What do you do?
I am a Civil Engineer working in the Municipal Infrastructure group in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Typical work includes design of utilities (both wet and dry), local roads, site grading and master planning. In Canada, we do not have a separate supervision group so I also perform construction services reviewing construction activities and addressing contractor questions.
Where are you originally from?
I am originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
How long have you been with WSP and in the region?
I have been with WSP for 3.5 years. All time has been spent in Victoria.
What got you into engineering?
I have always enjoyed the idea of being involved with challenging projects that will be around long after I am, while producing something beneficial to society. My father is also an engineer.
What has been your best accomplishment at work?
Being awarded this global exchange position has been one of my best accomplishments to date. Beyond this, I have had the opportunity to work on some great LEED projects and projects emphasizing storm-water management and sustainability. One of my biggest accomplishments was my involvement with the design and construction of a large storm-water detention facility below a multi-building residential development coupled with a two-storey below-grade parkade. The difficult site conditions presented numerous challenges for both design and construction.
What are you most passionate about?
Aside from engineering, I am passionate about photography, hockey (although I no longer play) and travelling.
What is it you do outside of work that you feel most proud of?
I feel most proud my family, although I do not have children of my own, I am an uncle to 11 nieces and nephews.
What do you think makes WSP a great place to work?
I believe the network of individuals around the world is what makes WSP great. The growing desire to foster collaboration worldwide is prevalent and I feel it results in diverse opportunities and a professional support group capable of undertaking some of the largest challenges facing the world today.
What has been your favorite experience at WSP in the Middle East so far?
My favorite experience to date has been our site visit to the Royal Atlantis construction site on the Palm Jumeirah. We do not get to see projects of that scale in the small city I am from in Canada, so that was a completely new experience and one that I will not forget.
What is your biggest takeaway from your time working in the Middle East office?
I will take away the relationships and contacts I have made while being in the Middle East. Having met a number of people here in person and seeing the day-to-day activities of new offices, makes the company feel a lot more personable than it felt before. My time here has provided a sense of comfort in reaching out to WSP colleagues in other offices for future collaboration whether I have met them previously or not.
