30 years within Engineering: Antonios speaks on his journey so far and the Evolution of Higher Education Spaces
For our Director, Antonios Agapakis, his decision to pursue a career within the Building Sector wasn’t born out of chance but sparked by a passion rooted in creativity and the joy of bringing bold ideas to life.
With over 30 years of experience under his belt, including 17 years at CPW, his journey has been defined by adaptability, collaboration, and a drive to push the boundaries of building services design. This dedication has not only shaped his career but also positioned him as a trusted expert in delivering cutting-edge, sustainable solutions for multimillion pound projects across the country.
A Global Perspective
Antonios’ career journey began in the coastal sun-drenched towns of Greece, where he made the tough decision to leave his home country behind, to pursue new opportunities abroad, after completing his Undergraduate Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Master’s in Building Services Engineering.
“Building design has always been a passion, so it was an obvious choice to study it at college and university. After my studies in the UK, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to work on meaningful, complex projects alongside diverse multidisciplinary teams. I was eager to contribute to creating better built environments with a strong focus on energy efficiency and sustainability. I knew I wanted to apply my knowledge and broaden my experience by tackling real-world problems, but I also knew that I would need to step outside my comfort zone. My first challenge was to leave my home and the comfort and security of my family, and my job at the time, so that I could realise my long-term aspirations.
“Moving to the UK wasn’t easy. The early days were tough, but I kept my focus on the bigger picture. It was meant to be short-term, but here I am, 30 years later, leading a business, leading a team and delivering multimillion pound projects throughout the UK.”
From a young age, Antonios was drawn to fixing things and understanding how they worked, with mathematical and methodical thinking coming naturally. A career in engineering within the built environment felt like the perfect fit, leading him to specialise in Building Services Design as a Mechanical Engineer. Developing his expertise in specialised MEP engineering, he thrives in a field where every project presents a new challenge. With international experience, he brings a unique and valuable perspective to his work.
“It’s the perfect blend of creativity with precision - every design impacts how a space functions. Each building is unique, with its own set of demands. It’s exciting to adapt, evolve, and create something meaningful—that will hopefully stand the test of time.
“In Greece, as you can imagine, building services are completely different due to the climate,” he explains. “The cooling demand is massive there, whereas in the UK, heating and insulation take priority. So, having the opportunity to work within different environments with different climates, has been really useful within my career over the years.”
A Specialist within Higher Education Projects
Fast forward, 30 years later, and Antonios is now a Director at CPW, leading the business, our Birmingham City Centre Team and delivering multimillion pound projects throughout the UK.
While Antonios’ work spans multiple sectors, education holds a special place in his heart. Reflecting on his early career, he recalls working on schools as some of his first projects as an MEP engineer, where he honed his expertise in tools like thermal modelling and solar casting to optimise performance.
Over time, work naturally progressed to colleges and universities, with each field offering unique challenges. However, Higher Education (HE) in particular, is a field he resonates with most.
“I love the complexity of Higher Education (HE) projects. It’s very diverse, there are different departments and specialisms that have specific requirements—so, no two buildings are the same and that keeps things interesting as an engineer. It’s always fun working with the project team and coming up with design solutions for these types of projects. One day you’re designing a lab, the next it’s student accommodation or a sports centre—the variety is never-ending.”
In HE, the stakes are high. You’re not just designing for today, you’re future-proofing buildings to adapt to evolving educational needs, sustainability targets, and technological advancements. The goal is to create flexible, high-performing spaces that serve students and faculties for decades to come.”
Over the years, Antonios has led the design and implementation of innovational building services for award-winning Higher Education projects, such as Molecular Sciences for University of Birmingham, and James Cond for University College Birmingham—focusing on functionality, sustainability, and long-term adaptability.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
One of the biggest challenges MEP engineers face today is integrating modern systems into historically significant graded or listed buildings. By 2050, 80% of the UK's national building stock, which is currently the oldest in Europe, will still be in use. Cutting building emissions requires a strong focus on retrofitting to improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, preserve embodied carbon within existing structures, and enhance end-user comfort. This is especially true for Higher Education estates in the UK, where listed buildings present unique challenges—20% of the University of Oxford’s estate for example, holds listed status, requiring careful consideration from construction teams.
“A lot of the UK HE campuses are part of our history, they have graded or listed buildings - so, integrating cutting-edge systems into heritage buildings without compromising their character, can be a challenge but it’s also incredibly rewarding. It’s about honouring tradition and heritage – we want to keep the heart in buildings, not strip it.”
“When it comes to Higher Education (HE), it’s crucial to understand the culture of the institution you’re working with. There’s a delicate balance that’s needed that requires careful collaboration, and a deep understanding of each faculty’s culture. Every university is unique, so it’s important to grasp the identity of the faculty—what it wants to deliver to its students and how its culture can be imbedded into the building design, and that carries into services too. We work closely with stakeholders to ensure the designs align with their vision, values, and goals.”
For example, our work with University College Birmingham on the James Cond building involved the complete refurbishment of an iconic piece of the Jewellery Quarter, restoring the 5,700m² building to its former glory. Associate Director, Mark Gordon, and I, worked on the redevelopment along with the wider project team to transform the former Art Deco print works, into a sustainable, highly energy-efficient facility and now, it stands as a dedicated training hub for the next generation of engineers. A legacy that I’m really proud of.”
Emerging Trends
The built environment is evolving rapidly, and the Education Sector, particularly Higher Education, is at the forefront of these changes. As learning environments continue to adapt to the digital age and the rise of AI, the way lessons are being delivered is shifting. Each faculty strives to lead in innovation, to deliver the best education to their students, and the spaces in which students learn must reflect this ambition.
“The biggest shift we’re seeing right now is the growing focus on sustainability and digitalisation. Universities are increasingly embracing and adopting net-zero targets, so we’re designing systems that integrate renewable technologies like heat pumps, solar panels, and energy management systems.”
There’s also been a move towards more interactive and adaptable teaching spaces. Traditional lecture theatres are being replaced—or supplemented—with hybrid learning environments that support both in-person and online teaching. At the same time, buildings are becoming smarter, integrating IoT and AI technologies to optimise energy usage, monitor occupancy, and even improve the learning environment through better lighting and air quality. It’s an exciting time for MEP engineers.”
Reflecting on recent industry changes, Antonios adds, “Over the last decade, we’ve seen a clear shift. Clients want solutions that not only reduce carbon emissions but also deliver long-term cost savings. For instance, in a recent project, we implemented a combination of solar thermal systems, heat pumps, and smart controls to cut energy use by over 40%.”
As the industry continues to evolve, so too must engineers. “As a MEP engineer, you must grow with the times and be challenged—staying stagnant isn’t an option. We need to stay informed about the latest technologies, push innovation and design for the future. People may not always associate construction with creativity, but it plays a huge role. Creativity is crucial in adapting, evolving, and delivering the best possible outcomes.”
The Importance of Early Engagement
Everyone in construction knows that early engagement is key to project success. This is especially true for MEP engineers, where close collaboration with clients and architects from the outset is becoming increasingly vital.
“Every project is like a puzzle, with each member of the team being an integral piece,” he explains. “It’s important that we work together early on to find solutions—balancing design intent with technical feasibility—to ensure the final result is both functional and inspiring.”
One example of this was a university redevelopment project where CPW partnered with the design team to integrate high-tech energy systems into a strikingly modern campus extension. “The client wanted a building that made a statement while being highly sustainable. Through close collaboration, we achieved both.”
He encourages clients to think beyond traditional solutions and embrace innovation. “We’re constantly exploring new technologies, from advanced thermal modelling to AI-driven building management systems. Staying ahead of the curve ensures we deliver the best results.”
Whether designing a cutting-edge lab, upgrading a listed building, or creating sustainable solutions for a university campus, his work reflects a deep understanding of modern building services' challenges and opportunities.
“I try to keep the mindset I grew up with—the Greek way,” he laughs. “I don’t let things weigh too heavy on me, and I like to take a glass-half-full approach to life. I try to bring that same energy into my work as much as I can. It’s important to find joy in what you do and appreciate what you have—that’s why I’m so passionate.”
For him, relationships are at the heart of engineering. “I’m a big people person, and one of the things I love most about my work is the connections I’ve built along the way. I’ve been at CPW for 17 years and in construction for 30, so at this point, my peers feel like my extended family—we probably see each other more than our actual families! I’m fortunate to work with such a diverse range of people across numerous fields, many of whom, I’ve known for years through collaboration on various projects. Those relationships make the job even more rewarding.”
His advice for aspiring engineers? “Stay curious, stay flexible, and never stop learning. Engineering is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt is what sets great engineers apart.”
“MEP design is about creating spaces that improve lives,” he concludes. “When we deliver building services that are efficient, sustainable, and adaptable, we’re not just solving today’s problems, we’re building for the future.”
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