Faces Behind the Designs

???????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ???????????? – ???????????????? ????????????

In the bustling landscape of modern engineering, few figures stand as tall as the seasoned veterans who have weathered decades of innovation and challenge. Today, we delve into the remarkable journey of one such luminary, a senior engineer whose expertise spans not just the technical realms of construction but also the vibrant tapestry of personal passions and interests that enrich their life. Join us as we unravel the tale of experience, knowledge, and the intricate blend of professional dedication and personal fulfillment.

What inspired you to pursue this field, and how has your career unfolded over the years?

I am from the Boomer generation, so for me, at a certain age, a color TV was a novelty. I still remember the good old 64?? ??????????????????, ?????????? ?????? ?????????????? ??????????????????, and the ???????????????? ??????????????????, the long-forgotten web browser. That said, in the formative years, information was much more difficult to obtain; you were reliant on your bookstore, library, and the good advice from your teachers, friends, and parents. I was always inclined towards technical studies, and Civil Engineering somehow felt natural for me at that time.

My career path led me firstly through the Marine and Inland Waterways design with the then-Yugoslavia based company (I am from Serbia now; some countries unfortunately come and go) with an international reputation, so I worked with them on several marine projects. Later, I started my international adventures, which led me through Libya, Kuwait, and now Oman. Gradually, I was inclined towards the Project Management path, but always looking to keep a firm technical skill base by working for contractors and consultants in various capacities and fields.

In your extensive experience, what are some of the most memorable projects you've worked on, and what challenges did you face?

During my career, I always fondly remember working on large-sized marine projects such as Harbors in Tripoli and Misurata in Libya. These projects gave me a unique blend of international experience, working (and leading) the site technical offices. These projects contained all kinds of structures, such as marine structures (breakwaters, quay walls, marine ship-lifts, etc.), extensive road and infrastructure networks, and all kinds of building structures. For that kind of project, you are involved in the design stage adjustments for the site conditions and solving numerous challenges arising from the construction methodologies and site expectations.

Given the rapid evolution of construction technology, how do you stay updated and adapt your expertise to incorporate these advancements into your work?

Now, the tasks are different since they incorporate interdisciplinary interaction and coordination, so it requires a certain level of understanding of inputs, outputs, systems, and interconnections in the design stage of all disciplines. It is challenging and requires a lot of research, learning from colleagues, and looking into available designs to understand the core principles. This allows you to grasp the integration of various facets that make up modern design. On top of that, there are ??????, ?????????????? ????????, and other methodologies which push the demands for self-development even higher. I would say that you need to stay open-minded and try not to dwell in the “???????? ?????? ??????????” – although perhaps I am boring my younger colleagues with that kind of reminiscence from time to time (???????...).

Beyond the technical aspects, what personal qualities do you believe are crucial for success in the engineering field?

Since the question is related to engineering, I would avoid qualities that are essential for every fruitful team collaboration, such as personal integrity, honesty, communication, and social skills. For an engineer, it is essential to always make decisions through the understanding of the underlying fundamental principles. It is said that it is the most difficult thing to have sound engineering judgment. Codes are always there to give the technical framework, but it is essential to understand the purpose and intention of each clause in the codes.

Outside of work, what are some of your interests or hobbies that you find particularly enriching?

I would say that I am a nerd and a geek, so I read a lot, but I have a special soft spot for Sci-Fi, Epic Fantasy, and computer games. There is also a passion for traveling, so I enjoy visiting different countries and cultures with my wife, my life companion, and soulmate.

Looking back on your career, what advice would you offer to aspiring engineers who are just starting out on their journey?

I would like them to follow their natural inclinations towards the field in which they would like to grow, but I would always advise starting with the design. You can continue with that path, but if you missed it in the beginning, you are missing the steppingstone for all future personal development. You need to be familiar with the designer’s mindset and the challenges that the “?????????? ??????????” in front of you means to be filled with something that is technically doable and cost-effective. Also, as a designer, it is paramount to understand the expected range of results that computer programs give, since there must always be an awareness of the limitations of any modeling. Speaking as a ???????????????????? ????????????????, you must understand the expected structural behavior of the structures you are modeling and how it translates into the approximation of reality that every model is. I believe this is applicable for every technical field.

One of my older colleagues long ago told me that the natural way for engineering growth is:

We are starting with ?? “How to calculate something?”

The next phase ??“How are we building it?

The final phase ?? “Why are we building it, and can we improve it?”

Perhaps this captures the essence of the engineer’s mind.

As our conversation draws to a close, it's evident that the realm of engineering extends far beyond the confines of blueprints and calculations. It's a realm where experience and expertise merge with personal passions and pursuits, creating a mosaic of inspiration and innovation. Through the experience of Slobodan, we catch a glimpse of this intricate tapestry, reminding us that in the world of engineering, both the professional and the personal play pivotal roles in shaping not just structures but lives.