Welcome to the Team: Meet Andrew Johnston, Our New Design Engineer

We are delighted to welcome Andrew Johnston to Crafter Engineering as our newest Design Engineer. Andrew brings his experience in temporary works design and a practical, safety-first approach that aligns perfectly with our values. We sat down with him to learn more about his journey into engineering, what drives his work, and what he enjoys outside of the office.

Finding His Path in Engineering

For Andrew, the decision to pursue engineering was not sparked by a single dramatic moment, but rather by a growing appreciation for how engineering shapes everyday life. "The more I understood how infrastructure, transport, and construction projects come together, the more I was drawn to the idea of being involved in work that has a real, visible impact on the world around us," he explains. He was particularly attracted to the combination of problem-solving and practical application, noting that "that sense of contributing to something tangible was what really made me want to be part of it."

A Background in Temporary Works

Andrew began his career in an asset management team, working on highways and transport infrastructure projects such as motorway resurfacing and bridge deck waterproofing. He later transitioned into design consultancy with a specific focus on temporary works. Since then, he has designed both above-ground and below-ground temporary works across several sectors. Notably, he has provided temporary works designs for station upgrades as part of the Network Rail AFA scheme, demonstrating his ability to deliver complex solutions in challenging environments.

Defining Good Engineering

When asked what good engineering means to him beyond the technical calculations, Andrew emphasizes safety, practicality, and responsibility. "Good engineering is about producing work that is safe, practical, and reliable for everyone involved, from the people building it to those using and maintaining it afterwards," he says. For Andrew, quality means ensuring designs are buildable and suited to real site conditions. He views responsibility as taking ownership of risks and assumptions, communicating clearly, and never treating engineering as a box-ticking exercise. "Good engineering is about providing the most effective design for the problem," he concludes.

Why Crafter Engineering?

Andrew chose to join Crafter Engineering because of our focus on delivering practical, high-quality engineering solutions within a supportive environment that encourages professional growth. "What I hope to bring to the team is a strong work ethic, a practical approach to problem-solving, and a real focus on producing clear, reliable designs," he shares. He is eager to continue learning and contributing to both the team and the projects we deliver.

A Warm Welcome

Engineering is very much a team sport, and Andrew has already made a positive impression. He describes himself as approachable, reliable, and willing to get involved in any task. "I try to bring a positive attitude to the team and do my part to make collaboration straightforward," he notes. Reflecting on his first few weeks, Andrew says the welcome from the Crafter team has been "very positive," with everyone being friendly, supportive, and willing to help. "It has felt like a genuinely welcoming environment where people want you to do well and be part of the team."

Beyond the Office

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys staying active and finding ways to switch off. He holds a season ticket and regularly attends football matches (for his protection, his team will remain unnamed). He also plays pool, which serves as a great excuse to socialise with friends (especially when he is winning). Recently, he has returned to swimming after previously being part of the Glasgow swim team.

A Surprising Talent

Finally, we asked Andrew to share one thing that might surprise his new colleagues. Based on the enthusiastic reactions to some recent treats in the office, it seems many are surprised to learn that Andrew can bake. We look forward to seeing more of his culinary creations in the future!

Please join us in giving Andrew a warm welcome to Crafter Engineering. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make to our team and projects.