As a leading Yorkshire based steel business, Harrogate Steel has always been focused on being a ‘one stop shop’ for its customers, from tender stage through to manufacture and installation of both structural steel and architectural metalwork. The team’s in-house design management capabilities create a seamless link between production and installation on-site, based on leading edge design and modelling techniques and our design manager Ryan Millen plays a pivotal role in this important part of our process.
Ryan joined the Harrogate Steel team at the start of 2022 as Design Manager and is responsible for taking a consultant’s design and turning it into a workable project, solving technical queries along the way and adhering to the clients’ brief from a design point of view.
Here Ryan answers a couple of quickfire questions about how he’s settling into his new role and what elements of being part of the Harrogate Steel team he’s most looking forward to.
How did your career in the steelwork industry start, and what skills are you bringing to your role at Harrogate Steel?
“I worked as a detailer / draftsman for 12 years so I know what information is required in order to ensure every project progresses accurately and to a high standard. I’m also experienced in using Tekla which is the software we use to create and manage 3D structural models so that it can be visualized from initial concept through to the fabrication in the workshop.
I know from previous experience that my role isn’t just important at the start of the project, it’s an ongoing effort to manage workloads and ensure that every design has a high level of detail for the fabricators, installers, contractors and engineers.”
What part of your role are you most excited about?
“I’d have to say the variety of projects I get to be involved in; no two are ever the same and I think it’s really exciting to have that insight and input into the company’s entire workload. Especially when you join a new team, it’s a brilliant way to find your feet and get a feel for the company culture. I also like to get client feedback as it’s really important to know if there are any areas for improvement, and to know what they think added value looks like so that we have this in mind on every project.
One of the most satisfying parts for me is when the end of a project is in sight, knowing that as a team our knowledge and skillset has helped to achieve something that started out as simply a drawing is really rewarding.”
Harrogate Steel works with a number of leading, mid-sized to large contractors across the UK on both structural and architectural metalwork projects, watch this space for further updates on our expert and valued team.
If you are interested in joining the Harrogate Steel team, find out more about current vacancies HERE.