Celebrating 45 Years with Arcadis: From Drawing Boards to Digital Domination
The Beginning of a Long Journey
It was a crisp September morning in 1979 when a wide-eyed 16-year-old, fresh from school, walked into the offices of Povall Worthington in Sale, Manchester. That young lad was me, eager to embark on a journey as an Architectural Technician. Little did I know, this would be the start of a 45-year adventure with the same company—a rare feat these days, considering all the mergers and name changes we’ve been through.
Back then, it was all about the drawing board. I spent hours hunched over blueprints, meticulously crafting designs by hand. No computers, no digital shortcuts—just a steady hand, a keen eye, and a passion for architecture. The smell of paper and ink, the clatter of pencils and rulers—it was a tactile, almost romantic, way of bringing buildings to life.
The Winds of Change: Enter the CAD Era
Fast forward to 1996, and the industry was starting to change. Povall Worthington merged with Flood & Wilson, and we became Povall Flood & Wilson in Salford. By this time, I had swapped my drawing board for a CAD station. It was like moving from a bicycle to a car—suddenly, everything was faster, more efficient, and the possibilities seemed endless. The transition was a big one, but I embraced it, knowing that this was the future of architectural design.
Then came the year 2000, and with it, another merger—this time with EC Harris. We relocated back to Manchester, and by now, CAD had become the bread and butter of our work. My role evolved as well; I took on the mantle of CAD Manager for the UK & Ireland. This wasn’t just about managing software—it was about leading the charge in a digital revolution, ensuring our teams were equipped with the best tools and knowledge to create cutting-edge designs.
The Global Stage: From Manchester to the Middle East
In 2011, EC Harris joined forces with Arcadis, and we found ourselves moving to Piccadilly in Manchester city centre. My responsibilities expanded once again—this time on a global scale. As CAD Manager for the UK, Middle East & Asia, I was suddenly part of a diverse team spread across continents. It was challenging, no doubt, but immensely rewarding. The thrill of working on international projects, overcoming time zones, cultural differences, and technical challenges, kept me on my toes.
A New Chapter: Embracing Engineering Applications
By 2017, I had spent decades immersed in CAD, so it was time for a change. I joined Arcadis’s Engineering Applications Team, stepping away from the day-to-day management of CAD and project-related duties. My new role was more strategic, focusing on managing our Autodesk contract and the applications that our Project Design Teams relied on. It was a different pace, but one that allowed me to use my experience in new and exciting ways.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
As I reflect on the past 45 years, I’m filled with gratitude. The memories I’ve made, the challenges I’ve overcome, and the people I’ve met along the way have all shaped my career and my life. Many of my colleagues have become lifelong friends, and the work we’ve done together has left a lasting impact on the industry.
Now, as I look ahead to the final five years of my career before retirement, I’m filled with a sense of anticipation. The world of architecture and engineering is ever-evolving, and I’m excited to see what new developments and challenges lie ahead. Here’s to the journey so far, and to the road that still awaits!
Take a read of the post I created 5 years ago at my fortieth anniversary – Four Decades and Counting: A Love Story with My Job
