People Behind the Practice: Leo Girling, Design Director in Bristol
Continuing our ‘People Behind the Practice’ series, this week we meet Leo Gilrling, Design Director in our Bristol office.
As a recent new starter at OFR, here we find out a bit more about Leo – how he got into engineering, the type of projects he enjoys working on, what he enjoys to do in his free time and what he hopes to achieve in his first year at OFR.
Continue reading to find out more:
Q: Can you tell us a little about your career journey so far and what first drew you into fire engineering?
My career in fire engineering started back in 2008. I had always had a keen interest in the built environment, but unfortunately lacked the knack for drawing to become an architect – hence ended up as an Engineer!
Q: What types of projects have you enjoyed working on the most, and why?
The projects I enjoy the most is probably more dictated by the team involved, rather than the actual building type. When a design team is working cohesively and all getting along, both the smallest and the largest projects can be enjoyable. Projects where I feel i have had a real impact on helping to achieve the client’s vision are particularly rewarding.
Q: Is there a standout project or moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
It was probably a few years into my career, when those projects I’d worked on earlier started to be built and then completed. It was quite a proud moment to walk past a newly built central London residential building and seeing residents living inside the building which I’d written the fire strategy for!
Q: What attracted you to OFR, and what made you feel it was the right next step?
Having seen OFR’s work from afar, I was always impressed by the quality, brand values, and contributions to the Fire Engineering discipline through their research.
Mostly however, it was the people I met during the recruitment process – Universally everyone was so friendly, welcoming and engaged in the their various roles within the business – I had a real sense that I would get along well here.
Q: What aspects of OFR’s approach, culture or project work appeal to you most?
My perception is that OFR really understand and listen to clients, and are flexible and agile in providing new and innovative services.
Q: How do you see your experience adding value to the team here?
I have coming up to 18 years experience as a fire engineer, and hope I can use the knowledge and perspectives I have gained during that time to assist with many of the great projects happening across the business. I really enjoy assisting and mentoring colleagues who are newer to the industry and seeing their careers develop.
Q: What are you most excited to get involved with in your new role?
I am excited to work with colleagues who have different specialities and backgrounds in the industry.
Q: Are there any particular sectors, project types or areas of innovation you’re keen to explore further at OFR?
I’m keen to understand how OFR use their research work to shape the advice they give to clients, and how the various systems in place around the business help support colleagues perform their best.
Q: What do you hope to achieve in your first year with us?
I would like to meet many people across the business, speak to them and learn from them to try to understand people’s areas of expertise and interest. As the Bristol office is quite new, I am really looking forward to being part of the journey in growing OFR’s presence in the South-West region too.
Q: What’s something your new colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?
Up until my mid-20’s, I spent nearly all of my spare time riding a BMX bike, and can still pull a couple of good tricks at the local skate park!
Q: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing to unwind?
Having two young boys (1 & 3), there isn’t a lot of time to unwind… however when the opportunity arises I love trail running and have ran several trail marathons across the country.
Q: If you weren’t in fire engineering, what would you like to do and why?
The thought of working outdoors is appealing… however I am not particularly hardy and I think one cold winter would probably make me regret my choice!
Q: What’s your favourite building, structure or piece of design – and why?
In my eyes, it’s hard to beat the charm of a traditional Georgian Square in London – where you can really sense the history of the place and all the people who have lived and passed through it over centuries.
I love buildings which intertwine historical elements with modern efficiency and functionality.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope to make here, both within the team and across projects?
I am really looking forward to using my knowledge and experience to assist with as many projects as I can across the business.
Q: Are there any colleagues, teams or disciplines you’re especially looking forward to collaborating with?
Not one team in particular, but based on the people I’ve met so far – I am really looking forward to collaborating with lots of different people in the business.