Meet the Team: David Rushton
The team at AqualisBraemar LOC shares the passion, vision and values for working in energy and the world’s oceans, de-risking and driving the energy transition. We are driven by the idea that the best work is born from professionalism, diligence… and fun. You know AqualisBraemar LOC, but do you know our team?
David Rushton, Director – Soil | East Point Geo
What do you do at East Point Geo?
As one of the three directors of East Point Geo, my role focuses on the geotechnical or ‘soil’ elements of our geoscience consultancy, to complement the terrain and subsurface expertise brought by my co-directors.
A large part of my work focuses on site characterisation and the development of ground models to support offshore developments which include renewables projects, oil and gas structures, cables and pipelines.
In addition, a lot of my work involves the use of GIS (geographic information system) software to incorporate spatial intelligence in the analysis work that we do. I use GIS as a data management tool to host and visualise the large quantities of ‘geo-data’ that are acquired for new developments, but I also use GIS as an analysis tool, especially for projects where spatially extensive geohazards such as submarine landslides are present, to efficiently assess the likelihood of interaction between the geohazards and the planned infrastructure during its design life.
Overall, at East Point Geo we bring practical solutions to engineering problems through tailored interpretation and analysis of geo-data.
What excites you the most about our industry?
Our work mostly supports the energy industry, both offshore and onshore. This industry is constantly evolving, often quite rapidly, which provides real opportunities for change and innovation. Even looking back over my career in the industry so far, I can see many areas of change, from the equipment that is being developed, to the foundation concepts that are used, the methods by which offshore data are acquired and the techniques employed to analyse these data-sets. This all keeps the work very interesting for me!
What made you join East Point Geo?
I had always considered developing an independent consultancy business but had not yet come to terms with the prospect of working for myself. Then I was approached by my now-colleagues Andy and Tom, with whom I had worked through a mutual client when I was at my previous company, and who were setting up East Point Geo and looking for someone with a geotechnical background to join them.
The opportunity seemed just right and came at a point in my career when I was considering my next move. It didn’t take long for me to make the decision and I am very glad I joined the team.
What do you do when you are not working?
My working week is mostly spent at a computer undertaking and then documenting analysis and interpretation in PDF reports, and so there is often nothing physical or ‘material’ that immediately arises from my work. To counteract this, I usually have a range of more hands-on projects on the go at home, which includes plenty of time spent in my garage working on classic car restorations. I like keeping active, mostly on my mountain bike and road bike, but I also try and find time for some kayaking on the nearby Thames as well. I try to follow a few sports on television, mostly motorsport and rugby if time permits.