Carmen’s journey in Structural Engineering

As part of our celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) 2026, we are shining a spotlight on the women in our team who help shape the built environment.

This year’s theme #EngineeringIntelligence recognises the knowledge, innovation and human insight that engineers bring to every project.

In this article Carmen Carles, Senior Structural Engineer at dbstructural, shares some insights into her career journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way and her advice for the next generation of engineers.

Meet Carmen Carles, Structural Engineer at dbstructural

Carmen is a Senior Structural Engineer at dbstructural. She joined the team a couple of years’ ago and she works closely with architects and contractors to bring designs to life while ensuring everything meets the required codes and standards.

With nearly 18 years of experience in the industry, Carmen has worked across a wide range of projects in both Spain and the UK, bringing a broad international perspective to her work at dbstructural.

Carmen graduated from the University of Valencia (UPV) in 2008 and began her career in Spain shortly after. In 2011, she made the move to London, which she describes as ‘a significant step both professionally and personally’.

“I’ve been with dbstructural for the past two years and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has gone!”

How did you get into engineering?

“I’ve always been fascinated by the built environment. From a young age, I loved architecture, interior design and infrastructure, and I was especially interested in bridges. I was curious about how these structures could be both functional and visually impressive. Engineering felt like the perfect combination of creativity and technical problem-solving, allowing me to help design and build things that have a real impact on people’s everyday lives.”

What advice would you give your younger self starting out?

“Ask more questions and worry less about looking like you don’t know something. Early in my career, I sometimes stayed quiet in meetings because I didn’t want to seem inexperienced, especially as a young woman in an industry that is still largely male-dominated. Looking back, I’ve realised that the engineers I’ve respected most throughout my career are the ones who are curious and comfortable saying, ‘I’m not sure, let me check.’ Nobody knows everything, and asking questions is how you learn and grow. Confidence comes with experience.”

What does a typical day look like for you?

“There isn’t really a typical day and that’s one of the things I enjoy most about the job. Every project is different, so no two days are ever the same.

“A day might involve reviewing calculations and drawings, joining coordination meetings, visiting a site, or catching up with architects, contractors and clients. And then inevitably something unexpected comes up that reshapes the afternoon entirely!”

Using one word, how would you describe the team?
“Supportive!”

Any standout projects you’ve enjoyed working on / proud to work on?

“I’ve been lucky to work on lots of different types of projects over the years. I have a particular soft spot for projects with great architecture, and I really enjoy renovation and refurbishment work. There’s something rewarding about working with existing buildings and finding ways to give them a new life.

“Working on projects in London has also been really special. The city has such an amazing mix of historic and modern structures, and it’s exciting to be part of shaping that environment.”

What’s the most rewarding part of your role?

“Without question, it’s seeing something you’ve worked on actually get built. You can spend months, sometimes even years working on calculations, drawings, coordination meetings and design revisions. Then one day, you walk past the finished structure and see it standing there in the real world.”

What’s something about your job that would surprise people?

“I think people assume engineering is almost entirely mathematical just numbers and formulas. But so much of what I do is communication and problem-solving with people. You have to negotiate, explain complex ideas simply, manage competing priorities and find creative solutions when a design isn’t working. The human side of the job is just as important as the technical side.”

What would you say to young women considering engineering?

“Go for it. If engineering is something you’re interested in, don’t let anything put you off. It’s a rewarding career that combines creativity, innovation, and the opportunity to make a real impact on the world around you. The industry needs your perspective and your approach.”

Why is engineering a good career path?

“It’s a stable, well-respected profession that is intellectually challenging and genuinely meaningful. You’re helping to create the world people live in, there’s always a new challenge to solve, and you never stop learning and growing.”

What changes would you like to see in the industry?

“I’d love to see even more focus on sustainable design. I think we all have a responsibility to create buildings and structures that are more environmentally conscious.

“I’d also like to see more diversity in the industry. Different backgrounds and perspectives make teams stronger, bring fresh ideas, and lead to better solutions.

“And finally, I’d like to see more collaboration between engineers and architects, especially from an early stage. We work hand in hand, and the more we understand each other, the better the outcome.”

What’s one thing people misunderstand about engineering?

“That engineers are really well paid! 😊 But also that engineering is just about calculations, when in reality it’s a creative profession.”

Careers in structural and civil engineering

Darren Ball, Owner of dbstructural said: “We are proud to support women shaping our industry today and those who will join it tomorrow. To anyone considering a career in engineering, there is no single path, no single background and no single way to succeed. We are always open to having a conversation with anyone interested in starting a career in the industry.”

Read more about what it’s like to work at dbstructural here.