Dervilla Mitchell graduated from University College Dublin in 1980 with a degree in Civil Engineering. She joined the Dublin office of Ove Arup & Partners and has subsequently worked as a structural engineer in Ireland, the United States and in Great Britain. As a result she has been involved in a wide range of projects, and has experience of different methods and forms of construction. She enjoys working with end user clients and delivering engineering solutions which support the architect’s aspirations. Dervilla is currently leader of Arup's UK-ME Transport business in London but prior to this she was leader of the Design Team Leadership Group in London. Between 2000 and 2006 she was co-located at the Terminal 5 Heathrow project office and during that time she led the Arup team who delivered the design for the above ground structures. Initially the Arup team were only involved in structural design but latterly they provided the services design, acoustics, design management and a range of other specialisms.