Daniel Kendall

Temporary works senior project engineer, HS2

Expertise

Construction, Project Management, Design

Location

London

My highlights

Helping direct HS2's approach to the strategic management of temporary works

Leading the delivery of over a thousand temporary works items in a high-risk rail tunnel environment for Crossrail

Becoming a Chartered Engineer with the ICE (CEng MICE)

A day in your life

The alarm goes off at 05:30, and I start getting ready to leave the house for just before 07:00. I arrive at work for 07:30 at either the HS2 or one of the contractor's offices.

A day usually consists of meetings with HS2 colleagues and the contractor teams to discuss key temporary works matters.

Currently, I’m highly involved in the works needed to facilitate the entry and extraction of four tunnel boring machines (TBMs) at the Green Parkway vent shaft for the Northolt Tunnel drive on HS2.

I’ll review critical temporary works designs and carry out site assurance visits. I build a picture of how the contractors are managing the high-risk temporary works activities that are ongoing across the project to ensure HS2 high standards are being maintained.

Usually I head home just after 17:00.

It’s great to be a part of shaping the future of infrastructure.

Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?

That would have to be my dad, with his love of all things engineering.

When we were younger, we had trips out to places like Heysham power station in Morecambe, the national coal museum, and nuclear bunkers.

He’s also very hands-on and practical, building the extension to our house.

I think all these things preconditioned me to want to become a civil engineer.

We asked Daniel…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

...of the variety and complexity of works you get to experience and the pride that comes with delivering project that improve peoples lives.

Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…

A father and husband. I have two beautiful kids, a boy (9) and girl (5), and an amazing wife who supported me while I was working towards my chartership and still does now that I’m undertaking an MBA.

What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego?

My Lego world map that I got for Christmas in 2023 (11,695 pieces!). It took me a couple of weeks working late into the evening to finish.

What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?

Two things:

The people in the industry. In my role at HS2, I have the privilege of working with some exceptionally talented engineers who are striving to push the boundaries of temporary works design and management. This includes using new software to drive efficiencies in management practises and the use of novel materials to reduce the carbon footprint of temporary works activities.
The scale and complexity of engineering activities on HS2. The variety of engineering on a project and what I’m involved in is staggering: tunnelling, shafts, bridges, embankments, cuttings, demolition, station construction and all the associated temporary works. As a civil engineer, you couldn’t want for more.

What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?

Temporary works. I love the variety, complexity and ingenuity involved in the design and management of temporary works, often creating unique solutions to construction challenges.

Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?

The international Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor in France, aimed at generating nuclear fusion.

I’d love to work on what has been described as the most complicated engineering project in human history aimed at a creating a sustainable energy source.

I know there are plans to build a prototype fusion power plant in the UK so I may still have the opportunity to work on a project of this nature.

Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.

I think people outside the industry don’t realise the complexities and challenges civil engineers face when delivering a project.

It’s not just a case of building. The level of thought and planning that goes into delivering the work safely and minimising the impacts to the public and local environment is immense.

What motivated you to become professionally qualified?

I’d reached a point in my career where I’d realised that if I wished to take the next step up, I needed to demonstrate that I had the qualities of a professionally qualified engineer.

What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?

I think the most important part for me is the professional recognition it brings, demonstrating that I have the attributes and qualities of a Chartered Engineer that employers and clients look for.

What’s the best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE?

The recognition in the industry which it brings and the pride that I can call myself a Chartered Engineer.

How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified? 

HS2 was very supportive in helping me become a Charted Engineer.

They have a very active professional development network run by Jo Chau, whose enthusiasm spurred me on.

She gave me a lot of advice and recommended I undertake the experiential learning route to add to my academic base and enable me to become a Chartered Engineer.

Nareen Bower, the ICE membership development officer that I dealt with was also very helpful.

Always available to offer advice and guide me through the application processes, providing recommendations on the ICE courses I needed to attend to prepare for my review.

What do you value most about being an ICE member?

The support from the organisation and extensive learning resources that are available through the ICE (lectures, training, literature etc).

How has being a member helped your career?

For me, it’s the CPD opportunities (lectures, training, literature, etc) that being a member allows you access to.

These resources have helped me to become a more informed and well-rounded engineer, which in turn has helped me progress in my career.

Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy running when I can find the time, in between work, studying and family.

Daniel's career path

Studied a bachelor's degree in civil engineering at Loughborough University, undertaking a sandwich course with a year in industry, and receiving sponsorship for my final year.
Worked for Black and Veach for five years as a site engineer then section engineer on various Thames Water projects.
Moved to Taylor Woodrow and worked on the construction of Victoria Dock Portal on Crossrail, before having the opportunity to move into their temporary works design department.
In 2016 I moved to Costain working on the ATC rail systems JV on Crossrail as a temporary works coordinator. When I left the project in 2019, I was the temporary works manager.
In 2019, I moved to HS2 as a senior project engineer, helping setup the client and principal designer temporary works management procedures and assessing and monitoring contractor temporary works performance.
In February 2024, I obtained my ICE chartership via the experiential learning and career appraisal route.
In September 2024, I started an MBA at Aston University.