Your inspiration to pursue engineering and the drive behind choosing structural consulting.
The credit goes to my mother and elder brother, a steel design expert, whose guidance shaped my journey from school to becoming a professional engineer. Inspired by their support, I chose structural engineering as a way to serve humanity by designing houses, apartments and buildings that shape lives. and apartments and that’s particularly why I opted for structural engineering.
Highlight key milestones from your journey as a student to becoming an accomplished professional.
From the start of my life, my journey was shaped by the influences of a few key personalities. During my school years, my mind was a blank slate. Later, when I moved to Dubai — pushed by my mother despite my homesickness — I was fortunate to secure a position in a prominent local Arabic company. Over 20 years, I delivered nearly 2,000 projects, including tall and supertall buildings like the 415 m Princess Tower, recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2012 as the world’s tallest residential building.
As a structural consultant today, I face significant challenges. In India, unlike in Europe or America, there is a prevalent tendency to work in silos. Collaboration is rare — we seldom interact with architects, colleagues, or clients. To address this, it’s essential to step out of these silos, engage with architects and clients, and understand their perspectives. Structural engineers must grasp architectural intent, constructability, and material behaviour, including how materials perform, fail, and are repaired.
How do you view the evolution of steel structures in India, especially with the growing use of rolled sections?
Structural steel often becomes the go-to solution when concrete falls short, particularly in specific scenarios. For instance, in tall buildings reaching 300 m – 400 m, architectural elements or intricate shapes are best achieved with structural steel. Similarly, large domes and long spans require steel due to concrete’s susceptibility to creep and shrinkage over time, making it less suitable. Additionally, when speed is a priority, structural steel outperforms concrete, enabling project timelines to be reduced by up to 40 per cent with efficient usage.
If you could introduce one transformative change to construction?
Structural steel is one of the most effective and efficient materials for constructing tall buildings. Historically, from the 1930s to the late 1990s, structural steel dominated high-rise construction, with concrete only emerging as a viable alternative in the 2000s, as seen in projects like the Burj Khalifa. Steel remains the optimal choice for its speed and ease of construction. However, beyond 600 m, steel was the only solution to reach its full height of 825 m. Steel remains the preferred choice for its speed and ease of construction.
In India, such challenges persist due to a lack of skilled labour and awareness about structural steel. Initiatives like SSMB’s knowledge-sharing platforms are crucial in educating clients, architects, contractors, and labourers. By organising training programs on welding, cutting, and maintaining structural steel, this bridge can be eradicated and it will also foster a shift toward its wider adoption, driving a small but impactful revolution in construction practices.
Describe how steel has shaped your career and design approach.
Structural steel became my focus thanks to British Steel, which offered free lectures, shared experiences, and provided resources like books, soft wares, codes and guidelines. In India, construction was predominantly concrete-based, but my perspective shifted when I moved to Dubai. There, the need for big spans and rapid construction made structural steel the ideal solution, marking a significant turning point in my journey.
Your favourite steel project so far and what makes it so special?
My notable structural steel projects include the Princess Tower, a 415 m tall composite structure that presented challenges in constructability and speed. In India, the ongoing ISKCON Temple project features a 70 m high dome constructed entirely of structural steel and is currently under construction in Kokapet, Hyderabad.
An international steel project that inspires with its structural brilliance, and what about it stands out?
Fazlur Rahman Khan, often referred to as the ‘father of structural engineering,’ is a name synonymous with structural steel innovation. Although he later became associated with Bangladesh, his early roots were in pre-partition India, making him a source of pride for the region. He revolutionised structural design with concepts like the tube-in-tube concept, famously implemented in iconic structures like the Sears Tower. This tower, a beacon of engineering brilliance, inspires countless visitors to America, a testament to Khan’s enduring legacy.
How do you stay ahead in an industry driven by innovation and technology?
Innovation is the key to growth and leadership. To lead and grow, it’s essential to share knowledge and actively listen to others. Sharing skills sparks industry-wide revolutions while listening fosters continuous learning. Young engineers often ask questions that challenge me to revisit textbooks, keeping the learning cycle alive. This exchange of knowledge drives innovation, and without innovation — be it through new materials or modifications — progress is impossible.
How do you collaborate with architects, fabricators, and contractors to bring designs to life?
Collaboration is the cornerstone of success in the construction industry. Building projects are a collective effort, not the work of one individual. Success requires stepping into the shoes of every stakeholder to address issues, optimise processes, and understand all aspects, from design to services. By fostering teamwork, sharing knowledge, and exchanging ideas, quality and innovation can thrive, driving the industry forward.
What advice do you have for young engineers aiming to excel in structural engineering?
Young engineers today are highly skilled with computers, but I always remind them: ‘garbage in, garbage out.’ It’s crucial to stick to the basics; go back to your textbooks and follow the codes, guidelines and handbooks. Without mastering the fundamentals, engineering becomes unreliable. I advise young engineers to validate their work with manual calculations to prove their competence.
Highlight the factors driving greater steel adoption in the West/Middle East and Europe compared to India.
It’s due to factors like availability, labour, and understanding of structural steel. In regions like the Middle East and Europe, steel is more widely recognised and utilised. Efforts like SSMB are crucial in educating both authorities and contractors about the importance of structural steel in India.
Educating the clients, developers, architects and contractors is key to enhancing steel’s adaptation. Additionally, visiting universities, conducting knowledge-sharing sessions, offering lectures in colleges, and providing field training for labourers will help bridge the knowledge gap and foster greater acceptance of steel as a viable construction material.
Quick Fire:
Your College: Osmania University, Hyderabad
Years of Experience: 35+ years
Your Mentor/idol: Khalid Hashmi, Wali Quadri & Prof Murali Krishna
Your mantra for success: Serve humanity, share knowledge, and learn through experiences
You want to be remembered as: A person dedicated to serving humanity
Steel Projects you are currently working on:
– Marriott Hotel, Hyderabad
– ISKCON Temple, Hyderabad
– Ultra Luxury Residential Apartments, Mumbai
– Mixed-use development, Mumbai
