TalkCivils
TalkCivils is a primarily interview based podcast that explores all aspects of the hugely varied and exciting world of Civil Engineering. There is something for everyone from conversations about career paths to advice on professional development, project spotlights to discussions on national strategy, deep dives on technical topics to reviews of industry trends and emerging technology, and anything else that catches our interest along the way. Join me as I talk to some of the remarkable people that enable this industry to provide and maintain the infrastructure that brings individuals and communities together into thriving civilisations.
Malcolm Peake - Apprentices and technicians career paths and professional recognition
https://www.talkcivils.com/engage
If you haven't already, I highly recommend you listen to the first of these two episodes with Malcolm before this one.
In this second of two episodes with Malcolm Peake we talk about a particular aspect of his work supporting career paths and professional recognition for apprentices and technicians. Malcolm explains his thoughts on the history of engineering, how the idea of a Mater and their trainee has been around for thousands of years. He sees apprenticeships and technician career paths as a modern version of that tradition, as well...
Malcolm Peake - Career path from general engineering student to the ICE and more
https://www.talkcivils.com/engage
In this first of two episodes with Malcolm Peake we talk about his decision to become a Civil Engineer, the time he spent on site and how that transitioned to the design office. His time overseas, and more recently as Membership Development Officer at the ICE and now back at Tony Gee and Partners as Professional Development Manager.
Malcolm exudes enthusiasm for Civil Engineering and the career opportunities it provides with every story and anecdote he recounts. His hugely varied career has put him in an excellent position to assist...
Warren Rigby - M6 Clifton Rail Bridge replacement; the role of an award winning apprentice
https://www.talkcivils.com/engage
In this episode I talk to Warren Rigby about his apprenticeship route in to the contracting side of Civil Engineering and the role that he had on the challenging M6 Clifton Rail Bridge replacement scheme. Warren is a talented engineer with a passion for the industry and helping others follow in his footsteps. He was awarded the Tony Chapman medal in 2026 for the exceptional standard of his application for Incorporated Professional Review and his enthusiasm for Civil Engineering and ongoing engagement with the ICE.
This episode might be of particular...
Bill Guo - AI for the Rail industry and how Civil Engineers should think about and use AI
https://www.talkcivils.com/engage
In this episode I talk to Bill Guo about is work on the use of AI to support the rail sector, and his work supporting the regulation of the use of AI in Civil Engineering more generally. We start by talking about where Bill's experience comes from, and I try to build a picture of his motivations and thought process. We then dig into his thoughts on how AI can, and should, be used, what its limitations are, and touch on some of the wider issues around its miss-use. He has some...
Steve Richardson - Delivering the Barmouth Viaduct Replacement Scheme
https://www.talkcivils.com | https://www.talkcivils.com/listen
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Steve Richardson not only led the on site engineering delivery of the two parts of the Barmouth Viaduct replacement scheme, but also played a key role in the development and planning of the scheme, selling that to the project teams, local stake holders, and crucially the ultimate client (Network Rail). With 30 years of experience in the rail industry Steve has clearly developed an invaluable understanding of construction techniques, and the delivery of complex projects. His enthusiasm for his craft shines through, as well as his...
Liam Kimberley - Championing professional recognition for technicians
https://www.talkcivils.com | https://www.talkcivils.com/listen
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Liam Kimberley is the CAD and BIM Delivery Director at Tony Gee and Partners LLP and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. In this second episode of the two part series we discuss Liam's thoughts on the importance of the technician role within the industry and how these skills are rapidly being lost. He describes how changes in the way companies typically operate, misalignment of formal teaching with work experience, and other factors, have led to this situation. He goes on to make the...
Liam Kimberley - An alternative path; Apprentice to CAD and BIM Delivery Director
https://www.talkcivils.com | https://www.talkcivils.com/listen
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Liam Kimberley is the CAD and BIM Delivery Director at Tony Gee and Partners LLP and Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers. In this first episode of the two part series we talk about his journey from fresh apprentice straight out of school through to his current role. Liam explains his thought process and advice he was given along the way. We learn how some of the decisions he made were unexpected, but his confidence in his own curiosity and diligence paid dividends. My...
Chris Ball, Sam Hobbs - IStructE Chartership; how to achieve MIStructE
https://www.talkcivils.com | https://www.talkcivils.com/listen
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This episode is all about Chartership with the IStructE, and in particular the process of gaining full membership (MIStructE). The application and in particular the exam is infamously challenging but equally hugely beneficial to your professional development and directly applicable to your every day if you are involved in technical design work. We hope to encourage potential candidates by sharing the details of the tried and tested approach to preparation that greatly improves your chances of success.
My guests on this episode are...
Riccardo Stroscio - How Hybrid Steel Girders can reduce material use
https://www.talkcivils.com | https://www.talkcivils.com/listen
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Riccardo is a Director in the Structures department at Tony Gee and Partners LLP, Chartered Structural Engineer, and Fellow of the IStructE. He has a wealth of experience in the design, check, and assessment of bridges from feasibility, through detailed design, to construction support, temporary works design, and project coordination. His input to numerous high profile schemes has been invaluable. Riccardo is a fountain of knowledge on all things structural engineering, and has generously and expertly supported the development of several generations of structural engineers...
Tara Sandiford - Bridges to Prosperity (now called Fika)
https://www.talkcivils.com | https://www.talkcivils.com/listen
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Tara graduated from the University of Southampton with a Masters Degree in Civil Engineering. During her time as an undergraduate Tara was sponsored by Tony Gee and Partners where she also completed summer placement work experience and a year in industry. Tara now works full time as a consulting civil engineer in the Structures department at Tony Gee.
Bridges to Prosperity are now called Fika (as of January 2026) and you can find more information here:
https://fika.org/
There...
TalkCivils - Trailer
An introduction to TalkCivils, the podcast where I talk to the remarkable people that do Civil Engineering. If you're a Civil Engineer, or thinking of joining the industry, then this podcast is for you. I'll try to release new episodes every month but with a focus on quality rather than quantity.
My Website:
www.talkcivils.com | www.talkcivils.com/listen
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