INWED 2022 Spotlight: Karen Butler

What is your position at Pick Everard and what does it entail?

Since May this year, I have been associate director for our recently formed BIM services team. I manage a team of 12 to ensure project delivery in line with BIM, design services support and ongoing client care. There is a wide variety of BIM services, but the key ones include project information management, asset information consultancy and delivering data validation.

How did you discover your interest in engineering?

My dad was a lecturer specialising in electrical engineering, so memories of my childhood include trips to Coventry Technical College, where he taught. Family conversations still include chats about things like regulations…

During secondary school I completed work experience at a local graphic production company, which is where I was introduced to CAD and remember working on my first project – an exhibition stand for the NEC.

Have you faced any challenges reaching your current position?

Fortunately, I have not been limited in reaching my potential and have thrived in a positive environment at Pick Everard since starting out as an assistant CAD technician in 2007. Believing in myself and making sure my opinion is heard has always helped me progress in my career, which is also helpful in my involvement in working groups that require diversity in order to achieve change.

Is INWED important to you?

Yes, INWED is fantastic occasion. Awareness of the opportunities available still needs raising and the industry needs more women, whether this is achieved through schools, work experience or the impact of annual campaigns.

What is your best piece of advice for young women considering a career in engineering?

Speak up, be a communicator and be prepared to go the extra mile. I’ve been in the industry for more than 14 years now and have seen that it is possible to work your way up and open new doors.

What is the greatest challenge for BIM?

We have been delivering BIM services since 2017 and have noticed that it is still seen as a black art, when it shouldn’t be. Once the perception changes, I hope that it will be easier to move past the skills shortage and recruitment struggle. This can also be helped by ensuring everyone involved in the project delivery process is on the same page, from design to handover.

What is your hope for the future of engineering?

Complete collaboration on all projects. When it happens, it really is the blueprint for success delivery and increased learning.