Industry background
Construction and building services engineers work closely with architects and civil engineers to ensure structures and projects are completed on-time and to specification, and that they function accordingly. A building services engineer might be responsible for planning the air conditioning systems in a hospital, the lifts in a towering skyscraper, or the plumbing in a water treatment plant, and the subsequent maintenance and renewal of such utilities.
What’s involved?
Construction and building services engineers must consider the longevity of a building when planning its systems and services.
They work from the earliest planning stages of a construction project; assessing the quality of the ground, the availability of utility connections and the space for the necessary equipment, pipes and wiring before a plot is even purchased.
They then collaborate with architects and structural engineers to produce a design brief for the project, and supervise the correct installation of services and utilities according to this brief. Mechanical engineers are also employed to maintain these systems and ensure that they are regularly inspected and serviced.
Challenges of the future
Responding to global trends and advances in our understanding of resources, engineers will increasingly be called upon to design buildings in an environmentally responsible way.
This will mean ensuring briefs include adequate allowance for natural lighting and heating, and developing more efficient ventilation systems. It is also becoming more important to design buildings that will last a long time and accommodate multiple tenants and usages.
As new technologies continue to emerge that will change the way constructions are planned and designed, engineers will need to be aware of the new opportunities these will offer in their work.
Career opportunities
Professional qualifications are strongly encouraged in this particular industry, and some employers will expect to see evidence of a commitment to your chosen career in the affiliations and certificates you hold.
Construction and building services companies will generally provide support and training to help you progress within their organisation, and will often send their employees to external institutions for further accreditation.
As this is a field currently with a skills shortage, career progression can be swift for candidates who show enthusiasm, dedication and ability.
The big players
Skanska, Arup, Knight Frank, Robertson, Balfour Beatty
Industry specific events
Click here to find out about IMechE events relating to Construction and Building services.