5 Minutes with… Julian Elsbury

In our 5 Minutes With… series, we shine a light on the people behind the trussed rafter industry. From designers and manufacturers to directors and rising stars, we’re finding out what makes them tick, how they got started, and what advice they’d give to the next generation.

This time, we caught up with Julian Elsbury, Design Director at National Timber Systems, to hear about his career journey, proudest moments, and who he’d invite to his dream dinner party.

What first brought your attention to a career in timber engineering?

Like a lot of people in this industry, I didn’t set out to work in timber engineering. It wasn’t even on my radar when I left school after my O Levels.

But during my last week, my physics teacher handed me the phone number of a local company his friend owned. He knew I was good at Technical Drawing, and at the time, this was 1984, roof design software was pretty basic. Hand-drawn layouts were still the norm.

He thought I might be in with a chance of getting a job as a draughtsman. That led to my first role as Office Junior at Hill Leigh Timber Systems.

I stayed there for 15 years, gradually working my way up to become a senior designer managing a few major housebuilder accounts.

What has been your proudest moment in your career to date?

There are two, and they’re very different. The first was getting through the collapse of Palgrave Brown in 2008. I’d spent years there, grown up with the company, and made great friends. The day we closed the office for good is one I’ll never forget, it was a real shock. But I found the strength to regroup, reset, and carry on. That experience changed me.

The second was being appointed Design Director at National Timber Systems. It felt like a real milestone, a moment that recognised all the years of hard work, loyalty, and dedication I’d put into the industry. It was the confirmation I needed that I’d earned my place in what is a very competitive field.

What advice would you give someone who is starting out in your profession?

Soak up as much knowledge as you can from the people around you, especially those who’ve been doing it longer. Watch how they deal with everyday situations and learn from the traits they repeat consistently. Try to stay positive, show a ‘can-do’ attitude, and don’t be afraid to step up when others are stepping back. Always ask for help when you need it, there’s no shame in that and keep notes for yourself. You’ll thank yourself later.

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

We’ve improved, but I still think the industry needs to get better at collaborating earlier in the process. There’s so much design expertise across the sector, and it’s often underused. A quick conversation early on can make a huge difference when it comes to tricky architectural details or buildability. I’d also love to see our products valued more fairly.

Trussed rafters are highly technical, and I don’t think the pricing always reflects that, especially when you look at the wider costs in construction.

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

I’m more of a listener than a talker, so I’d opt for a fun mix of people who can tell a great story and keep the table laughing.

We’d be somewhere relaxed, perhaps a nice Italian restaurant, with good food and good company.

Greg Davies would be there, because he can make me laugh just with a look. Micky Flanagan for his brilliant observational comedy. Joe Marler, the ex-England rugby player, seems like he’d have some wild stories. And Paul Gascoigne. He was one of the best footballers I’ve ever seen play live, and he gave me my favourite moment ever in a stadium… Scots fans will know the one I mean!