Staff Spotlight - Rob Stepto
What do you do at Greengauge?
I do both MEP (designing the systems in buildings) and Building Physics (modelling to calculate energy consumption), which is nice as most days are different.
What do you like most about your job?
I like how it blends theory and complex calculation with reality, we first design something that works on paper and then work out how we can deliver the best possible performance taking into account the real-world constraints, be that working with an old building, planning or budget.
What has been your favourite project so far?
Working on a Tithe Barn in Dorset – the clients and architects were really good to work with, and we got to take a really old building and upgrade it to modern standards as far as was practicable, I’m looking forward to seeing the final results.
What are your hopes for our industry?
Industry-wide increased awareness of building physics and the underlying principles of building design. I think there has been a lot of knowledge lost over the last hundred years or so which on average has led to a drop in quality of the built environment. This lowering of standards is quite often done to save money and time, but a lot of the time represents a false economy as in a much shorter timespan the work will need to be re-done. A prime example of this being spray foam insulation in lofts.
If you could switch jobs with anyone (in any industry), who would it be?
I reckon being a furniture maker looks fun. I spend a lot of time on Youtube watching people make cabinets and chairs.
That or I’d probably be happy being a plumber or a builder.