At Black & White Engineering, we are proud to celebrate the people who have shaped our success. With over 50 team members reaching their 10-year anniversaries and above this year, their stories offer a unique insight into what makes an engineering career at Black & White so rewarding.

In this article, we hear from our Newcastle office, where Barry Allan and Tony Hutchinson reflect on their decade of growth, global projects and the importance of a strong team culture.

Tony Hutchinson, Principal Mechanical Engineer – Newcastle

“The ‘One Team’ ethos is real here. Everyone wants to do a good job. You can feel the drive to deliver the best possible outcome. After a while, colleagues become friends, even family.”

 

“One of my lecturers told me Black & White had just opened in Newcastle and were looking for graduates. I reached out for a summer placement and ended up with a full-time offer. I spoke with Steve Horn in that first meeting and I just knew this was something I wanted to be part of. The scale of the projects, the ambition, the people. It all felt right.

“I’ve grown a lot in ten years. Learning how to manage people effectively has probably been the biggest shift for me. The last year, especially, has been the most important of my career, thanks to the support from our Learning & Development team.

“And the future? I want to see how far we can take this. I’ve seen what we’ve built in a decade. I truly believe we’re on track to be one of the best engineering consultancies in the world, if we’re not already.”

Barry Allan, Project BIM Lead – Newcastle

“It’s the people who’ve kept me here. They’re genuinely the best colleagues I’ve ever worked with.”

 

“I joined Black & White because a friend recommended I come in for an interview. I’m so glad I did. Back then, we were just 12 people working on the first floor of Generator Studios. I’ve seen the Newcastle office move twice to make room for our growing team. The projects have got bigger and more technically challenging. When I started, there were two of us in BIM, now there are seven, and that’s just in Newcastle. We’re working closely with our India team to deliver high-profile projects.

“Personally, Black & White has been a constant through a lot of big milestones. I got married and have also became a dad during my time here. I’ve seen us grow not just in size but in ambition. We’ve built a strong brand, a global presence and a culture that feels like one team. That’s what makes this place so special.”

Inspired by Barry and Tony’s stories?

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Sarah Ingram has just celebrated her four-year anniversary at Black & White, where she leads design consulting across Europe. With a background in architectural, civil and structural engineering, her career journey spans from bridge design to data centre leadership.

Building a Cross-Disciplinary Career in Engineering

“My route into engineering started with an undergraduate degree in architectural and civil engineering, followed by an MSc in structural engineering, both at Cardiff,” says Sarah. “I began my career in bridge design and achieved chartership with the Institution of Civil Engineers before transitioning to a structural lead role. Eventually, I moved into design management for data centres and joined Black & White to build and grow the design management offering.”

Sarah has since carved out a leadership role focused on building strong client relationships and integrated design teams.

“The theme for International Women in Engineering Day, ‘Together We Engineer’ encompasses both collaboration and supporting each other,” she explains. “It’s about inclusion and equal opportunities valuing diversity in everything we do. It’s bigger than women in engineering. It’s about being one global team.”

Sarah credits strong mentorship and support networks with helping her thrive in her career. “Mentorship has really helped me build my confidence, which is vital to how I’ve grown in my role. Having a supportive leader I can be open with and bounce ideas off has made a huge difference.”

As a mother of two young children, flexibility has also been key. “I couldn’t do what I do without the support of my director and the flexibility at Black & White,” she says. “That trust allows me to balance work and family and continue leading at a high level.”

Her advice to young women entering engineering is an important reminder: “What makes people different their approaches, perspectives and leadership styles is where success and growth lies.”

Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

After earning her degree in mechanical engineering, Marxileni Macasaet Lapuz, also known to her colleagues as Xye, spent several years exploring different paths before discovering her passion for sustainability in the construction industry.

“I looked for roles that would challenge me,” she says. “Three years after university, I found my niche in the construction industry.” She went on to work on over 20 projects as a LEED Accredited Professional in Manila, including hospitals, residential developments and pharmaceuticals.

A Workplace That Invests in Development

Today, as Principal Sustainability Engineer at Black & White Engineering, Xye is applying her expertise to one of the most complex sectors data centres. “Improving energy performance for such energy-intensive buildings is no small task,” she explains. “But it’s also what makes the work so rewarding.”

Xye joined Black & White just over two years ago and cites the company’s commitment to professional development as a major reason she enjoys her role.

“Black & White dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth is one of the things I appreciate most about my current role. This investment creates a culture that inspires everyone to achieve success and be creative,” she says.

Earning Respect Through Persistence and Technical Skill

In the early stages of her career, Xye encountered real challenges. “When I worked with teams in the Middle East, I was excluded from meetings simply because I was a woman. My opinions were dismissed,” she recalls. Instead of being discouraged, she stayed focused. “I worked hard until my senior engineers recognised my abilities and included me as a valuable member of the team.”

Xye is quick to credit the mentors who supported her development. “My former managers saw my potential and provided the environment in which I was able to develop my skills further and gain more confidence in carrying out my work.”

As an active member of the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), supported by Black & White. Last year, Xye was named one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering in the UK. “That recognition really encouraged me to engage more deeply with the WES community and continue advocating for women in engineering,” she says.

Bringing Sustainability to Life for the Next Generation

Xye is currently authoring a children’s book on green buildings for the Lottie Tour, a WES initiative designed to introduce engineering careers to girls. “It’s about sparking curiosity early. I want young minds to understand how engineering can help develop greener buildings and a more sustainable future.”

Her message is clear: “Read, write, stay informed. The glass ceiling is a myth if you’re prepared to keep going. Your success depends on your effort and determination.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

With 18 years of experience in the construction industry, Valentina De Angelis brings technical expertise and site-based knowledge to her role as Senior Design Manager at Black & White Engineering in Milan.

“I’m a Building Engineer and started my career in the pharmaceutical sector, working in internal technical offices for manufacturing companies,” she explains. “Ten years ago, I moved to a general contractor company, managing EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) contracts for pharma and semiconductor clients.”

Her career has included five years on construction sites, experience that shaped her practical understanding of engineering and gave her a unique edge in a male-dominated industry. A recent project in the data centre sector brought her back to Milan, before joining Black & White earlier this year.

Building Credibility Through Technical Excellence

Valentina’s time working in construction environments offered important lessons. She reflects, “Being the only woman in the room was challenging, but technical knowledge and critical thinking helped me earn trust. Once that happened, we truly started collaborating.”

Her ability to lead and influence came from a foundation of knowledge, not just in technical detail, but through a critical, interdisciplinary approach. “That consciousness of technical knowledge, built through education and experience was essential. It allowed me to handle situations with confidence, and my audience always responded positively.”

Why Inclusion and Flexibility Matter in Engineering Workplaces

Mentorship has been a vital part of Valentina’s development. “I met people with big experience who recognised competence and helped guide me to take the right steps at the right time.”

Although new to Black & White Engineering, Valentina already appreciates the culture. “There’s a clear commitment to diversity and dignity at work is a priority. The flexibility in organising work is a real support for women who want to pursue an engineering career and family life together, without stress.”

Inspiring Future Engineers

Valentina is passionate about driving future change. She recently joined the Data Center Nation panel in Milan to discuss talent pipelines and women in the sector. Her advice to the next generation?

“Don’t stop when you feel the shadow of diversity. Change it in a positive way. Show the strength and innovation you bring to engineering.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

With over a decade of global experience, Associate Director Aurore Knight is one of many women engineers leading the way at Black & White Engineering. Like many engineers, her path has been shaped by curiosity, practical thinking and the support of a strong professional network.

Finding the Right Fit in Engineering

“I’ve always been curious about how things work. At first, I thought I’d study Applied Physics, but I quickly realised engineering was where my real interest lay.”

Aurore began with a broad engineering syllabus, covering civil, structural, computer, electronic, electrical and mechanical disciplines before specialising in mechanical engineering. That foundation led her to building services, a field she says offers variety and the potential to work globally without retraining.

Aurore made it a priority to work internationally, securing a graduate role with a company that had offices around the world. After gaining experience in the UK, she moved to Dubai and joined Black & White Engineering in the Middle East. There, she worked on complex retail, mixed-use and super high-rise developments before returning to the UK in 2020.

Making Flexibility Work

Returning home, starting a family and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic meant Aurore took a short career break. When she was ready to return, Black & White welcomed her back with flexibility and support.

“I’ve been very fortunate,” she says. “I was given the time I needed and the flexibility to work reduced hours while my children were babies. That allowed me to keep moving forward. My career went into a holding pattern for a while, but it hasn’t held me back long term.”

Today, Aurore is based in Birmingham, following recent roles in Black & White’s Edinburgh and Newcastle offices. She continues to contribute to high-profile projects while balancing work and family life.

Mentors and Meaningful Support

Aurore credits much of her growth to supportive mentors. “I’ve had incredible mentors, both men and women, who showed me how things could and should be,” she says. “Women don’t necessarily need female mentors, but we do need mentors who understand that our work-life challenges can be different.”

She also highlights Black & White’s approach to working arrangements as a key strength. “It’s not one-size-fits-all. The company takes the time to understand what setup works best for each individual.”

Advice for Future Women Engineers

Her advice to women considering the field is simple and encouraging: “If you’re curious about how the world works and like solving practical problems, engineering is a great fit. Even if you don’t stay in a traditional role, the skills you gain are useful in so many industries.”

Looking ahead, Aurore hopes flexible working will become the norm. “That shift would benefit everyone, not just women.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

With five years of experience in building services and mechanical engineering, Emma Hinch brings a versatile skill set to Black & White’s new Dublin office following the recent acquisition of Homan O’Brien. Her background spans mechanical system design and on-site project management across healthcare, data centres, industrial and commercial sectors. With a strong focus on sustainability and performance, Emma is passionate about creating high-impact engineering solutions.

Finding a Place in Engineering

Engineering runs in Emma’s family. “The pride I take in the projects I put my name to comes from a deep personal connection. I grew up watching my Dad manage large-scale projects and with my brother in the industry too, I was always drawn to building services.”

After earning a mechanical engineering degree at TU Dublin, she joined a mechanical contractor where she quickly found herself managing and coordinating work on site.

“I was thrown straight into the deep end, gaining hands-on experience across pharmaceutical plants, hospitals, offices and labs,” she recalls. “Seeing how systems were installed and how they really worked gave me a deeper understanding I wouldn’t have got from design alone.”

While working full-time, she completed a part-time master’s degree in project management at UCD, balancing daytime site work with night classes. That combination helped lay the foundation for her shift into project leadership and later into design-focused roles.

Overcoming Challenges in Engineering

“Growing up in a very supportive family, I was encouraged to pursue any path I wanted, but stepping into a male dominated field brought realities I hadn’t fully anticipated.”

From the outset of her engineering studies, Emma was one of just two women in a class of 120. “It felt isolating at times,” she admits. “There’s this extra pressure to prove yourself. Thankfully, once we got into the final years and the classes were smaller, things improved, and the lads in my class became some of my strongest supporters.”

That sense of needing to constantly prove herself followed her into the workplace, especially early on. Working in a company where only two or three women were among nearly 90 men, Emma often found herself the only woman in meetings or on-site.

“On some projects, I was one of the first women these teams had ever worked with,” she says. “That can make gaining respect an uphill battle. Even now, I sometimes sense hesitation at the beginning of a project until people get to know me and see what I bring.”

Breaking Barriers and Building Futures.

Despite these challenges, Emma has seen progress. Mentorship and peer support have been instrumental in Emma’s career journey. “I’ve had incredible mentors, men and women, who’ve helped me grow, pushed me to keep going and reminded me that I belong in this field.”

Her involvement in professional organisations like Engineers Ireland, CIBSE, and WIBSE has reinforced the value of community. “WIBSE in particular has shown me how powerful it is to be part of a network where women support each other and share contacts. That support matters.”

Emma is now committed to giving back. “I try to give back wherever I can, whether it’s speaking to upcoming engineers in schools and colleges or simply being someone to text or grab a coffee with.”

Though new to Black & White, Emma already sees signs of a strong and supportive culture. “So far, they have been so active in talking to all the women in the company, hearing our story. The volume of females working for Black & White is a clear indication of how they support and encourage their staff.”

Looking ahead, Emma hopes to see more women in leadership roles within engineering. “The industry is changing. More women are entering the field and mindsets are shifting. The challenges are worth it. Engineering is a great career choice.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

Kristine Orense joined Black & White Engineering just six months ago, but she brings with her eight years of experience in building services, including critical projects in data centre engineering.

Finding Her Path In Electrical Engineering

Her passion for engineering was sparked at a young age. “Honestly, it was largely family influence that sparked my interest,” Kristine says. “I grew up hearing how engineering was a big deal, a field that truly shaped the world and that idea just stuck with me.”

Now working in the Dubai office as an Electrical Engineer, Kristine is part of a growing global team that thrives on collaboration and cross-disciplinary design. That shared sense of purpose is what the International Women in Engineering Day Theme ‘Together We Engineer’ means to her.
“For me, is all about that collaborative energy,” she explains. “It’s knowing we’re all on the same team, bringing our unique skills and genuinely supporting each other to come up with solutions that are effective and innovative. It’s like collaboration on another level.”

Learning, Growing and Staying Focused

Like many women in engineering, Kristine has had to overcome stereotypes and outdated perceptions. Her approach? Stay focused and let her work lead the conversation. “There have been times where I’ve had to push past assumptions,” she says. “But my strategy has always been to let my work speak for itself.”
Mentorship and inclusion have also played a vital role in her career journey. “A strong support network for me means having a team that truly embraces inclusion, where it’s a safe space for brainstorming, and where I get the encouragement and push I need to keep levelling up my skills. Every small step counts, and that has helped me grow.”

Creating Space for Success

Although still new to Black & White, Kristine already recognises a culture that champions growth and flexibility, especially for women balancing different priorities.

“The general atmosphere here really vibes with inclusivity,” she says. “Black & White feels like a place where women engineers can develop and grow. The flexibility around work schedules is a big deal for me, especially as a mom who has recently moved here. That kind of support stands out and shows a real commitment to helping female employees succeed.”

Looking ahead, she hopes that greater gender diversity will simply become the norm. “In the next 5–10 years, I want to see women in engineering leadership so normalised that gender isn’t even part of the conversation. More representation, fewer ‘first female’ headlines. Just brilliant engineers, making moves.”

Explore Careers at Black & White Engineering

To learn more about what it’s like to work here and discover current opportunities, visit our careers page.

For Shivani Jain, curiosity and a drive to put theory into practice led her to pursue a career in electrical engineering. After graduating from Arya College of Engineering & IT in Jaipur in 2017, she began her career in electrical consultancy, taking on roles that gave her early exposure to design, costing and vendor coordination.

“Each role I’ve taken on has helped me build confidence, not just in electrical design, but in how to collaborate across disciplines and stakeholders,” says Shivani, who has worked on projects ranging from hotels and hospitals to airports and data centres. Since joining Black & White Engineering in 2022, she’s progressed from Electrical Engineer to Senior Engineer, gaining responsibility across mixed-use developments and data centre projects.

Navigating Early Career Challenges

Shivani reflects on two early barriers in her career: location and access. “At first, I wasn’t encouraged to move to Delhi, but with my mother’s support, I was able to pursue that step,” she shares. She also recalls being restricted from visiting project sites unless accompanied, due to safety concerns. Rather than let this hold her back, she proactively sought ways to gain on-site experience and develop a more holistic view of her work.

Throughout her career, Shivani has benefited from mentorship, from both family and colleagues. “I’ve been lucky to receive support at every stage, whether from my mother, brother, friends or my senior engineers. It’s helped me grow my skills and take on challenges with confidence.”

Progress and Representation at Black & White Engineering

When Shivani joined Black & White Engineering, she was the only woman engineer in the Delhi office. Now, she’s proud to see more women joining.

“Today, I’m proud to see so many talented women thriving here, thanks to the supportive and encouraging environment. Everyone is given equal opportunities, whether it’s attending international conferences, taking part in team activities or contributing to projects.”

What Together We Engineer Means

For Shivani, the meaning of Together We Engineer is simple: teamwork and knowledge sharing.

“It describes the spirit of collaboration and community in the engineering domain. No one is an expert in everything. Whether it’s through design coordination or knowledge exchange, collaboration helps us grow as engineers and deliver better results. It’s about sharing, questioning and learning together,” she explains.

“Believe in yourself. Embrace lifelong learning and don’t be afraid to stand out. Choose a path that excites and inspires you.”

Take the next step in your career in engineering. See our latest opportunities on our careers page.