Bernard graduated from Cambridge University in 2010 with a degree in Engineering, specialising in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering. During his time at Cambridge he was sponsored by Skanska UK, gaining experience on both highways and rail sites.
After graduation he joined Arup in the Advanced Technology and Research team, working both in the design office on a wide variety of specialist technical problems, overseeing work on site as a Resident Engineer seconded to Kier construction and assessing existing structures across a wide range of the built environment.
During his time at Arup, Bernard provided technical advice for old and new structures in masonry, timber, concrete and steel under a variety of situations including new build, refurbishment and repair. He carried out structural assessments and designed modifications of existing structures ranging from Victorian railway buildings to garment factories in Bangladesh following the Rana Plaza disaster, advising in particular on testing and investigations to poor quality concrete. He also worked on a number of projects where structural vibration was a critical issue, including low-vibration laboratory design and assessment, analysis of vibrating industrial structures and equipment and the design of vibration-isolated rail.
Bernard joined Hawkins in 2016 as a member of the expanding civil engineering capability of the company.
