This edition's Member Spotlight Q&A features Andras Vermes-Gabos, principal structural engineer at Mott MacDonald in the United Kingdom.
When did you first know you wanted to be an engineer?
From about the age of 4-5 I was dreaming of constructing and building things though the final decision to become a civil engineer came at the age of 17.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
I cannot recall any specific advice which would have formed my life or career, however, I read/listened to lectures from which I concluded some governing rules or attitudes, such as: KISS (keep it stupid simple); attention to detail; attention to fundamentals; manage by agreement.
What are your top two career highlights?
Managing and bringing together the Bridge Management System for Rail Infrastructure Corporation in Sydney between 2002 and 2006. Working on the Moorgate Station design for Crossrail; streamlining the design to fit construction requirements and seeing the shaft being constructed.
How does being Chartered assist in your career?
Chartered status provides better job prospects, builds the engineering community, and pushes me to continue my CPD.
What advice do you have for graduate engineers?
Follow your heart in selecting areas of work, and try to do what you are interested in. Put effort into what you do - don’t do a half-hearted job. It's very important to make sure you perfectly understand the basics applicable to your selected field; for structural/civil designers this includes geometry, arithmetic, structural analysis and basic section/member design. Develop your conceptual design skills, and “back of the envelope“ designs. Always consider alternatives, and then select the most promising one(s).
How has the profession changed over your career?
Enormously. Basic design skills have been devalued, computer skills are something you now cannot be without, and knowledge requirements have diversified several times over.
Who (living or dead) would you like to sit next to on a plane and why?
1) Tesla
2) Leonardo da Vinci - I admire his wide scope and ingenuity. WIt would be a buzz to talk to him.
What was the most recent thing you have done to promote the profession of engineering?
I recently participated in a membership drive.
What would you like to ask the next person who will be featured on Q&A?
What was the job or project you have participated in that has made the largest impact on engineering knowledge or society in general?