As part of our Meet the Expert series at Phenna Group, we're proud to introduce Joseph Slattery, Technical Director at CGL. With a passion for geotechnical innovation and a deep-rooted commitment to quality engineering, Joseph shares insights into his journey, expertise, and the future of ground engineering.
Introduction
Tell us about your background and how you entered the industry.
Originally from Galway, I studied Civil Engineering before completing a Master's in Geotechnical and Structural Engineering at the University of Dundee. I started my career in London with a specialist contractor, working on major infrastructure projects like Crossrail and Heathrow Terminal 2. That hands-on exposure sparked my interest in geotechnical analysis and design, which led me to join CGL in 2012 as a Geotechnical Engineer, and I've been here ever since.
What does your current role at CGL involve?
As Technical Director, I lead complex analysis and design projects across the UK and Ireland. I oversee technical delivery, support project teams, mentor engineers, and ensure our solutions are practical, high-quality, and value-engineered. I also manage our Dublin office and provide technical oversight across our wider operations, with a focus on geotechnical design, temporary works, and ground movement assessments.
What inspired your career in geotechnics?
My interest was sparked early on, growing up on a farm and working on construction sites during school holidays helped me connect with the land and industry. Geotechnics appealed to me for its problem-solving nature and real-world impact, especially in complex urban environments. That fascination has evolved into a commitment to innovation, mentoring, and technical excellence.
Technical Expertise and Industry Insights
What's your main area of expertise, and why does it matter?
My expertise lies in geotechnical design, with specialisation in foundations, deep excavations, temporary works, ground movement, and soil-structure interaction modelling. These skills are critical across sectors like infrastructure, residential, and energy, particularly where ground conditions are complex. Our work reduces risk, improves buildability, and ensures safe and efficient project delivery.
Are there any innovations or challenges you're excited about?
Absolutely. I'm particularly focused on foundation reuse and advanced temporary works, which offer big sustainability and cost advantages. Systems like buttress piles are improving buildability in deep basements, while the integration of soil-structure interaction modelling with real-time monitoring is enhancing how we manage risk during construction. These developments are pushing our industry toward more innovative, more sustainable practices.
Can you share a recent project that reflects your team's strengths?
One standout project involves supporting a contractor on the upgrade of water treatment infrastructure in southeast Ireland. We provided analysis and design for temporary works like cofferdams and caissons, tailored to varying ground conditions and build constraints. Our team delivered practical sequencing and methodologies that aligned with permanent works requirements, showcasing our technical and collaborative strengths.
About CGL
What does CGL do?
CGL is a geotechnical consultancy working across the UK and Ireland. We specialise in complex, ground-related challenges and offer services like site investigations, advanced design, impact assessments, groundwater modelling, and construction sequencing. Our focus is delivering safe, cost-effective, and technically sound solutions.
What sectors do you typically serve?
We work across a wide range of sectors, including commercial, residential, rail, road, utilities, and renewables. Our flexibility and technical depth allow us to handle both standard and highly specialised projects.
What sets CGL apart in the TICC space?
Our integrated approach is key. We combine investigation, analysis, and design under one roof. This allows seamless project delivery and better risk management. We also have access to specialist expertise within our group, which strengthens our service. Our reputation for innovation, client trust, and award-winning projects truly sets us apart.
Collaboration and Integration
How does being part of the Phenna Group benefit your clients and team?
It enhances our ability to offer multidisciplinary solutions by tapping into the wider network. Whether it's lab testing, structural assessments, or specialist investigations, we can deliver more efficiently and comprehensively by working with other group companies.
Have you collaborated with other Phenna Group businesses?
Yes, we've worked with CTS, In Situ, and Concept on structural and geotechnical testing, as well as large-scale investigations. These partnerships help us deliver more complete and coordinated services.
How does the group approach enhance your offering?
We retain our specialist focus but gain access to a broader ecosystem of services, from ecology to site testing. This boosts our innovation, improves project outcomes, and supports the professional development of our team. It's a win-win for clients and staff alike.
Looking Ahead
What trends are shaping the future of your field?
Digital transformation is huge. AI, remote sensing, and satellite monitoring are revolutionising predictive modelling and risk management. There's also a substantial shift toward sustainable construction, such as foundation reuse and low-impact methods. These changes are reshaping how we work.
What excites you about the future?
I'm excited to keep pushing the boundaries of geotechnical design, especially in areas like advanced modelling, buildability solutions, and smart construction sequencing. CGL is growing its influence and technical reputation, and being part of Phenna gives us access to even greater opportunities, collaborations, and resources.
Personal Insight
What do you enjoy most about your work?
The variety and challenge. Every day brings something new, whether it's solving complex technical problems or collaborating with clients and colleagues. Delivering high-quality solutions and seeing the impact on real projects is extremely rewarding.
Any hobbies or passions outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with my young family, getting outdoors, playing sports, and building Lego with the kids. I've also recently gotten back into fishing and chess, which are both great ways to unwind and challenge myself.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself that not many people know?
Not many may be aware that I was born in America and spent the first few years of my life there before my parents, who had immigrated there in the mid-80s, moved back to Ireland to a tiny mountainous village in Derrybrien, Galway. This inconspicuous village was put on the map some years later when a huge landslide occurred upgradient of the village, triggered by the construction of one of Ireland's largest windfarms at the time. This is something that fascinated me then, and I hiked the area many times. However, the social and environmental impacts were devastating to the local area, and it is undoubtedly an event that contributed greatly to my interest and passion for Geotechnical Engineering.
Joseph's journey reflects the evolving and essential role of geotechnical engineering in modern construction. Joseph and the CGL team continue to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that make a real difference across sectors. We're proud to have experts like Joseph in our Phenna Group family, driving excellence through every project. Keep a lookout for future instalments of our Meet the Expert series.