Abdirahman Ismail
Abdirahman’s journey from humble beginnings to a leading structural engineer at AtkinsRéalis is a powerful story of perseverance and innovation. A key contributor to major projects like HS2 Euston station and London City Airport expansion, he has pioneered sustainable design solutions that cut costs and carbon emissions. Having mentored over 500 students and been recognised as a 30 Under 30 honouree and ICE London Rising Star finalist, his influence is shaping the future of UK infrastructure.
Having graduated just three years ago, Abdirahman’s professionalism and commitment to making a meaningful impact has already set him apart.
If you ask those who know him, they’ll tell you how he inspires everyone around him to challenge themselves, embrace innovation, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. His vision to lead major infrastructure projects is matched only by his passion for uplifting others – whether mentoring the next generation of engineers, helping over 50 achieve chartership, or looking to pursue an MBA to further his growth.
Despite these impressive achievements, Abdirahman remains humble and approachable, earning the respect of his colleagues and peers as a true role model in the industry.
A journey of resilience
Abdirahman’s path to success began at an early age, against all odds.
I attended a school that faced significant challenges, amongst the worst the borough, but it was there that I encountered some incredible teachers who consistently encouraged me to strive for excellence. I discovered a strong aptitude for maths and physics early on, but I understood that talent alone wouldn’t guarantee success. I had to pair it with hard work and determination.
His journey began in humble circumstances, growing up in a household shaped by the challenges his parents faced during Somalia’s civil war. Their sacrifices instilled in him a profound appreciation for the opportunities available to him— opportunities they never had. 'My parents’ resilience has inspired me to seize every chance for success and to pay it forward by mentoring the next generation of engineers and leaders.
At age 18, Abdirahman’s top A-Level results earned him multiple prestigious scholarships. These funded his academic studies at Imperial, where he continued to excel,. He also won the John Snowdon Award for his leadership in STEM. And later made the Devon & Plymouth 30 Under 30 list in May 2024 for his achievements in engineering and business.
Fast forward to today and Abdirahman is now supporting other students. Through programs like STEM at Imperial and the Windsor Fellowship, he’s helping them recognise their skills and connect with the right opportunities. Whether through mentoring or answering career questions on LinkedIn, he provides the same valuable guidance he himself once received.
Abdirahman with his 30 Under 30 Devon & Plymouth award
Abdirahman with his 30 Under 30 Devon & Plymouth award
A career rooted in responsibility
Working as a structural engineer at AtkinsRéalis, Abdirahman has already made a remarkable impact on some of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure projects.
Abdirahman shared that his favourite project has been Euston Station, Europe’s largest transport project. “Having travelled extensively by train and tube all my life, contributing to the design of a new HS2 station was a dream come true. As a child, I never imagined I’d be involved in such a major infrastructure project,” he explains.
As a key structural engineer for the project, he leveraged automation to efficiently check 1,000 structural members of the station terminal building, freeing up valuable time to focus on developing future design proposals. To minimise construction time, a critical priority for the client, he recommended strengthening the station structure using fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) strips, a solution designed for efficiency and durability. Both approaches have been successfully applied across multiple projects, with Abdirahman frequently sought out for his expertise and guidance in their implementation on major infrastructure projects.
Euston serves around 85,000 passengers daily and 31 million annually, and knowing I contributed to the new terminal building is something I’ll always look back on. Working on large infrastructure projects like this, where the final result takes years or even decades, is challenging but rewarding.
Abdirahman also played a key role in restarting the expansion of London City Airport by conducting a carbon assessment that impressed the client and led to the resumption of construction. Abdirahman’s strong focus on sustainability has motivated his team to prioritise reducing carbon footprints, fostering a shared commitment to sustainable engineering practices.
His innovative solutions, including time-saving automation and sustainable design strategies, have not only improved project efficiency but also contributed to a greener future.
"Sustainability has moved from being a theoretical exercise 20 or 30 years ago to becoming a central focus in modern design," Abdirahman explained, highlighting the growing awareness among clients about the societal impact of major infrastructure projects. "Today, clients actively consider the environmental impacts of material selection from the very start of a project, whereas in the past, decisions were often driven solely by cost or aesthetics."
“I think that as engineers and designers, we have a responsibility not only to ensure safety but also to minimise societal impact in multiple areas,” noted Abdirahman. In infrastructure, sustainability concerns include material choices and transportation. And he explained that sourcing materials locally, though sometimes more expensive than importing, can help reduce CO2 emissions.
The road ahead
Abdirahman isn’t ready to take his foot off the accelerator anytime soon. He says: “Looking ahead, I’m eager to continue working on large infrastructure projects, potentially on an international scale. Then over the next 12 months, my goal is to become a chartered engineer.”
He’s recently embarked on an exciting new project supporting critical national infrastructure in Plymouth, a role that promises to be both a major milestone in his career and a direct contribution to the environmental protection of the UK.
Artificial Intelligence will enhance efficiency, innovation, and sustainability in engineering while shifting the focus from routine tasks to strategic and creative problem-solving. Engineers who embrace AI and adapt to new roles will be well-positioned to lead in this transformative era.
And he is also exploring an MBA to further develop his leadership skills, with Imperial among his top choices.
Time at Imperial
Abdirahman’s admitted his time at Imperial helped him launch an exciting career.
“Reflecting on my time at Imperial, I can’t help but feel grateful for the incredible professors who were not only experts in their fields but also active industry professionals. Their teaching gave me a solid foundation in engineering principles that went beyond just design”.
He discussed how he was taught project management, financial constraints, efficient delivery, and meeting client objectives – insights that have been crucial in managing costs, identifying risks, and driving continuous improvement in his career.
“I’ve been able to apply these skills directly in my work at AtkinsRéalis, where I was recently honoured with a 30 Under 30 award for a defence project. At the end of September, I was also named one of the top six young engineers in London at the ICE London Awards. These recognitions, I believe, reflect not just the education I received at Imperial but also the support and opportunities provided by my company.”
Advice to budding engineers
For aspiring engineers, Abdirahman emphasises that the key to success isn’t just excelling in STEM subjects but cultivating a mindset of curiosity – about the world, the impact you want to make, and how to improve things. “After all,” he shares, “engineering projects have the power to shape society for decades, or even centuries.
One piece of advice that has stuck with him throughout his career is this: “As one door closes, another opens.” He views setbacks as part of the journey and focuses on staying proactive, seeking feedback, and using it to grow. This mindset helped him when applying for a £30,000 scholarship at age 18. Although he didn’t win, the feedback he received helped him improve, and months later, he was awarded the Bluetree Scholarship. “Without that early feedback, I would have made the same mistakes again,” he says.
The importance of mentorship
Mentorship has undoubtably played a huge role in Abdirahman’s academic and professional growth.
He mentors aspiring engineers through the STEM Potential programme, focusing on supporting students that don’t have as much knowledge about STEM fields to gain access to education and develop skills for top universities and careers. And as a lead coordinator for the maths segment of this programme, he also provides guidance on admissions and interviews.
Abdirahman’s involvement in national programmes like the National Infrastructure Reverse Mentoring programme and the Sainsbury Management Fellowship has also further expanded his growth. He has benefitted from building new networking opportunities within his company by fostering an open dialogue between senior leaders and junior staff. “Really,” Abdirahman starts, “mentoring should never be overlooked. It is a powerful catalyst for growth, shaping both personal and professional development in ways that can transform lives. I am so grateful for those that have invested in me."
Follow Abdirahman's story:
Abdirahman at his graduation
Abdirahman at his graduation
Abdirahman with two alumni of the Sainsbury Management Fellowship.
Abdirahman with two alumni of the Sainsbury Management Fellowship.
Imperial's Alumni Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of our alumni community and the variety of ways they are making a real impact across the globe.
The Emerging Alumni Leader Award celebrates our rising stars, innovators, game-changers and future leaders.