Neil Hitchen
About Neil Hitchen
Neil Hitchen is an Associate Director at Arup, leading the fire engineering team in the West region of the UK and managing daily operations of the UK fire practice.
Company
Neil Hitchen is an Associate Director at Arup, based in Bristol, England. He has been with the company since 2006, holding various positions including Senior Fire Engineer and Fire Safety Engineer, reflecting his extensive tenure and expertise within the organization. Arup is a multinational professional services firm focused on providing engineering, design, and consulting services to a range of industries.
Title
Neil Hitchen holds the title of Associate Director at Arup. In this role, he is responsible for leading the fire engineering team in the West region of England, covering both the South West of England and South Wales. He is also a key part of the management team overseeing the daily operations of the UK fire practice, which includes more than 75 engineers.
Education and Expertise
Neil Hitchen has an MEng in Civil Engineering with Construction Management from The University of Edinburgh, which he attained after five years of study from 2001 to 2006. His educational background provided a solid foundation for his career in fire engineering and safety. Additionally, he attended Montrose Academy, marking the beginning of his academic journey.
Professional Background
Neil Hitchen's professional journey at Arup began in 2006 as a Fire Safety Design Engineer in London, where he served for three years. He then transitioned to the role of Fire Engineer in Sydney, Australia, followed by Senior Fire Engineer. By 2011, he had become a prominent figure within Arup's fire engineering discipline. In 2016, he became an Associate, and later in 2021, an Associate Director in Bristol, England, highlighting his steady career progression.
Total Fire Engineering Philosophy
Neil Hitchen is a staunch advocate for the Total Fire Engineering philosophy developed by Arup. This approach integrates various aspects of fire safety to create comprehensive solutions that address fire risks at all levels. His leadership in the West region and his role in the UK fire practice management emphasize his commitment to this holistic approach, aiming for advanced fire safety measures and innovative engineering solutions.