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Staff Interview – Paul Lewis, Design Engineer

Date: 21st May 2019 | By: Recycle Direct

At Recycle Direct our staff is the heart and soul of the company. Our Design Engineer, Paul Lewis brings years of experience in technical drawing and computer-aided design.

Paul has been with the company for 3 years honing his eye for technical drawings and recreating recycling machinery from the ground up.


What made you choose the engineering industry as a career?

On the contrary, the Engineering industry chose me, started my career back in 1987 and its certainly been an interesting journey. In a past life, I’ve worked in different industries, from automotive to fire safety, and marine to flood alleviation. It’s been quite a mixed bag.

What’s your biggest achievement in life, whether it’s professional or personal?

On a personal note being present at the birth of my two daughters was a moment to treasure. Achievements are gained from hard work and following your dreams, the journey is still continuing. On a trivial note, I have also run three marathons and aiming for a fourth if I can get back to fitness. Never say never.

Your greatest influence, who inspires you?

I would say the people who inspire and influence me the most are creative people, such as makers, artists, craft persons, and architects these individuals all possess unique talent to do their thing. There are many famous people that I could name drop and who get the deserved recognition but sometimes it’s the unsung heroes that give me the greatest inspiration. If I had to pick two, I would say Salvador Dalí and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Fondest memory of Recycle Direct?

A business trip to the United States and stopping off at New York for two days was an amazing experience. We’re a close-knit hard-working office and get plenty of opportunities to let our hair down with various evenings out at rugby matches, or Award Ceremonies, which always end up being memorable.

What do you do to pass the time, any favourite books, films or activities?

I have an eclectic taste in music which I enjoy listening too. I sing in a mixed Choir and last year we recorded a charity single for Ty Hafan children’s hospice. I keep fit by running, gardening, walking and doing yoga.

You have the ability to spend 24 hours anywhere in the world, past or present, where would you go?

Amazon Rain Forest, back in its hay day, to get a proper glimpse of what we’ve lost over time.