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As the engineering sector embraces digital transformation, sustainability and smarter infrastructure, experienced leaders are playing a vital role in shaping what comes next.

Jake Sidwell joins Informed Engineering as Principal Engineer, bringing an accomplished career spanning highways, drainage and multidisciplinary infrastructure projects, underpinned by senior leadership experience and a passion for digital delivery.

Having built his expertise across complex engineering projects and led high-performing teams, Jake is now focused on helping clients unlock greater value through data-driven decision-making, innovation and sustainable design. In this interview, he shares why now was the right time to join Informed Engineering, how the industry is evolving, and why collaboration, technology and long-term thinking will be essential to delivering resilient infrastructure for future generations.

I have followed the success of Informed Engineering for several years and have been particularly impressed by how it has established itself as a highly respected leader in BIM and information management. What has always stood out to me is its commitment to understanding the specific needs of each client and developing solutions that deliver genuine value and measurable efficiencies, rather than applying a standardised approach.  

1. What attracted you to Informed Engineering and why was now the right time to make the move?

The timing felt right as the business enters an exciting phase of growth and diversification. Joining at this stage presents a fantastic opportunity to contribute to that journey, bringing my engineering experience to help expand the company’s project portfolio and further strengthen its offering. It is an exciting opportunity to be part of a business with ambitious plans and to play a role in shaping its next chapter of growth.

2. What experience and expertise are you looking forward to bringing to the business?

I look forward to bringing a combination of technical engineering expertise, digital delivery experience and leadership capability to the business.

My background is particularly strong in highways design, stormwater drainage and Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), where I have led the delivery of projects from concept through to detailed design. 

Alongside my technical background, I have significant experience in digital delivery and the application of technology to improve design processes, collaboration, and project outcomes. Throughout my career, I have seen first hand how effective information management and digital solutions can enhance project delivery, improve decision making and deliver better outcomes for clients. 

What excites me most is the opportunity to combine this engineering experience with Informed Engineering’s market leading expertise in BIM and information management.

I see significant potential to support the growth of the business within engineering design led projects, broadening its project portfolio while continuing to deliver innovative and efficient solutions for clients.

3. What do you see as the biggest opportunities for clients and the engineering sector over the next few years?

One of the biggest opportunities for both clients and the engineering sector is making better informed decisions through the effective use of data and digital technologies.

As digital delivery continues to evolve, there is significant potential to improve how infrastructure is planned, designed, delivered and managed throughout its lifecycle, helping clients improve efficiency, reduce risk and maximise value from their assets. 

There is also a real opportunity to take a longer term view of sustainability. Increasingly, clients are considering factors such as whole life carbon, resilience and resource efficiency alongside traditional project objectives.

The engineering sector has an important role to play in supporting this shift by delivering infrastructure that not only meets today’s needs but continues to provide value for future generations. 

The UK has developed considerable expertise in engineering, digital delivery and sustainable infrastructure. By sharing knowledge and best practice internationally, we have an opportunity to make a positive contribution to wider global sustainability goals.

4. How are client expectations evolving and what do engineering consultants need to do differently to meet those expectations?

Client expectations are evolving beyond the traditional measures of cost, programme and technical compliance. Increasingly, clients want projects that deliver broader social, environmental and economic value while providing confidence that assets will perform effectively throughout their operational life. 

To meet these expectations, engineering consultants need to take a more holistic approach to project delivery. This means considering the entire asset lifecycle from the outset, using data and digital tools to support decision-making, and embedding sustainability principles throughout the design process rather than treating them as an additional requirement. 
 
Perhaps most importantly, consultants need to remain focused on understanding the specific challenges and objectives of each client. The best outcomes are rarely achieved through a standardised approach. They come from combining technical expertise, collaboration and innovation to develop solutions that are tailored to individual project requirements and deliver meaningful benefits.

5. What are the most important challenges that clients should be thinking about today, and how can the industry respond?

One of the biggest challenges facing clients today is balancing increasing demands with financial pressures and constrained investment. Across both new and existing infrastructure, there is growing pressure to maximise value, extend asset life and ensure investment decisions deliver long-term benefits. 

Infrastructure must also be designed, maintained and renewed to withstand more frequent extreme weather events while supporting the transition to a lower-carbon future. Building resilience and considering whole life carbon are becoming essential for both new and existing assets. 

The industry also needs to embrace emerging technologies in a measured and responsible way. Tools such as artificial intelligence have the potential to improve efficiency, support decision-making and unlock new opportunities, but they should complement rather than replace engineering expertise and professional judgement. 

Ultimately, the most successful projects will combine sound engineering principles, effective use of data and technology, and a focus on delivering long-term value for clients and the communities they serve.

As Informed Engineering continues to grow, Jake’s appointment strengthens its commitment to delivering innovative, sustainable engineering solutions. Combining technical expertise with a forward-thinking approach to digital delivery, he is looking forward to helping clients navigate the challenges of tomorrow while creating lasting value for people, places and the environment.