What made you choose Arbtech?
I stumbled across the job application online when casually browsing for a new role. I saw that the position fitted within my skillset as an architectural technologist, and although I do not have a background in arboriculture or ecology, I felt like the job description was too intriguing to not look into it further.
I was also looking for a change of pace. I needed something that would keep me engaged and challenge me so I could progress professionally and personally. The emphasis on employee wellbeing was incredibly impressive, and the list of perks was eye-opening; I would have been silly not to apply for the job.
The whole interviewing process was really efficient, the communication was easy, and the interview with Rob sealed the deal, as he was so refreshingly transparent with everything. The emphasis on company culture made me feel like this would be a place I could fit in and feel like a valued member of the team.
For anyone thinking of applying for a role at Arbtech, just go for it. You won’t regret it!
What do you love most about the company?
The number one thing I love about Arbtech is the people.
I think you’ll struggle to find another workplace that has a better bunch than Arbtech.
Everyone is willing to help each other out and provide support, no matter who needs it, even if they already have a lot on their plate.
Especially after the recent trip to Austria, I’ve got to know more of my colleagues, and it’s only increased my appreciation for everybody.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
After moving into our first home in July 2022 – which was a bit run down – most of my time outside of work has been spent fixing up and doing work on the house. I know, not very exciting. However, I am a sucker for furniture and interior design, so love rummaging through the flea markets dotted around Sheffield to find some absolute gems.
I also love going for walks with my fiancée Lucy, mainly exploring the peak district, as it is only a 15-minute drive from us. In addition to that, we have started trying to visit as many National Trust places as we can!
I also have plans to expand our family from two to three with a little one of our own…a Great Dane.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
What I’ve found has helped me, especially recently, is that I’ve stopped trying to be perfect.
Striving for perfection in everything causes us to beat ourselves up when we fall short, and I feel that it takes the fun out of everything and increases my overthinking and worry.
Refuse to let it rule your life and doing so will allow you to loosen up and focus on the positive things.
I know this won’t be the same for everyone, but this has helped me, even if I am still working on it!
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
It has to be Austria 2023 – a week of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, skiing and having a laugh with your colleagues all-expenses-paid? Uh, yes, please!
When this was first suggested, it sounded like a little tease to whet our appetites for what could potentially be social a few years down the line. But no, just under a year from when it was suggested, we when flying to Austria! Unreal.
It was so good to be able to spend time getting to know a wider range of people than just the ones you work with daily, especially in a place like the Austrian Alps.
The Christmas social is always a blast too. I’ve been to two so far, and it is always so much fun with good food and drinks, and in 2022, even a band!
Where do you want to travel to next?
I would love to visit Scandinavia, particularly Norway. I love the style, the architecture, and the dramatic scenery that you can only find over there.
I’m not a big hot holiday kind of guy, so if I can’t get abroad, I would definitely love to take a trip to the west coast of Scotland and stay in a secluded cabin for a week. Maybe this is on the agenda for 2023 with the new 40-day holiday allowance!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I hope to be continuing my journey here at Arbtech, and potentially be part of a dedicated CAD team as the company expands.
I am keen to keep developing my skillset and applying that to help Arbtech in any way I can.
Also, it would be great to create Arbtech-specific CAD add-ons and plug-ins designed to make CAD a simple and efficient process for all, with more influence on the software development side of things.
Outside of work, I would love to think that all the projects I have planned for the house will be complete, allowing me to finally relax.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
My absolute end goal would be to design and build my own home. This has always been a dream of mine – being creative and having the satisfaction to live in something you built yourself would be like magic.
In terms of short and mid-term goals for the future, I would love to reconnect with friends that I have lost contact with over the years, get back to playing ice hockey, and start a new craft such as ceramics or woodwork.
I would also love to go on a long road trip. No destination; just travel and try to experience as many places as I can.
Thomas joined Arbtech in November 2021.
