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The Karsons Consulting team recently hosted our annual teamship day at Watford Football Club, combining collaboration, creative thinking, and a shared appreciation for engineering in action.
We were lucky enough to have one of the best rooms in the stadium (normally reserved for the media) as our base for the day. From there, we spent the morning in team-building activities that tested our ability to think strategically, communicate clearly, and problem-solve together — all the qualities that make our projects run smoothly.
Our version of The Apprentice challenged us to develop and pitch creative ideas as small groups. Each scenario tested how we work together, adapt under time pressure, and play to one another’s strengths.
These exercises may have been light-hearted, but they mirrored the same collaborative skills we use on various M&E consultancy projects; listening, supporting, and stepping into different roles when needed.
It was a chance for engineers, designers, and managers to view challenges from new perspectives, and to appreciate how strong teamwork translates directly into better project outcomes.
We also swapped role-play for real engineering with a behind-the-scenes tour of Watford Stadium’s mechanical and electrical systems, hosted by the club’s facilities team and the GO Sport Travel group.
For anyone passionate about building services engineering, this was a highlight. From the plant rooms and boiler plant to the energy systems that power the stadium, every element of infrastructure showcased what it takes to maintain performance and efficiency at scale.
Our MD, Hashil, reflected on the visit:
“When watching a professional football match, it’s easy to overlook the work that goes into maintaining a pitch to such a high standard. The groundsmen are among the best in the world. Not only was it an experience to see their equipment, but to see them in action was quite special.”
One of the most fascinating elements was the under-pitch heating system: an intricate network of pipes circulating warm water beneath the turf to keep the soil at an optimal temperature year-round. The boiler plant powering it is on the scale of a full commercial building, designed to deliver consistent energy performance with precise control.
We also saw the pitch irrigation system, complete with enormous water tanks and pressure-regulated distribution networks that replicate natural rainfall while conserving resources.
And for those of us focused on air systems, the AHU ductwork was a standout feature — vast, high-efficiency ducts maintaining airflow and temperature across thousands of seats and hospitality spaces. It’s a striking example of building performance engineering in action.
Though stadiums operate on a unique scale, the engineering principles are familiar. Working predominantly in commercial and residential sectors, we immediately recognised what’s “business critical” in this environment: the pitch, the players, and the hospitality experience.
In our own projects, the parallels are clear. Ensuring efficient HVAC systems, sustainable energy management, or seamless building operation, the focus remains the same: performance, reliability, and user comfort.
Beyond the engineering, our day at Watford FC reaffirmed the value of getting out of the office. Seeing how our team collaborates in new situations strengthens the trust, communication, and adaptability that define how we work.
Teamship days like this are a chance to reconnect, learn, and bring fresh energy back into our work. The insight we gained, both technically and personally, will stay with us long after matchday.
Our thanks to the GO Sport Travel team and the Watford FC facilities management staff for giving us such a memorable experience.
Karsons Consulting are members of the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers, The Association of Consultancy and Engineering, British Institute of Facilities Managers and the Building Services Research and Information Association.
