Breaking barriers in the Built Environment

Helen Armitage

Graduate: MSc Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management
Year: 2010

Building a career with purpose

A graduate of LJMU’s MSc Quantity Surveying programme, Helen is now Divisional Director at international consultancy Drees & Sommer, where she leads a team delivering affordable housing projects across the North West.

Learning by doing

Her passion for the built environment was shaped during her time at Liverpool John Moores University, where the course’s practical focus and industry connections helped lay a strong foundation for her career. Studying while working part-time as a trainee, Helen was able to apply academic knowledge in real-world settings—an experience she credits with building her confidence and capability.

LJMU gave me a really strong academic foundation. It was a really good springboard into the industry

Standing out, not stepping back

Alongside her achievements, Helen is open about some of the challenges she’s faced. Taking maternity leave with both of her children temporarily affected her career progression, but she’s clear that it didn’t prevent her from advancing and thriving in her field.

Being a woman has never hindered my progression in the industry. If anything, it has helped me stand out.

Why representation matters

Representation has played a key role in Helen’s journey. She believes in the importance of students being able to see people who reflect their own identities in senior and visible roles—whether that’s through lecturers, mentors, or professionals in industry.

“I think it’s really important for young women looking to work in construction to be able to see somebody who represents them. So whether that's a lecturer or a guest speaker or somebody in industry that they can say, ‘Well, I could do that job,’ I think it's really important to be able to see that.”

The LJMU difference

At LJMU, we’re proud to support students who go on to lead, innovate, and challenge expectations. Our Civil Engineering and Built Environment programmes offer the knowledge, practical experience, and confidence-building environment needed to thrive in a competitive field.

Helen’s story is one of many showing how a strong start, meaningful support, and determination can lead to great things.

Thinking of a career in construction? Explore our Built Environment programmes: ljmu.ac.uk/built-environment
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