had the opportunity to learn about aircraft engine maintenance. It was a fantastic experience and cemented my desire to pursue a career in engineering.

I later applied for an apprenticeship at another aeronautical firm, but during the interviewing process they encouraged me to consider an engineering degree given my academic strengths. My family background meant I hadn’t considered further education as an option, but I took that advice seriously and went on to study civil engineering at university.

Upon graduation, I had the opportunity to work with Sir Robert McAlpine on the construction of a large-scale processing facility within the nuclear sector; seeing the project from the early excavation work right through to handover for mechanical, electrical and process equipment fit out. After that, I took opportunities to develop my career with several other companies in the nuclear industry, both on the delivery and client sides. 

What continues to inspire me is the sheer diversity of the sector — no two projects are the same. Whether it’s complex structural new builds or finding solutions to small-scale issues on practically inaccessible elements, each challenge brings new learning and keeps me motivated to grow. This variety is especially evident in the work our nuclear practice delivers — from major decommissioning projects to multi-million-pound mega builds, and from local advisory roles to supporting clients through their project delivery processes. The impact of this work is significant: we’re not only driving progress but also removing risk to both the community and the workforce, ensuring safer, more efficient outcomes across the board.

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

One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on involved a major decommissioning and demolition effort delivered under an alliance contract at Sellafield site in Cumbrian coast, Northwest England, UK. I was responsible for leading the civil, structural and architectural design on the client’s behalf, collaborating closely with an integrated team of ArchTam and client-side professionals to deliver a comprehensive design solution from start to finish.

What made this project particularly memorable was the strength of the teamwork. We faced numerous unexpected challenges – from unforeseen ground conditions and persistent foundation issues to significant regulatory scrutiny. Each hurdle required creative problem-solving, and we relied on our shared expertise and trust in one another to push through.

That shared experience brought out the best in everyone. We adopted innovative methods we hadn’t anticipated at the outset and grew enormously through the process — both as professionals and as a team. A major milestone was the successful decontamination and removal of a high-risk structure, which had been considered one of the most challenging elements of the project. This solution not only eliminated critical safety concerns but also demonstrated the power of collaboration and creative problem-solving under pressure.

What made the project stand out were the exceptional and resilient individuals I worked alongside and the transformative learning that came from overcoming adversity together. For me, it was a clear example of how passionate we are about applying the full scope of our capabilities to the sector.

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

One of the most meaningful aspects of my role has been working with young people through STEM outreach – particularly those who might not typically see engineering as a viable path. I’ve been actively involved in initiatives like the Cumbria Youth Alliance’s Bridging Horizons program, which focuses on students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who have different needs or have stepped away from formal education settings.

My efforts focus on introducing civil engineering to students aged between 11-14, especially those in technical or vocational learning environments. We aim to make the subject tangible and inspiring, whether through practical workshops, hands-on activities or site visits to projects. The goal is to demystify engineering and reassure that there’s space for everyone in this profession, even if it’s not something they’d previously considered.

I also partner with educators to review and adapt the curriculum, embedding civil engineering concepts in ways that resonate with students’ real-world experiences. Beyond the classroom, I contribute to CV-writing workshops, career advice sessions and networking opportunities to help open doors for young people. I always involve early careers colleagues for many of these activities too, giving them opportunities to grow and give back to the communities through mentorship.   

What’s truly rewarding is witnessing the moment a student realises they belong in this space – someone who might have never imagined themselves pursuing a career in engineering. It’s about unlocking potential, fostering inclusion and helping shape a sustainable workforce. As a company, we want to build on our 50 years’ heritage in the nuclear sector and leave a sustainable legacy for our communities – one that continues to open doors and inspire future generations.

Share a piece of career advice.

If I could offer one piece of career advice, it would be this: say yes to opportunities — even when they feel slightly beyond your comfort zone. My own journey has been shaped by moments when I chose to lean in and take a chance, even if I wasn’t sure I ticked every box or felt completely ready.

It’s easy to talk yourself out of something new. Imposter syndrome can creep in quickly, convincing you that you’re not experienced enough or that someone else would be better suited. But some of the most valuable learning happens after that leap of faith. You grow by doing, by stretching, by stepping into the unknown and figuring things out along the way.

That doesn’t mean saying yes blindly — it’s about being open to growth, especially when it’s uncomfortable. I’ve learnt that very few decisions are irreversible. If something doesn’t work out, you can course-correct. What matters most is having the courage to try. When I was at school, I did not expect to be heavily involved in projects where my decision making was ultimately being reported at the UK Cabinet level, but the philosophy of taking chances led me there.

So, whether it’s a project you’re unsure about, a new role or a chance to lead, don’t be afraid to take that leap. You might discover strengths you didn’t even know you had. And even if you stumble, you’ll walk away more resilient, more confident and better equipped for whatever comes next.

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Simon Middleton has over 25 years of experience in transportation infrastructure, primarily in the UK rail sector. His career began with Scott Wilson (an ArchTam legacy company), focusing on asset management projects in the UK highway and rail sectors. He advanced to lead business development and oversee client frameworks, including international work in North America and Australia, where heavy haul rail clients adopted ArchTam’s innovative asset management approach.

Simon has held various leadership roles within ArchTam’s rail business, spanning operational management, business development, and project delivery across multiple regions. Notably, he has led ArchTam’s work on the Northumberland Line reopening, a project of regional and national significance. This initiative converted a freight railway to passenger services, marking the return of rail passenger services to the line since the 1960s in 2024. The project is celebrated as transformative for North East England.

Simon is known for his collaborative approach and has built a wide network of trusted relationships within ArchTam and the broader industry.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

As a child, I loved playing with building toys like Meccano and Lego and was also very keen on art so I thought that I would become an architect. As I went through school, my direction changed a bit, because I was strongest in STEM subjects, and this led to me studying civil engineering at university.

During my summer breaks from university, I would return to my hometown and work in a frozen food factory with my friends, which involved long shifts and night work but also helped me appreciate the challenges of hard work. Before the final year of my masters, I decided to do something better aligned to my degree and took up a summer placement with legacy company Scott Wilson. This gave me a foot in the door to the business, and 27 years later I am still working for the same company. 

I have grown in enthusiasm for the industry and what it can deliver for people and communities and really enjoyed the progression through professional chartership to becoming an ICE Fellow and then mentoring others through a similar path.

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

The Northumberland Line has undoubtedly been my favorite and most challenging project. I was fortunate to be involved from the early stages of development and business case, with my role expanding as the project progressed. As the project director for over six years, I led the development phases from feasibility through to detailed design, before handing over to the current Programme Delivery Director who has overseen the overall delivery of the works.

Our role on Northumberland has been influential, varied and a fantastic example of the range of expertise we have and the power of bringing this together to deliver a transformative outcome. Hundreds of my ArchTam colleagues have worked on the project, but there is a strong core team that has been involved from the early stages through to the line opening in 2024. Many of us have had to learn and adapt on the job and worked under significant pressure, but in many ways, it has still been easy to be motivated because we all know what a big difference this project will make to the communities it will serve. 

I have been awestruck by the individual effort and professionalism of many of the team members and thoroughly enjoyed the team spirit that extends beyond ArchTam to the client team and our delivery partners. We have continuously motivated each other throughout this multi-year project, celebrating the satisfaction of achieving critical milestones that once seemed out of reach. 

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

The Northumberland Line will reconnect communities to jobs and educational opportunities that were hard to access since the railway closed to passengers in the mid-1960s. The new stations are already stimulating development in housing, community hubs like Wansbeck Square in Ashington and small businesses seizing new opportunities brought by the railway. 

When the first two stations opened in December 2024, the excitement from locals using the railway for the first time in their lives, or those who had travelled on the last services before the line was closed, was fantastic.

Beyond improving lives, the project has also delivered local employment, engagement with communities, and special projects with schools. While construction caused noise and disruption, we have been sensitive to these issues from the start, always listening to concerns and mitigating them wherever possible.

Share a piece of career advice.

Embrace change and opportunity! In the early stages of my career, I got a bit stuck in my comfort zone and probably limited my progression, but as soon as I started to grasp opportunities that were put in front of me, my growth accelerated. You tend to regret the things you don’t do in life, rather than the things you do.

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Michael Smith has over 35 years’ experience, including 27 years as an asset manager and building surveyor. He has led several complex asset management improvement projects resulting in a range of benefits to the organizations involved, including reduced costs, reduced risk and improved operational performance. He also has extensive experience of delivering large scale building surveying projects. 

Michael has worked in various sectors including nuclear, defense, higher education, rail, healthcare, commercial and both local and central government. He is endorsed by the Institute of Asset Management, both an assessor and trainer

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

After finishing school, I served an apprenticeship as a plant mechanic. This involved fixing all types of construction plants from small pumps right up to large excavators. The next logical step for me was to move on to fixing the buildings themselves, so I went to university and gained an honours degree in building surveying. I then moved onto asset management, as clients were not just asking the question about how to fix the building, but if they needed the building in the first place. Ultimately, asset management is about adding value over the whole life cycle of an asset base and this really attracted me to the profession. 

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

I have worked on so many interesting projects that involved working both at home and abroad.  This has included delivering large scale survey projects in far flung places such as Gibraltar, Brunei, Falklands and Ascension Islands   

However, I think my most favourite project was being the technical lead on Glasgow City Council’s first ever Corporate Asset Management Plan. The plan was produced in 2009 and 2010 during the period of austerity in the UK and was aimed at reducing operational costs whilst still delivering the required level of services for the people of Glasgow. 

The project involved surveying all operational property within the city, including museums, libraries, sports facilities, parks and offices. We also seconded several of our team members to the council to fill asset management roles, provide sustainability advice and to identify sources of third-party funding. 

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

The Glasgow City Council project mentioned above saved over £70 million and identified a number of opportunities to generate capital receipts. Ultimately, the project reduced the running costs of the asset base but still allowed the council to deliver the level of service that the people of Glasgow deserve.

Share a piece of career advice .

In a world where we are told we can be anything we want, be kind. 

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