Today we’re proud to recognise International Women in Engineering Day as a chance to celebrate the women who are helping to shape the future of engineering. At QED Structures, we’re fortunate to work alongside talented women whose skills, insight and dedication play a key role in the work we do across civil and structural engineering. It’s also a moment to reflect on the importance of diversity in our industry and the value it brings to the projects and communities we serve.
We wanted to share some stories from some of our female engineers across our offices:
Story 1: Isabelle Robinson – Senior Engineer Manchester
Isabelle is an engineer with 10 years of experience.
“I was inspired to get into engineering in college where I won a scholarship with the Arkwright Scholars. As part of this I attended a 2-week placement at a steel design and fabricators, where they were designing The Orbit for the London Olympics. This showed me how something that looked complex could be broken down into smaller pieces.
My journey to become an engineer started in college, which was awarded specialist status as an engineering college, where I gained experience working with local civil engineers. After that I attended Heriot-Watt University, graduating in 2015 with BEng in Civil Engineering. Then after working for a bit, I made the decision in 2017 to go back to university to complete a MSc in Structural Engineering. I graduated from Salford University in 2018. Then after working and moving up to design, I joined QED Structures in 2023.”
Some advice Isabelle would give to women looking to get into engineering:
“Engineering has a reputation of being all about number crunching, but it’s actually a very creative sector. My day to day involves problem solving, strong communication and imagination.
If you are looking to get into the industry, reach out to your local firms. Lots of companies are open to taking on summer placements or work experience. “Engineering” covers a range of career options, including structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, marine etc. Find what your passionate about and follow that path!”
Story 2: Maralba Sanoja – Senior Engineer Barcelona
Maralba is an engineer with 15 years of experience:
“I wanted to be an engineer at the thought of being involved in the process of optimising solutions and to provide a better life for people.
I’m a civil engineer graduated from Universidad Central de Venezuela. I spent an amazing five years on that tropical campus. At the beginning, I had to completely switch up how I thought to tackle problems step by step and think more logically. Everything was about math, drawings and physics, but eventually the classes felt more connected to the actual world.
After years working as a structural engineer, what I enjoy most about this job is being able to create safe and solid structures that also support inspiring architectural designs. Blending safety with aesthetics is what keeps the work meaningful and exciting for me.”
Some advice Maralba would give to women looking to get into engineering:
“Gender is not a barrier. We are naturally leaders and problem solvers. More women are stepping into leadership and management roles in the fields. We bring technical skills and also a strong drive to build a better, more sustainable world. We’re here proving that every day.”
Story 3: Maria Ammendola – Associate Barcelona
Maria is an engineer with 7 years of experience:
“When I was a child, I loved to build houses using anything I could find in the street and then I became obsessed with understanding the why of everything.
I graduated in Federico II of Naples University and got the master’s degree there as well. I graduated in May 2016, and then joined QED in 2018.”
Some advice Maria would give to women looking to get into engineering:
“To be determined, aim for the goal, and work hard to achieve it. It doesn’t matter how many will say that you can’t do it, that a woman’s job would be better, or that there are too many men in the industry. If you have a passion, pursue it, always!”
Story 4: Carolina Lameiras – Associate Director London
Carolina is an engineer with 21 years of experience:
“I was inspired to become an engineer through my love of architecture.
My journey started when I was doing A-Level Physics when my teacher encouraged me to attend a week of taster course in ‘Women in engineering’. It was held in Sheffield University grounds. We got to meet all sort of engineering professions and got to see a little bit of what they did. That’s when I decided to study Civil Engineering in university.
I attended Kingston University and studied abroad in San Francisco for a year where I got to learn more about engineering in earthquake zones.
I was very lucky to have completed part of my work experience year working for a demolition company based on St Pancras site during the major regeneration of the King Cross area and that started my love affairs with historical buildings.”
Some advice Carolina would give to women looking to get into engineering:
“Do your research in terms of what internships and courses that are offered out there! You will be amazed at all the different paths you can take for training and gaining work experiences. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you will not succeed in a male dominated environment.”
