Meet the team!
Our team will work with you, offering expert advice to assist with your projects. As a client centric consultancy, we take pride in our personable approach, and we would like to introduce the team behind RI Geotechnics:
Ann and Richard Izatt-Lowry.
Q&A with the RI Geotechnics Team
Q - Can you give us a summary of your Geological career?
Richard - I first studied Geology & Mineralogy at University of Aberdeen, and then completed a Masters in Geomaterials at the University of London. My initial work in engineering geology was in London and the Southeast of England, following which I worked in Australia, Lebanon and Iran on the reclamation and redevelopment of derelict land, and industrial development projects.
On returning to the UK, I settled in the North East of England, working first of Wimpey Environmental, and then Fairhurst, on all aspects of ground engineering for residential, commercial, waste management and infrastructure projects. Moving to FWS Consultants broadened my geological and geotechnical experience through my work on shale gas in the UK, mineral exploration and mine development of coal resources in Turkey and Colombia, and most recently for the deep underground polyhalite mine at Whitby.
After over 30 years, I am thrilled to set up my own geotechnical consultancy and we are offering essential ground engineering services to the Highlands and Islands.
Ann - I also completed my undergraduate degree in Geology at University of Aberdeen where Richard and I first met. This was then followed by a Masters in Engineering Geology at Queen Mary College, London University.
I started my working career at Rendel Geotechnics in London, before moving to Mott MacDonald (in Croyden), and then Dames and Moore (in Australia). On returning from Australia, we moved to the Northeast of England for Mason Pittendrigh, followed by Allied Exploration and Geotechnics, before becoming a Director of Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental Limited.
Whilst bringing up our family, I also taught at the Open University and at a local Secondary School.
I am excited to bring my wealth of knowledge to the company, and I look forward to contributing to the sustainable development of the Highlands and Islands; a part of the world I love.
Ann & Richard in Australia. TOP: At Uluru, (Ayers Rock) and BOTTOM: Daintree Rainforest near Cairns, Queensland.
Q - What is the best question you’ve been asked?
Ann - “Could a girl like you not get a better job than this?” – I was a bit speechless at the time and was not sure how to answer. Was this job really seen as one only for men? On reflection, I think that a ‘girl like me’ really could not have gotten a better job! What job is better than one you truly love? I consider it an honour to have worked on so many great civil engineering projects, and with such a fantastic and varied group of people, both clients and colleagues, many of whom I now consider friends. I cannot think of a job better than the one I have.
Richard - I once gave a lecture on the surface hydrogeology around a mine at the Geological Society in Piccadilly, London, and I was asked some very interesting questions but the one that stuck with me was asked after the lecture, and the question was “What’s your favourite aquifer?”
This question was wonderfully unexpected, as it was such a direct and unassuming question that cut directly to the core of the topic I had spoken about.
Now, my answer to that best question would be Moor Grit Aquifer of the Ravenscar Formation as it provides high quality ground water that supports sensitive ecosystems and sustains water supplies for farming properties.
Q - What is the most rewarding aspect of your role as an engineering geologist?
Richard - I enjoy solving problems. Whether it is determining the best foundation solution for domestic properties, devising reclamation strategies for contaminated land or researching mineral resources overseas. There is always a puzzle of sorts to engage with, and to solve!
Ann - No two days are the same. I know that that is a bit cliched but it really is true. Each site’s ground conditions are different and each development is different. Some projects have been simple to deal with and others have been hugely complex – but that is what makes it challenging. And without challenge a job becomes mere routine.
Q - What advice would you give yourself back at the start of your career?
Ann - I am reminded of the painting my son did that featured the quote “live for today - tomorrow will cost more.” The advice I would give would be about the importance of protecting our environment (our tomorrow) without jeopardising development and improvements (our today).
Richard - Cooperation and partnership. How fantastic it is to work together, and how that collaboration can enable us to solve problems.
Q - What achievement are you most proud of?
Richard – Early on in my career, I was given the opportunity to lead a ground investigation for an aluminium smelter on the Persian Gulf in Iran. As a young geologist, being responsible to direct the team of both Russian and Iranian drilling contractors to successfully determine the geotechnical conditions and devise engineering solutions without direct support from the office in the UK, was one of my most rewarding achievements.
Ann - I would say there were two particularly achievements that stand out to me. The first one being that over the course of my career I have been able to ensure that those coming after me have been given the same, if not better, opportunities and I have been able to pass on my knowledge to them. Secondly, whilst a director of Dunelm Geotechnical and Environmental Limited helping them to win the following Ground Engineering awards: Ground Investigation Project with a Geotechnical Value of up to £500k (2017) and Ground Investigation Project of the Year- Over £2M (2019).
Q - Your favourite thing about the Highlands and Islands?
Ann - Sitting outside my house on the Trotternish Peninsula on Skye watching the sun set over the Outer Hebrides.
Ann’s answer pictured above!
Richard - My favourite thing would have to be the fairytale scenery of the landslips along the Trotternish Ridge. They are incredibly beautiful and are such a dramatic addition to the landscape. However, these landslips do pose complications to infrastructures and future development, so a complex feature of the region. I wrote a piece focusing on the Quiraing and focusing on the problematic nature it poses to future development. The piece can be read here!
Q - And finally … what is your favourite rock?
Ann - Gneiss It just looks good and has been through so much to be with us.
Richard – Granite, as it reminds me of my time at the University of Aberdeen!
With their combined skill and expertise, the team behind RI Geotechnics would be delighted to assist with your upcoming projects.
If you would like to get your project going in the Highlands and Islands, then please do contact us for a free, confidential discussion on what RI Geotechnics can do for you.