Introduction: In this segment, TALES – Talking About Life’s Engineering Saga we spotlight the journeys of structural engineers who have dedicated their lives to shaping India’s built environment. Their stories are not just about structures, but about mindset, mentorship, and material mastery. This month, we feature a veteran structural consultant with 40 years of experience, whose relationship with steel is as deep as it is dynamic.
What inspired you to take up engineering as a profession?
From an early age, I found myself mesmerised by the sheer scale and elegance of architectural marvels like long-span roofs, soaring stadia, sculptural bridges. There was something almost poetic about how materials came together to form space and shelter. The desire to one day creates these “fancy structures” myself led me toward structural engineering. It was not just about buildings, it was about solving real-world challenges with design, science, and creativity.
How would you describe your learning curve from a student to a senior engineer today?
My academic journey was a rewarding one. I was consistently among the top performers, driven by an innate curiosity and hunger to experiment. That drive has not waned as yet. Even after four decades in the profession, I continue to explore new materials, test unconventional solutions, and revisit fundamental principles with fresh eyes. Learning, I believe, never stops; it just evolves.
“Even after 40 years, I still treat every project like a new puzzle to solve.”
What challenges do you continue to face as a structural consultant in India?
Time is the biggest constraint. Clients today expect cutting-edge solutions delivered at lightning speed, often without a full understanding of the problem’s complexity. The most pressing challenge is managing expectations while safeguarding structural integrity. Revisions midway through design without adequate timelines can compromise quality. As consultants, we need space to think, analyse, and refine, and unfortunately, that space is shrinking.
Highlight:
Rework due to evolving project briefs is a major bottleneck that is often underestimated by clients.
What is the future adoption and potential of rolled sections in Indian construction?
I firmly believe in what the stalwarts of our industry have been predicting that steel is poised to dominate the future of construction in India. Rolled sections, along with other formats, will witness an exponential rise in usage, especially as architects and engineers begin to explore more innovative structural forms. The future is modular, and steel, with its strength, adaptability, and versatility is tailor-made for it.
“Steel will not just rule, it will revolutionise the way we build.”
What methods or concepts would you change in India’s construction practices?
One of the biggest shifts I would like to see is greater standardisation and adoption of modular construction methodologies. Our industry still lags when it comes to embracing prefabricated systems, despite their proven benefits in terms of cost, speed, and sustainability. Steel lends itself beautifully to this approach and if integrated at scale, it can redefine how India builds.
How would you describe your relationship with steel and other materials so far?
I have always been an ardent fan of steel. Steel’s high strength-to-weight ratio, design flexibility, and capacity to support large spans with minimal sections make it a material of choice in many of my projects. Over the years, I have experimented with a variety of materials, but I keep coming back to steel for its sheer elegance and engineering potential.
Which is your most memorable work in steel so far?
Designing the “Billion Impressions” sculpture in Ranchi, Jharkhand, an international award-winning structure as part of a Tata Steel competition remains one of my proudest achievements. At first glance, it is a simple, sleek structure. But the complexity lay in generating precise shop drawings and executing them to perfection. It was a challenge my team took head-on, and the result was not only structurally sound but also artistically satisfying.
Recent Steel Projects by Suneel Voditel:
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Are there any international projects that have inspired you deeply?
The Empire State Building in New York continues to amaze me. Completed in just 13 months back in 1931 with over 57,000 MT of steel and that too without the computational tools we take for granted today. It is a timeless lesson in structural ingenuity, planning, and execution.
How do you stay updated with the rapidly changing industry landscape?
It is a mix of self-driven learning and community engagement. I frequently read technical articles online, explore the latest updates in design software, attend seminars and conferences, and engage in thought-provoking discussions with fellow consultants. Staying current is not just necessary, but it is invigorating.
| Why It Matters?
Structural engineering is not just about numbers, load calculations, or beams and bolts. It is about vision, the ability to turn abstract lines into living, breathing spaces. The story of this veteran consultant is one of passion, precision, and persistence. For young professionals in steel construction and engineering, his tale underscores the importance of integrity in design, the need for continuous learning, and the endless possibilities steel brings to India’s construction future. |
