As part of CECA Scotland’s Inside the Job campaign, we sat down with Steven Deans, Managing Director of Deans Civil Engineering. From a chance encounter with quantity surveying to founding his own civil engineering firm, Steven’s journey is a testament to the opportunities and progression the industry offers. In this Q&A, he shares his story, the challenges and rewards of the job, and why civil engineering is a career path more young people should consider.
Can you tell us about your journey into civil engineering and what led you to establish Deans Civil Engineering?
Steven Deans: It all started by accident, really. I was set to study building surveying full-time at university when a friend introduced me to a company looking for a trainee surveyor. This transpired to be a trainee QS role, but I got the job and completed a five-year part-time honours degree while working.
That experience gave me a solid foundation. I later joined a small business transitioning from demolition to groundworks, where I was the only surveyor. We grew that company from a £1 million turnover to £12 million, and then at the age of 28 I saw an opportunity to go out on my own. In 2010, I started Deans Civil Engineering with four people in the office, 11 on site, two projects, a small amount of personal savings and a credit card. That’s how it all began.
What does your role as Managing Director typically involve day-to-day?
Anything and everything! My background is commercial, so I’m heavily involved in business development, estimating, tendering, and the commercial management of live projects. I also oversee the construction side, though we have a Construction Director and a strong team who handle the day-to-day delivery.
What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your career so far?
There are many, but the most rewarding part is seeing young people progress. Just like I was supported through university, we’ve adopted that model. We bring in school leavers, support them through college or university, and watch them grow into qualified professionals. Some of our current commercial team started with us in the first month of the business.
Project-wise, the Commonwealth Games in 2014 stands out. We were involved in civil engineering works across multiple venues. It was intense but incredibly fulfilling. We’ve also delivered projects for major brands like Amazon, McDonald’s, and Tesco, and built many schools—seeing those come to life is always great.
How do you foster a positive and productive culture at Deans Civil Engineering?
We believe in working together, in person. Our model relies heavily on developing young talent, and that requires experienced people around them daily. Sitting together, reviewing drawings, and learning collaboratively is key. That supportive, hands-on environment is what drives our culture.
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities facing civil engineering firms in Scotland today?
The biggest challenge is attracting young talent. There’s a perception that construction isn’t as exciting or lucrative as other industries, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Civil engineering offers real progression and excellent earning potential. You can start on site and work your way up to management or even start your own business.
On the flip side, the opportunities are huge. Scotland is undergoing major infrastructure investment across water, energy transition, housing and schools. The next 20 years are mapped out with exciting projects.
Are there any emerging trends or technologies you’re excited about?
Definitely. On site, drones are now used for surveying and data capture, and machinery is increasingly GPS-operated. In the office, AI is helping with quality control, safety, and project management. We’re also seeing more digital twinning and 4D modelling.
It’s a far cry from when I started with paper drawings and no digital records. The industry is evolving fast, and that’s opening up new roles in tech and data as well.
What qualities do you look for when hiring new talent into your company?
Enthusiasm is number one. If someone shows a willingness to learn and get involved, they’ll stand out. For professional roles, we look for the minimum academic requirements, but beyond that, it’s about energy and attitude. For site-based roles, it’s even more about that drive and eagerness to work.
What advice would you give to a young person considering a career in civil engineering?
You don’t need to have it all figured out at the start. I didn’t. I just took an opportunity, worked hard, and progressed quickly from trainee to commercial director and then to starting my own company. Civil engineering offers real progression. We’ve had operatives become foremen and managers in their 20s. It’s a career where you can grow fast and make a real impact.
