Colin Harwood reflects on the projects, people and experiences that shaped his engineering career.
Published: 24/06/2026 12:00
For Colin Harwood, civil engineering wasn't a career choice that emerged from a university prospectus or careers fair. It started much earlier.
Like many young people, Colin completed a work experience placement while at school. In fact, he completed two. One with the fire service, where his father worked, and another with Costain on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal.
Only one of them left a lasting impression.
"It was after the Costain placement that my mind was made up. Civil engineering was the profession for me."
That decision set Colin on a career path that has taken him from graduate engineer to Director at Richter, working on major infrastructure projects, leading teams and helping shape the future of temporary works engineering.
After graduating from the University of Manchester, Colin joined a civil engineering consultancy working within the railway environment before moving to an in-house design team with a rail contractor. It was there that he experienced a milestone that many engineers aspire to achieve – seeing one of his own designs built on site.
The experience proved transformative.
Designing a bridge is one thing. Watching it become a reality is another.
That exposure led to an opportunity to become Temporary Works Coordinator on the second phase of the Birmingham New Street redevelopment project – a role that ultimately sparked a passion for this specialist area of engineering that continues today.
From there, Colin's career took him through a series of diverse and technically challenging positions, including reviewing engineer for Network Rail and on-site designer for the A14 Integrated Delivery Team. Each role added a different perspective, strengthening his understanding of how engineering decisions are made, communicated and delivered.
Eventually, an opportunity arose to establish Richter's presence in the North – helping grow the business, build a team and strengthen relationships with clients across the region.
"The rest is history, as they say."
Today, as a Director at Richter, Colin's passion remains firmly rooted in solving engineering problems and helping others develop.
Inspiring teams, challenging the norm and turning concepts into reality are among the aspects of the role he enjoys most, particularly when Richter becomes involved in projects that aren't run of the mill.
"Inspiring the team, challenging the norm and turning concepts into reality, particularly when Richter gets involved in projects that aren't run of the mill."
That appetite for unusual and complex challenges is something Colin believes is central to Richter's identity.
Ask Colin what makes Richter different, and his answer centres around communication.
Temporary works engineers often find themselves positioned between design teams and construction teams, translating complex engineering principles into practical solutions that can be delivered safely and efficiently on site.
As Colin explains, site teams want clear answers to practical questions, while consulting engineers naturally focus on technical standards, calculations and design principles.
Temporary works designers must be fluent in both languages.
"We bridge the gap between technical and practical, and communicate in a manner that the audience can understand."
It is a philosophy that extends into leadership.
For Colin, technical ability is important, but it is not the only ingredient required for success. The qualities he values most when developing engineers are a positive attitude and effective communication.
"The technical foundation is a good starting point, but teamwork is crucial, both internally and externally, to ensure project success."
Alongside his role at Richter, Colin also serves as a reservist in the Army Reserve – a commitment he has maintained throughout much of his professional career.
Initially joining as a young engineer, Colin has continued to balance military service alongside an increasingly senior engineering career and family life.
The experience has had a significant influence on his approach to leadership and problem-solving.
"There is a lot of crossover between temporary works and military engineering. There's a problem, find a solution using what you have."
That practical mindset, combined with the ability to assess situations quickly and make decisions under pressure, has become an important part of his leadership approach.
It is also one of the reasons he was recently named a finalist in the Reservist of the Year category at the British Forces in Business Awards.
The recognition, he says, reflects the value that reservists can bring to organisations.
"Anyone who serves as a reservist demonstrates commitment, responsibility and the ability to tackle challenges head on. Those are qualities you'd want in any team."
Reflecting on his career so far, Colin is quick to highlight the importance of reputation and relationships.
The construction industry, he notes, is a surprisingly small world.
"You are always crossing paths with former colleagues."
It reinforces a lesson he was taught early in his career.
"It takes a lifetime to build a reputation, but a moment to lose it."
It is advice that has remained with him throughout his professional journey.
Looking ahead, Colin is excited by both the opportunities facing Richter and the wider industry. From major infrastructure schemes such as HS2 Curzon Street Station to the continued development of innovative tools that improve the efficiency of temporary works delivery, he sees significant opportunities for engineers willing to embrace change.
Yet despite the scale of the projects, the technology, and the responsibilities that come with leadership, Colin's advice to those considering a career in engineering remains remarkably simple.
It is advice first given to him by his father many years ago.
"If you enjoy what you do, you'll never work a day in your life."
It is a philosophy that has guided Colin throughout his career, from a school work experience placement on the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to leading teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects across the UK.
For those starting their own journey in civil engineering, he believes there has never been a better time to enter the profession.
"There are so many different routes into engineering now. Degree apprenticeships in particular are creating fantastic opportunities for young people to gain experience while they learn. If I had my time again, I'd probably choose that route myself."
More than two decades after deciding civil engineering was the career for him, Colin's enthusiasm for the profession remains as strong as ever. Whether mentoring the next generation of engineers, solving complex temporary works challenges, serving as a reservist, or helping shape Richter's future, his passion for engineering continues to be driven by the same thing that attracted him to the industry in the first place: the opportunity to create something that future generations will look at and wonder, "How did that get there?"
Army Reservist
A14 Crane Lift
Birmingham New Street