Spotlight on…

Professor Pete Walker, Principal Investigator and Co-director, University of Bath

Can you share a brief overview of your career journey and your current role?

I graduated in 1983 with a degree in Civil Engineering followed by a PhD in structural engineering. Following a post-doctoral position investigating the capacity of masonry arch road and railway bridges, from 1989-1991 I worked on the conservation of dry-stone masonry walls at Great Zimbabwe National Monument. This was followed by my first lecturer post at the University of Zimbabwe (1992-1993). Whilst in Zimbabwe my interest in natural building materials started with work on earth building. Following 4 years working in Australia I joined the University of Bath in 1998. I have been researching various bio-based construction materials ever since.

What has been most rewarding about contributing to the Transforming Homes project? / What aspects of the Transforming Homes project reflect the impact you’ve sought to make throughout your career?

It’s very hard for me to pinpoint one thing that is the most rewarding. I really enjoy working in a diverse team, supporting and learning from colleagues, and meeting new people. The excitement that Transforming Homes generates together with the impact we are already having, and will continue to have, is also very satisfying.

Of course, my work developing the use of bio-based construction materials is where I feel I can make most impact. I have mostly worked on new build uses for bio-based products, so working on the wider challenge of improving existing homes is also exciting.

What insights or skills from your career have been most valuable in supporting this initiative?

As well as my experience with bio-based technologies, my experience leading large research projects and supporting research staff, hopefully has been helpful.

How do you hope your contributions to your field and research community will inspire others?

As well as the contributions I have made to advancing the use of natural building materials, as I also like to think that anyone considering an academic career thinks “If he can do it, then so can I!”