Eleni Price
Associate director, Croft Structural & Civil
Expertise
Structural, Design, Project ManagementLocation
LondonMy highlights
Becoming a Chartered Engineer with the ICE
Leading the structural and civil engineering for permanent and temporary works on Hempton House
A day in your life
My day usually starts around 6:30am with a coffee and cuddles from my two young kids, Theodore and Aurelia. Once they are dropped off at school, I head into the office or out to a site visit.
Mornings are for catching up with my team, checking emails, and reviewing design drawings or reports.
I often jump between technical work (like structural calculations or sketching concept designs) and meetings with clients, architects or contractors. No two days are the same!
I try to make time to mentor junior engineers or support a colleague with their ICE attributes.
At lunch, I’ll squeeze in a quick walk or catch up with a work colleague.
In the afternoon, I may prepare for an ICE review panel or plan my next STEM outreach event.
Evenings are for family time, dinner, stories and bedtime. If I still have energy, I might work on ideas to improve how we do things at my current office environment!
I believe getting chartered at a young age helped me get promotions and gave the senior team the confidence to give me more responsibility.
What inspired you to become a civil engineer?
My love for engineering started when I was very young, growing up in Greece.
I used to build furniture for my dolls using scrap wood I’d find in the fields near our summerhouse. I would saw, drill, hammer and nail everything together myself.
I was always hands on and creative, and although I wasn’t top of the class in maths or physics, I loved those lessons the most.
But the person who truly inspired me was my uncle, a mechanical engineer who later went into designing high-end Italian kitchens.
I used to visit his office and showroom nearly every day, as my grandmother lived in the same building.
I was fascinated by the technical drawings, the precision, and how a vision could come to life on paper and then in reality.
That’s when I realised that engineering was what I wanted to do – something creative, technical and full of purpose.
We asked Eleni…
I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because…
I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because it’s a unique mix of creativity, logic, and real-world impact.
It’s a job that keeps you thinking, learning and adapting. You can follow many paths like structures, water, transport, sustainability.
There’s space for all kinds of personalities and strengths.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…
I’m also a mentor, a mum and a creative problem solver.
I lead a team, support others in their career journeys and am passionate about encouraging women and young people into STEM.
Engineering is my career, but inspiring others and making a difference is what drives me.
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
One myth I’d love to bust is that civil engineering is just about heavy lifting and hard hats.
In reality, it’s a creative and problem-solving career that combines maths, design, teamwork and communication.
We don’t just build structures. We shape communities and improve people’s everyday lives.
And yes, anyone can do it, no matter their background or gender!
How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?
In my role, I focus on designing and restoring buildings in ways that make them more sustainable and energy efficient.
By carefully choosing materials, improving structural efficiency and preserving existing historic buildings, we reduce waste and the need for new construction.
I also support projects that consider long-term environmental impact, helping clients create spaces that are not only beautiful but better for the planet.
One approach I promote is the use of timber structural insulated panels (SIPs), which offer excellent insulation and have a much lower carbon footprint than traditional materials.
How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?
As a working mum, a woman in engineering, and someone who grew up in another country, I know how important it is to feel like you belong.
I make the industry more inclusive by mentoring young engineers and apprentices, supporting others on their journey to professional qualifications, and helping them grow in confidence.
I'm a STEM ambassador and ICE reviewer and I regularly volunteer in schools, youth groups and careers events to show that engineering is for everyone, no matter your background.
What role does digital technology play in your job?
Digital technology plays a huge role in how I work.
I use 3D structural modelling software like MIDAS Gen and Robot Structural Analysis to analyse buildings and ensure they’re strong, safe, and efficient.
I also use Tedds and MasterSeries for detailed calculations and design checks.
These tools help us test how a structure behaves before anything is built and speed up complex engineering tasks.
I regularly collaborate with architects and contractors using CAD and REVIT models to spot design issues early and deliver better results for clients.
Technology also helps me mentor my team, track progress and communicate clearly. Even when we are working on different sites.
It’s all about working smarter and not working harder!
What motivated you to become professionally qualified?
Becoming a Chartered Engineer was a proud moment that recognised years of hard work and commitment to my profession.
But my journey doesn’t stop there. What truly drives me is a deep passion to lead, uplift others and leave a meaningful mark on the engineering community.
I aspire to become a Fellow of the ICE and, one day, serve as its president.
Representation matters and I want to show future generations that leadership in engineering is diverse, inclusive and within their reach.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
Becoming professionally qualified with the ICE has been a game-changer for me.
It’s not just a title. It has opened doors to exciting projects, leadership roles and meaningful conversations within the industry.
It’s deepened my impact and strengthened my voice, especially as a woman in engineering, where representation really matters.
My chartership title gave me the confidence and recognition to push boundaries, support others on their journey and show young engineers, especially girls, that they belong in this space too.
How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified?
The support I received from the ICE and my employer was invaluable. Croft believed in me.
They gave me the space to grow, trusted me with real responsibility, and encouraged me to step up.
I had great mentors who challenged me, guided me and kept me focused.
The ICE provided a clear structure, helpful resources and most importantly, a supportive community.
I also learned so much by reviewing others’ submissions as a reviewer. It helped me reflect on my own journey.
How has being a member helped your career?
Being a member of the ICE has connected me to a wider community of passionate engineers, from different walks of life and opened doors to exciting opportunities.
Through ICE events, mentoring and professional reviews, I’ve expanded my network and deepened my knowledge.
What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego? How long did it take you?
The most complex thing I’ve built out of Lego was a marble run with my son.
It stretched from the top floor of our Victorian house, down three flights of stairs to the entrance hallway.
We used Lego bricks to support the structure across such a tall space.
It took us several afternoons to get it just right, but after many tries, the marbles flowed smoothly all the way down.
It was a brilliant way to mix creativity, engineering and family time. It proved how engineering can be fun at any age!
Do you have any hobbies?
I recently completed the London to Brighton Bike Ride 2025.
I’m not a cyclist and my training was mostly running after my kids and the odd jog when life allows it.
So why do it? Because what you do day-to-day doesn’t define what you’re capable of.
This ride was about mindset, discipline and getting on the saddle when I didn’t feel like it.
And it was about proving (mostly to myself) that the limits we set are often just stories we tell ourselves.
Eleni's career path
Originally from Greece, I discovered my passion for engineering early on.
I completed high school in Colorado, USA, as part of an exchange programme. Then, I studied a degree in architectural engineering at Cardiff University.
I pursued a master's degree in civil engineering, which significantly enhanced my skills and knowledge.
Becoming a Chartered Engineer with the ICE was a proud milestone in my career.
I’ve worked at Halcrow, Paul Owen Associates and have been with Croft Structural & Civil for over 12 years now. I’ve gained experience across new builds and commercial projects and have specialised in restoring Victorian buildings.
