Tara Maiorano
Tara Maiorano
Project Engineer
Tell us your story.
My passion for construction was visible from the age of 4 when the only thing that would make me happy would be helping my dad with construction works. I still remember the first day I touched concrete for the first time, the feeling was probably the same that babies have when they taste chocolate for the first time. My favourite toys were construction blocks ‘obviously’. My favourite game was building tall towers from the block and then having fun knocking them down, it was my passion.
I have always felt different from my friends, I was perceived as weird due my diverse interests that were slightly different compare to the ordinary female teenagers’ hobbies. At that point to fit in I decided to divert my studies to more literature, language and science related subjects to show on surface that I had the same interest as my other girlfriends.
Unfortunately, this made me unhappy deep inside, until I realised that the only way for me to be happy is to go back to do what I really love.
How did you get into construction?
I started University and chose to study Building Engineering. It was more design-based course and until I decided to move to the UK and started to work in Civil Engineering, I felt for the first time happy again, like I was when I touch concrete for the first time.
During my first year at UEL, I have attended 5-day Constructionarium field trip that helps students to gain hands on experience by building down scale landmarks.
I remember the first day on site, I knew straight away that this was the route I wanted to take. The smell of fresh poured concrete, the rust of the rebar, the smell of timber…
Even now 6 years later, I love these smells and I feel comfortable and confident on a construction site.
In my first few years working as an Engineer, I won the Atkins prize for “Best Civil Engineering Design of the year 2018” at UEL. Later I was chosen by ARUP for their exhibition “Catalyst for change”.
In 2019 I was one of the finalists for the “Best Young Women in Construction Europe” by WICE and my story was published by FLO London online journal as Women Engineer and although, I wasn’t the winner by being 1 of 9 in Europe is a remarkable achievement.
Since I joined McGee at 30 South Colonnade, I led the engineering team from demolition through to the concrete stages of the project.
What do you love most about the job?
It provides me with an opportunity to experience a part of demolition that I wouldn’t normally have an exposure to. The amount of temporary works involved to allow the demolition to go ahead, and the strengthening works to build the new structure is fascinating. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to be part of the project and be part of this fantastic team.
What’s your proudest achievement?
I’m proud of myself for being a working mum juggling a very busy successful career and taking care of my beautiful 4-year-old daughter who keeps me very busy outside work. If I would have to say what is my hobby, I would say building tall towers and then knock them down with her! Yes, apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, she loves blocks too! If my job is my passion, my daughter is my whole world and spending time with her is the most precious thing I have.