Richard Miall
Chief executive, Richard Jackson Limited
Expertise
Design, Structural, GeotechnicalLocation
United KingdomMy highlights
Completing my first bridge design and then working as the resident engineer onsite as it was being built
Working on complex schemes where you need to be innovative to solve a problem
Providing a safe engineering solution to protect properties next to an active landslip
A day in my life
On a typical day, I might:
- Meet with the management team and discuss the day's events.
- Discuss progress on schemes with the various project managers and catch up with the trainees to make sure they’re involved and engaged.
- Complete technical reviews and work (I still do some), and do various management tasks, like reviewing accounts and marketing progress, for example.
- Meet with clients (existing and prospective) and visit sites to check on progress.
- Complete in-house training sessions on technical and safety-related matters and prepare reports for our board, shareholders, banks and others, as needed.
I still get a buzz from any scheme I'm involved in – the greatest sense of achievement is often on the smaller schemes which are more complex.
Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?
Isambard Kingdom Brunel and John Roebling.
We asked Richard…
I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…
Every scheme is different and every day has different challenges.
The common thread is that what we do makes a real difference to the lives of others and helps improve our future.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…
...a problem solver.
What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?
The knowledge that I'm making a positive difference to people's lives and their future.
What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?
The variety of work that you can be involved in.
Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
Brooklyn Bridge.
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
That engineers are boring. They aren't, they're generally too shy about their achievements .
What motivated you to become professionally qualified?
Personal development and peer recognition.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
It helped to demonstrate my commitment and dedication to my career.
What’s the best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE?
Access to knowledge and networks.
How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified?
I took part in an ICE training scheme to become chartered (CEng MICE), which was fully supported by the ICE and my employer at the time (Suffolk County Council). They both gave me time, encouragement and support.
Upon leaving and joining Richard Jackson Limited, my development was similarly supported and the ICE assistance to achieving Fellowship (FICE) was second to none.
What do you value most about being an ICE member?
Peer recognition and access to knowledge.
How has being a member helped your career?
I'm now in charge of a team of over 70 people delivering solutions to many.
Do you have any personal causes?
I'm worried that in the 21st century in the UK, we've accepted that food banks are part of life and we're apparently doing little to deal with this.
Richard's career path
I studied O- and A-levels and then completed a civil engineering bachelor's degree.
I started work and took part in an ICE training scheme to become a Chartered Engineer.
I then went from company director to chief executive director and Fellow of the ICE.
Major projects
- Neptune Marina
- Port One Industrial Park
