With a reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions across various engineering disciplines, TGA’s team boasts a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Now, our “In the Spotlight” blog series brings their stories to you, shedding light on the people who make TGA Consulting Engineers the industry leader it is today.
In this exclusive series, we dive deep into the lives and experiences of TGA’s talented engineers. We uncover their journeys, passions, and the innovative projects they’re currently working on. With each interview, you’ll gain a unique perspective into the world of engineering and the people driving change within the industry.
Introducing…
David Warwick, TGA’s Technical Director for our Building Performance team.
David’s career has covered a broad base of sustainable design and engineering, working as a contractor, consultant and in a regulatory role on a wide variety of projects from several sectors including commercial, residential, education, industrial, heritage and leisure.
His passion lies in making a positive impact on the energy performance, carbon emissions and health & wellbeing of all projects by integrating passive design principles and appropriate renewable energy technologies.
Let’s find out a bit more about him….
What’s your name/job title/role/office?
David Warwick, I am a Technical Director and lead the Building Performance Team. I am based in Durham.
What current projects are you working on?
Hitachi Rail Newton Aycliffe Net Zero Carbon Strategy
Salford Cathedral – fabric improvements and aquifer heating
KGVI Building – decarbonisation strategy for a listed building
Durham University Low Carbon Skills Funding – Heat Decarbonisation Plans
Retirement Villages – Net Zero Carbon
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Influencing the design and appearance of a building and working as part of a team.
Do you have any people who inspire(d) you/your work?
My first mentor/boss (Sue Preston) – made me understand the importance of thinking long term career wise and not just for short term gains.
Max Fordham – we were both invited speakers at a conference in Florence, so I spent quite a bit of time with him there. His bigger picture and blue-sky thinking were very inspirational. Whilst discussing an engineering concept sat outside a café – he pulled out his pen and started sketching his idea out on the table cloth (to be fair it was a paper table cloth).
What is your number 1 tip/piece of advice for aspiring engineers?
Understand the intent of what you are trying to achieve and why you are performing a task.
What’s been your career path so far?
Trainee Electrical Design Engineer with a Design & Building Contractor (SES) – studying part-time for a HNC
Full time degree in Building Services Engineering
Graduate Electrical Building Services Engineer (Buro Happold)
Engineering Doctorate (EngD) Environmental Technology (phD based in industry – Buro Happold)
Sustainable and Alternative Technologies Engineer (Buro Happold, UK)
Sustainable and Alternative Technologies Senior Engineer (Buro Happold, Dubai)
Senior Associate Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (Urban Planning Council, Abu Dhabi) – policy and energy modelling
Studied part time for MBA
Associate Director Building Performance (WSP, UK)
Technical Director Building Performance (TGA)
How have your engineering skills developed over your career?
I’ve migrated towards more analysis-based roles over time. Having left college after my A-Levels not wanting to continue with education, I have always been drawn back to learn more in what I think is useful/relevant to me at the time.
Why did you pursue a career in engineering/anything specific that solidified you wanting to go for it?
My interest in maths, physics and design technology led me to a career in Building Services. When I first started I didn’t really understand what Building Services was, but over time I have migrated more towards the building performance aspects of building services.
Where do you see things going in the future/future aspirations?
The role and scope of a Building Performance Engineer is constantly growing. TGA’s Building Performance Team work as part of an integrated team with the mechanical and electrical teams. Through the implementation of TGA’s Net Zero Carbon 10 Point Plan.
Why did you join this company?
The scale of the company having a family feel, while having the technical capabilities to challenge the larger consultancies.
What area of engineering/Building Performance are you most interested in, and why?
Being part of an integrated design team and working closely as part of a team with the Mechanical Engineers to deliver solutions that work.
Net Zero Carbon is about much more than energy consumption and carbon emissions, and ensuring projects are useable and comfortable is equally important.
How do you keep up with the latest changes to engineering codes and regulations?
CIBSE Accreditation is a good source for understanding the consultations on policy and regulation.
CPDs and engagement with manufacturers/suppliers.
Reading journals and research papers.
How often do you update training/how do you to ensure you are informed on the latest engineering developments/latest software programs?
Reading journals and research papers.
LinkedIn is a huge help of seeing what my peers are working on/developing.
How do you handle a last-minute shift in goals when much of the work is already completed?
Making last minute changes to Building Performance analysis is very frustrating – early stage engagement and ensuring the required principles are embedded within the design helps to minimise last-minute changes. Ensuring the level of detail in the analysis is matched to the stage of design allows for multiple options/changes to be quickly assessed at the earlier stages of design.
