As part of our celebration of National Engineering Day, we’re spotlighting Lucy Keegans-Wood, Associate Director and Geotechnical Engineer based in our Birmingham office, to explore her journey into geotechnical engineering and her thoughts on how we can encourage more young people into engineering.
What first drew you to engineering?
Engineering was introduced to me at a young age by my dad, who worked in building services and was a true jack-of-all-trades. I spent countless hours in the garage with him, building cars, machining clock parts, and learning how things worked. I even had my own set of overalls! I became fascinated by the soil he dug out while building an extension on our house — that curiosity led me to study GCSE and A Level Geology at school and later at university. After completing my BSc in Resource and Applied Geology, I discovered the MSc in Foundation Engineering — the perfect blend of geology and engineering. That was the turning point, and I’ve never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about working at PJA?
I really value the close-knit, collaborative environment at PJA. As a parent working part-time, the flexibility here has been invaluable. PJA understands the challenges of balancing professional and personal responsibilities, and that support makes a real difference.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects over the years, and alongside some truly brilliant colleagues and clients. What I’m most proud of now is stepping into a leadership role. It’s incredibly rewarding to support and train colleagues, helping them grow in confidence and develop the same enthusiasm and pride in their work that I’ve always felt.
I also really value the opportunity to collaborate across the wider business, and to play a part in making sure we consistently deliver high-quality work for our clients. That sense of shared purpose and commitment means a lot to me.
But more than anything, it’s the moments when I see our designs come to life that stay with me. Driving past a site and being able to say to my children, “Mummy worked on that,” is something really special. It’s those moments that remind me why I love what I do.
How can we encourage more young people into engineering and tackle the skills shortage?
Awareness is key. More hands-on experiences, like having the opportunity to attend careers fairs, undertake work placements or participate in open days can help bridge that gap. I was lucky to attend a “Take Your Daughter to Work Day” with my dad, which opened my eyes to the possibilities. It’s also important to highlight the variety within engineering — from mechanical and electrical to geotechnical and environmental. There’s something for every interest.
About Lucy
Lucy is a Chartered Geologist and Registered Ground Engineering Professional with over 20 years’ experience in geotechnical and geo-environmental engineering. Her expertise spans earthworks, foundations, retaining structures and infrastructure design, with a portfolio that includes commercial, residential and major highway schemes across the UK.
