5 Minutes with… Chris Powell

In the latest edition of the 5 Minutes with… interview series, the TRA spoke with Chris Powell, Sector Director for Residential at Saint-Gobain Off-Site Solutions.

With over 20 years of experience in timber engineering and a strong commitment to nurturing new talent, Chris has recently stepped into the role of Chair for the TRA’s Eastern Region. Ahead of hosting the  first TRA Eastern Region  meeting, Chris spoke to us about his journey in the industry, what continues to motivate him, and the people who’ve left a lasting impression.

What attracted you to a career in timber engineering?

Like many people in this industry, my path into timber engineering wasn’t something I planned from a young age. In fact, it all happened quite suddenly.

After deciding not to go to university, I started exploring junior roles across different sectors, just trying to find something that felt right. One day, I got a call from Palgrave Brown inviting me to interview for a trainee designer position. I didn’t know much about timber engineering at the time, but I went along and was offered the job that very same day. I accepted on the spot, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

That was 23 years ago. Since then, I’ve grown up with the industry. It’s been an incredibly rewarding journey, both professionally and personally, as this is where I met my wife 18 years ago and have built lifelong friendships. What started as a fortunate opportunity has turned into a career that I’m truly passionate about.

What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?

It’s hard to pinpoint a single moment because, for me, pride comes in lots of small but meaningful ways. But if I had to highlight one thing, it would be the joy of seeing people develop. Watching junior team members come into the business, often unsure of themselves at first and then seeing them grow in confidence, skill and ambition is something I never get tired of.
Being part of their journey, offering support and guidance, and seeing them succeed is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me why mentoring and knowledge-sharing are so important in our sector.

We can’t move forward as an industry unless we’re bringing new people with us and helping them thrive. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind, an industry full of people who were given a chance and made the most of it.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in this profession?

Be curious and never be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re speaking with a senior colleague, a customer, or someone working in a completely different part of the process. The more you ask, the more you learn. And the more you listen, the quicker you’ll build a strong understanding of how everything fits together.

It’s also important to challenge things to deepen your understanding. Sometimes the best improvements come from someone asking: “Why do we do it that way?” That kind of fresh thinking can spark innovation. And finally, have fun. This is an industry filled with brilliant people, great camaraderie, and opportunities to do meaningful work.

If you could change one thing about the construction industry, what would it be, and why?

For me, it would be shifting the perception and recognition of the value of what we do. There’s so much skill, dedication and thought that goes into designing and manufacturing timber structures. Yet too often, it’s seen as just another component or commodity. I’d love to see a culture where our contribution is properly understood and celebrated not only by those within the industry but also by clients, specifiers, and the wider public. The work we do plays a critical role in delivering quality, sustainable homes and buildings, and it deserves that level of respect.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be and why?

I’ve always been a huge cricket fan, and with the anniversary of the legendary 2005 Ashes series, I’d jump at the chance to sit down with any of the players from that team. It was such an unforgettable summer of sport, full of drama, resilience, and passion. The energy around that series really reignited the nation’s love for cricket.

If I could pick just three dinner guests, it would have to be Freddie Flintoff, Michael Vaughan, and Kevin Pietersen. Their personalities, talent, and the stories they could tell would make for an unforgettable evening. And with the current England side under Ben Stokes, it feels like we’re on the brink of another golden era so I’d love to hear how they view the game today.