Peter Simmons
civil engineer, Balfour Beatty
Expertise
Design, ConstructionLocation
United KingdomMy highlights
ICE QUEST scholar
Received Engineering Leaders scholarship from the Royal Academy of Engineering
ICE President’s Future Leader 2021/22
A day in my life
I'm based onsite, but as I’m spread across numerous projects on a framework contract, every day varies.
On any day, I could be out onsite checking temporary works, taking part in stakeholders meetings, or I could be back in the office working on design briefs, meeting with designers, or coming up with solutions to construction issues.
Every day is different, but they are all filled with communicating, problem solving and teamwork.
The diversity of civil engineering roles is incredible. There are projects to work on across so many different industry sectors.
Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?
My career has been inspired by those around me throughout my life. From my teachers at school (Simon Charters), the lecturers at university (Paul Harper) and my colleagues at work (Andy Machon).
It’s their passion that continued to drive me towards civil engineering.
We asked Peter...
What is the most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego
I’m not sure about Lego, but I was known to construct Tower Bridge out of K’nex, over and over…
What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?
The diversity of civil engineering roles is incredible. There are projects to work on across so many different industry sectors.
What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?
I love seeing the projects I’ve designed and worked on being built. It’s an amazing feeling to see the impact you have on the world.
Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
I would not be a true Bristol student without saying the Clifton Suspension Bridge. It’s an iconic part of Bristol life and a beautiful structure.
I’d recommend a career in civil engineering because...
It allows you to solve some of the planet’s greatest design challenges and improve the world we live in for future generations.
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
Engineers have poor communication skills. Our infrastructure wouldn’t exist if civil engineers couldn’t talk, draw, and listen to one another.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…
A musician. I’m an avid trombone and euphonium player, spending my evenings and weekend racing around the country playing in numerous bands. I was even often mistaken for a music student at university.
Any hobbies?
I love civil engineering and structures, but I also love natural landscapes. I’m always out in the fells walking or flying.
Peter's career path
- A-levels – Maths, Further Maths, Physics, Design Technology
- Degree – Engineering Design with study in industry – University of Bristol
- Job – Morgan Sindall Engineering Solutions
- Incorporated Engineer – Nuclear Institute
- Engineering Technician – ICE