This year's IWIED theme is #EngineeringIntelligence. How do you think you show #EngineeringExcellence in your work?
I go towards engineering challenges by constructing approaches to collectively reduce the impact of the urban environment on society and the ecological system for the future. I have created sustainability frameworks and policies for four cities in Oman to generate change for risk informed sustainable development. I collaborate and support my colleagues by strategising day to day challenges of how we generate positive change to make an impact.
So much has changed in the 50 years since Cundall was founded. What changes would you like to see in the next 50 years, and how do you think we'll get there?
Engineering narrative is a part of the cross sectoral response to providing solutions to climate adaption, societal resilience and making better decisions that deliver value and values not more insurance and operational costs. Cundall represents engineers who are passionate people, and has to keep demonstrating this knowledge and practice, I would like to see more listening, teamwork and vocalising what we represent but with more analytical evidence.
What’s a myth about your role that you’d love to bust?
There are two: sustainability equals carbon, the other, i don't do engineering. Sustainability is actually about the social-ecological system, and my engineering skillset is entrenched in how i approach, consider and analyse a problem (which incorporates how to reduce impact of multiple factors all at once)! However, when taking this step, you have to let detailed knowledge go and let technical specialists lead you.
What’s one experience or milestone in your career that shaped who you are today?
Consecutively winning the Young Structural Engineers International design competition in 2002 and 2005, the result kept me in engineering because when i thought i couldn't do things (that an experienced engineer can), it gave me courage that i could, because i won. I went on to a read a Masters in Renewable Energy with Architecture, sit my chartership exam, do a PhD, become a Fellow and be a vice-president of IStructE.