Ameet leads our residential sector across the UK&I, collaborating with teams in project management, cost management, engineering and sustainability to deliver a wide range of residential projects that truly make a difference. Working with our clients across a range of residential asset classes, including housing, strategic land, later living, student accommodation, open market, build to rent, co-living, affordable, social, urban regeneration and city centre high-rise towers, his focus is on creating places that are practical, sustainable and built to last.

With over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, Ameet has led major residential and regeneration projects from concept to completion. His leadership approach combines commercial understanding with a strong commitment to quality, teamwork and doing things the right way, values he sees as essential to shaping the future of housing delivery.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I grew up in a thriving region where development and opportunity were part of everyday life.  From an early age, I was fascinated by how cities grow and evolve. That curiosity was fuelled further through international travel — visiting New York, San Francisco and Hong Kong — and gave me firsthand insight into how ambitious construction and planning can transform communities. Those experiences inspired my ambition to be part of shaping the built environment.

Academically, I had strengths in both numbers and literature. This naturally led me toward quantity surveying, contracts and procurement, disciplines that blend structure, logic and communication. Over time, that evolved into a passion for project management and delivering complex, multidisciplinary projects that bring teams together to achieve shared goals.

I’ve always felt a strong connection to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the professionalism it represents. I take pride in upholding traditional values of accuracy, integrity and accountability. For me, success is as much about how we deliver projects as what we deliver.

What are the biggest issues currently facing the residential sector?

The residential sector continues to face a series of evolving pressures that affect both project viability and delivery.

Viability remains a key consideration, shaped by the cost of finance and rising labour, material and plant costs. Together, these influence scheme viability and investment confidence, particularly in higher-cost markets.

Planning processes also continue to extend project timelines, requiring early coordination and realistic programming to maintain momentum. In addition, the implementation of the Building Safety Act has introduced new stages and requirements that form an important part of ensuring safe design and construction. While essential for compliance, these processes, including updated design measures such as second staircases and Gateway 2 reviews, can add time to project programmes and require proactive management across all parties.

Another key factor is the skills shortage across the UK construction industry, which continues to impact delivery capacity. This has encouraged the sector to think more innovatively about how we design and build, exploring new methods to increase efficiency, consistency and quality. I have been involved in several projects adopting modern methods of construction, which not only help to address resource challenges but also drive improved sustainability outcomes and predictability in delivery. By constantly challenging design and embracing innovation, we can unlock real value for clients and create more resilient project models for the future.

Finally, sustainability continues to drive change. Clients and developers are setting ambitious goals around carbon reduction, circular economy principles and social value. Balancing these aspirations with cost and delivery pressures requires innovation, collaboration and strong technical leadership across every stage of development.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work on a range of projects that have brought lasting benefit to local communities, from housing and regeneration to specialist living and even the London 2012 Olympics, which has left a distinct legacy.

A particular area I’m passionate about is later living, having delivered several large retirement village developments designed to connect senior residents to their local communities through place, amenities and shared outdoor spaces. These projects provide environments where people can live independently while remaining active, engaged and connected to others, something that has a real social impact beyond the buildings themselves.

I’ve also been involved in several student accommodation campus and apartment build to rent projects, which have helped define a new generation of living. By integrating amenities such as music studios, cafés, shared lounges and landscaped public realm, these developments have created communities and enhanced the student and professional experience.

Most recently, I’ve worked on the Smithfield Birmingham masterplan with Lendlease, a landmark regeneration project at the heart of the city. Achieving planning consent for this major scheme was a significant milestone, paving the way to transform underused land into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood. With construction now progressing into the build-out phases, it’s exciting to see that vision becoming a reality.

Across all these projects, the unifying theme is collaboration, working with clients, local authorities and residents to deliver places that have a positive and enduring impact on people’s lives.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice to anyone in this industry is to stay engaged, open-minded and reflective. Every project, conversation or client interaction offers a chance to learn something new. Even the small moments can teach you how to communicate, adapt or solve problems more effectively.

Seek out hands-on experience early in your career. Spending time on site builds a real understanding of how projects are delivered and gives you confidence in your decision making.

Take every opportunity to gain early exposure and learn from senior professionals. Sit alongside partners and directors, observe how they think, lead and build relationships. Those lessons in judgement and communication are invaluable.

Take pride in your work, whatever the task may be. The quality of your outputs, from reports to presentations, reflects your professionalism. Always take a client-first approach, pausing to understand the world from their perspective.

Equally important is developing strong people skills. You’ll work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures, both locally and internationally. Being able to connect, communicate and collaborate effectively is at the heart of successful project delivery.

And above all, enjoy what you do. When you’re genuinely passionate about your work, that enthusiasm shines through in the outcomes you deliver and the teams you lead. Passion is what sustains a career in construction and what makes it so rewarding.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Ameet Singh Heir appeared first on Blog.

By immersing participants in United States Coast Guard operations through hands-on demonstrations and focused discussions, the program creates an unmatched opportunity to understand the Service’s 11 statutory missions and explore new ways to support them. For ArchTam, participating is both an honor and a responsibility: a chance to listen, learn, and apply decades of expertise to help the Coast Guard execute its mission with agility and confidence.

Immersive learning: Experiencing the United States Coast Guard mission up close

The Coast Guard Industry Academy is designed to embed industry leaders with the Coast Guard across multiple missions and locations. Through interactive sessions and site visits, participants gain firsthand insight into the Coast Guard’s operational challenges and priorities. Now on its fourth cohort, we have participated in the Industry Academy since the program’s inception, sending one representative annually.

Beth Kalapos, ArchTam vice president and federal program leader, who has managed DHS’s Nationwide A/E Services IDIQ for 20 years and led numerous Coast Guard projects, shared her perspective:

Each cohort experiences a series of visits to Coast Guard facilities across the country. During his participation in the third cohort, Nathan Carte, environmental scientist, traveled to multiple locations, including Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington DC, TRACEN Cape May, Coast Guard Yard, Station South Padre Island, Base San Juan, Base Kodiak in Alaska and Base Seattle. These visits offered a firsthand look at the Coast Guard’s diverse missions — from drug interdiction and ports, waterways, and coastal security to search and rescue and protection of living marine resources.

Brendan Grady, project manager and a participant in the Industry Academy’s second cohort, experienced that same mission diversity firsthand. From donning a Gumby suit and jumping into the water at Base Seattle, to observing a helicopter-based search and rescue exercise in Miami, to tactical water training aboard an 87-foot patrol boat, the program offered immersive exposure to the breadth of Coast Guard operations.

A gathering of industry leaders

A hallmark of the Industry Academy is the diverse mix of participating organizations. Leaders from technology, engineering and security sectors work side by side, sharing perspectives and identifying ways to support the Coast Guard more effectively.

Beth reflected on the value of these interactions:

Brendan echoed this sentiment, noting the unusually broad range of industries and people represented — from A/E firms and wireless technology providers to retired military personnel and even public relations professionals.

Looking ahead: Shared commitment to mission readiness

The Coast Guard Industry Academy is more than a training program. It is a forum for shared commitment, where industry partners learn directly from the Coast Guard and identify new ways to contribute meaningful solutions.

For our participants, it deepens our understanding of Coast Guard operations, strengthens relationships and supports our mission to help federal partners operate with confidence.

We are proud to stand with the Coast Guard and fellow partners, bringing the curiosity to learn and the capability to integrate solutions that strengthen security, resilience and mission success.

Header image photo credit: Nathan Carte

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For Natalie Brodie, archaeology has always been her path. What began as an early passion, evolved into a leadership role guiding cultural resources efforts across California. Her work is driven by a deep respect for the state’s heritage and a commitment to helping communities progress responsibly.

Tell us a bit about yourself — your role and career journey.

I joined ArchTam in 2020, bringing more than 24 years of consulting experience. Today, I serve as the Cultural Resources Lead for California, overseeing teams across both Northern and Southern California. Stepping into this leadership role has been especially rewarding, offering the chance to support others as they grow, succeed and shape meaningful careers.

My path to archaeology began early. I knew I wanted to be an archaeologist by the time I was 12, even if I didn’t yet know how to turn that passion into a profession. I started my undergraduate studies at University of California (UC) Santa Cruz as a biology major, but once I transitioned into applied anthropology and archaeology and transferred to UC San Diego (UCSD), everything fell into place.

A field school in San Diego County, sponsored by a local consulting firm and UCSD, provided hands‑on experience in excavation and data collection and led directly to my first job in the field. After spending about a decade as a field archaeologist, I earned my graduate degree in applied anthropology from San Diego State University, which supported my transition into project management and leadership roles. Discovering my place in this profession and growing into a role where I can lead and support teams statewide has been an exciting journey.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on was providing cultural resources compliance support following the debris removal efforts after the Los Angeles wildfires. I served as the Principal Investigator on the project. Our team was working seven days a week, coordinating archaeologists, architectural historians and construction crews as debris was removed from more than 12,000 home sites.

There were areas, particularly in the Palisades, with very high archaeological sensitivity due to thousands of years of human occupation. We documented previously recorded sites, gathered photographs and detailed notes, and collected as much information as we could under challenging conditions. While I didn’t meet most of the individual homeowners, knowing our work helped people take the next step in recovery was incredibly meaningful.

How does California’s unique culture and character influence your approach to your work?

California is a truly special place, environmentally, culturally and historically. The state’s rigorous regulations, particularly under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act), reflect a shared commitment to recognizing and protecting what makes these resources meaningful.

A large part of my role is education, helping clients understand which cultural resources are important and how we can protect them while still achieving project goals. That starts with understanding our clients’ priorities and the communities they serve, then working together to find solutions.

Sometimes that means design adjustments to minimize impacts. Other times, it means acknowledging when a significant resource requires a pause and a different approach. Either way, the goal is thoughtful, responsible progress.

Talk to us about a project that has been a highlight of your career.

One project that really stands out for me was an excavation in southern San Diego County near the border with Mexico at a known archaeological site. What made this project special was that it gave our team the chance to add something entirely new to the archaeological record, which doesn’t happen every day.

As part of additional surveys required by the county, we conducted protein residue analysis and uncovered evidence of freshwater fish, specifically trout, in an area that today is dry, rugged and not at all what you’d expect. There’s very little evidence of freshwater fish in San Diego County’s archaeological record, so this discovery helped fill in a missing piece of how people lived, what they ate, and how they adapted to their environment thousands of years ago.

Finding something that genuinely expands what we know about a region is incredibly exciting. It’s one of those moments where you realize cultural resources work isn’t just about compliance, it’s about discovery.

At the same time, I’m equally proud of the everyday infrastructure work we do for major clients like Caltrans, where cultural resources play a critical role in shaping projects that support the future. Initiatives like roadway improvements, wildlife corridors and broadband installation may seem routine, but they are essential to community progress. One example is the statewide Middle Mile Broadband Project with Caltrans, which is bringing high‑speed internet access to rural roadways and communities across California.

By expanding connectivity in underserved areas, the Middle Mile Broadband Project helps create opportunity and positions communities for long‑term growth, resilience and better access to essential services. Our team supports this effort by working closely with designers to avoid impacts to cultural resources while keeping these critical projects moving forward.

Share a piece of career advice.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of being your own advocate. Early in my career, I waited for others to notice my skills and accomplishments. I eventually realized how much more effective it is to speak up, highlight your work, and advocate not only for yourself, but for your team.

Today, I make a point to advocate for the people I work with and ensure their contributions are visible. As a leader, I’m always looking for someone who could one day take my job.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Natalie Brodie appeared first on Blog.

For Monica Wilson, history isn’t just something to read about, it’s something to uncover, preserve, and share with communities. Monica has spent the past decade ensuring the stories embedded in our built environment remain part of the places we live, work and travel. Her passion for history shines through in every project, helping keep California’s rich heritage alive and accessible today, and for generations to come.

Tell us a bit about yourself — your role and career journey.

I’ve been with ArchTam since 2015, and it’s been an incredible journey. Before joining the team, I worked on historic preservation projects that first sparked my passion for protecting cultural resources. I grew up in Southern California and later headed north for graduate school at California State University in Sacramento, where I focused on historic preservation, and the history of the American West and California. That background gave me a strong foundation and ultimately led me to a career in historic preservation.

Most days start with research and planning, but that’s just a piece of the work. I spend a lot of time out in the field, boots on the ground, documenting resources and figuring out how projects might impact them. Tribal outreach is another important part of my work, making sure we honor and respect cultural heritage throughout the process. We support agencies meet their Federal regulatory responsibilities under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and often work closely with agencies like the Federal Transit Administration, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the National Park Service, and local agencies. It’s work that combines technical expertise with storytelling and that balance is what keeps me passionate about what I do.

Transportation projects have been a major part of my career, and I’m thankful to be working in California where the highway system is one of the most intricate and expansive in the nation. I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects where even the roadway itself is historic, traversing districts that tell stories of engineering feats and cultural evolution.

Every project is a chance to protect history while supporting progress, and that’s what makes this work so meaningful to me.

How do you incorporate community involvement into your work?

Community is at the heart of historic preservation. It’s not just about old buildings, there are so many resource types we analyze, including landscapes, bridges, roads, dams, canals, farms and utilities, that hold meaning for the people who live there. These resources are often the lifeblood of neighborhoods, symbols people connect with and care deeply about.

One of my favorite parts of the job is uncovering stories that even longtime locals didn’t know existed. Sharing those discoveries is so rewarding, especially when clients incorporate them into interpretive panels or websites that offer such a public benefit and celebrate local history.

Southern California is where this work feels especially personal for me. I was born and raised in Riverside County, and the region’s diversity of resources and communities makes every project unique. From Los Angeles to the Inland Empire to San Diego, I’ve seen firsthand how our work impacts communities in meaningful ways.

Preserving the look and feel of a corridor or integrating historic buildings into modern designs helps maintain a sense of place.

Talk to us about a project that has been a major highlight of your career.

Two projects stand out for me. The first is our ongoing work at National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ames Research Center, where we’ve surveyed numerous historic-age properties across the campus. Each with its own story about America’s space program and scientific innovation. This long-term effort, which began in 2014, is providing Section 106 compliance services for facility improvements to further cutting-edge research, all while preserving their historic integrity. It’s a fascinating intersection of science, design, history and innovation.

Another highlight was the cultural resources effort following the Palisades and Eaton wildfires in Los Angeles. Our team worked quickly to document the historic properties within the impacted communities, like the Andrew McNally House in Altadena and the Department of Water and Power Distributing Station No. 29 in Palisades, both of which were designed by master architect Frederick Roehrig. Our team provided monitoring during the private property debris removal process to protect archaeological sites. The work was challenging, but documenting the area’s history ensures that even after loss, communities can continue to honor and celebrate their heritage.

Share a piece of career advice.

One of the most rewarding parts of this work is helping position people for success and supporting young professionals as they grow. My best advice is to get to know your team and their strengths. Cultural resource management is complex, no one person can do it all. If you don’t know how to do something, know who to ask. Collaboration is key, and watching a well-coordinated team tackle challenges efficiently is both inspiring and a reminder that great outcomes come from leveraging collective expertise.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Monica Wilson appeared first on Blog.

In his keynote, “Platform-based Construction Ecosystems”, Marc Colella, Strategy and Growth Lead Asia and ANZ, and ArchTam Fellow, examined how emerging technologies and global best practices can help global cities like Hong Kong build faster, cleaner and more sustainably.

Like many global cities, Hong Kong faces a challenging paradox: demand for high-quality, affordable housing is increasing, yet traditional construction methods are struggling to meet timelines, cost expectations and sustainability requirements. Across the industry, skilled labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and rising carbon targets are adding further pressure.

Key drivers guiding housing innovation and system reform

The shift toward an industrialized, platform-based housing model is guided by a set of core objectives that align productivity, cost, sustainability and quality with long-term public needs.  These include:

• Speed and efficiency – Improving delivery productivity to meet urgent housing demand.
• Cost-effectiveness – Reducing overall costs through scalable, repeatable and pipeline-aligned solutions.
• Sustainability – Supporting net-zero goals through low-carbon, circular and resilient design approaches.
• Technology integration – Using a unified digital platform to enhance outcomes across the full value chain.
• Social outcomes – Elevating livability, adaptability and long-term maintenance performance.
• Governance and quality – Strengthening approval processes and quality control through offsite manufacturing.

Emerging trends and constraints in the housing ecosystem

The global housing sector is being reshaped by intensifying pressures, including persistent productivity declines, skilled labor shortages, rising material costs and widening supply–demand gaps, all of which are driving a need to transform construction practices. At the same time, decarbonization imperatives and rapid digital transformation are compelling the industry to rethink conventional delivery models. Despite this momentum, significant challenges continue that constrain adoption. There are still gaps in regulatory frameworks in many jurisdictions, creating uncertainty around approvals and long-term policy commitments, supply chain fragmentation, while concerns around durability and design flexibility influence public and private acceptance. Developers face difficulties achieving cost certainty without stable volume pipelines, and manufacturers must contend with the operational demands of automation, workforce reskilling and maintaining consistent quality control across extended supply chains. Collectively, these trends and challenges illustrate both the urgency of industrialized housing innovation and the systemic barriers that must be addressed to achieve scale.

Insights from global industrialization efforts

International case studies such as Katerra, a Silicon Valley-based construction technology startup aiming to become world’s largest builder highlight both the promise and the limits of construction of industrialization. Early large-scale disruptors showed that technological ambition must be matched by strong execution, local adaptability and disciplined scaling. Models built on distributed micro-factories, repeatable product platforms and experienced delivery partners consistently outperformed fully centralized approaches, demonstrating that industrialization succeeds when it evolves incrementally and integrates seamlessly with existing industry structures.

Examples from modular programs in the UK, such as Camp Hill, Birmingham’s flagship modular build-to-rent project, as well as the global automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding industries reinforce the same message. Standardized chassis systems, digital catalogues and factory-built assemblies have accelerated delivery and improved quality, yet challenges remain around logistics, supply chain resilience and project complexity. A prime example of this is Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y personalization — which share 75 percent of components, use software-enabled features, and are built on flexible lines that adjust automatically for different models — cutting waste, labor and assembly time while doubling output.

Other advanced manufacturing sectors, especially in cruise ships cabins, show what is achievable when precision, modularity and platform thinking are embedded at scale — offering a clear blueprint for how construction can achieve similar gains through digitized design, coordinated production and integrated assembly.

Advances in prefabricated components and engineered materials play a central role in the shift toward industrialized housing delivery. Global delivery experience demonstrates that lightweight steel frames, composite sub-assemblies, precast elements, bathroom pods and 2D panelized systems can significantly enhance performance when designed for factory-led workflows. These components enable faster installation, lower embodied carbon, reduced site waste, improved safety and greater consistency in long-term maintenance. ArchTam’s former offsite construction ecosystem platform ‘Inno’ further illustrates how digital design, manufacturing intelligence and supply chain optimization can operate as an integrated system by connecting component standardization with production efficiency to support scalable, repeatable and high-quality housing delivery.

How digital ecosystems unlock scalable housing delivery

A unified digital backbone is essential to scaling platform-based construction, linking policy, design, manufacturing, logistics, assembly and operations into a single data-driven workflow.

Digital permitting, automated compliance and blockchain certification accelerate approvals and feed directly into AI-enabled BIM, generative design and digital twin modelling, producing fabrication-ready designs optimized for performance and manufacturability.

Industry 4.0 factories then translate this intelligence into precision-built components through robotics, computer-vision quality control and automated production systems, supported by AI-driven logistics and real-time traceability. On-site, robotic assembly and IoT monitoring provide faster, safer installation with continuous performance visibility. Together, these integrated layers enable 20–30 percent cost reductions, 40–50 percent faster timelines and up to 80 percent less waste, while strengthening the potential for new export-oriented manufacturing.

The benefits extend across sustainability and people outcomes. Industrialized systems can halve embodied carbon, reduce lifecycle energy costs and deliver more consistent safety and quality. At the same time, new technology-focused roles are created, elevating workforce skills and fostering a more collaborative, data-led construction culture.

What comes next?

To accelerate this transition, there are several practical next steps:

• Digitize and standardize design guidelines into a unified kit-of-parts catalogue.
• Adopt a tiered production model, distributing fabrication across suppliers, sub-assemblers and co-located facilities.
• Modernize permitting and certification through automated, digital-first regulatory processes.
• Invest in local micro-factories to strengthen resilience and shorten lead times.
• Expand workforce development to equip practitioners with robotics, AI, Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and digital management skills.

With coordinated action, cities such as Hong Kong can set a new global benchmark for how they deliver high-quality, sustainable housing at scale.

Contact Marc Colella to learn more.

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Miguel Sanchez is an aviation project architect and manager known for delivering terminal, airside and support facility projects across Florida. Based in Tampa, he earned the trust of the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority through years of collaboration and a deep understanding of their operational priorities and project goals. Drawing on his design background and construction administration experience, Miguel leads multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, phased projects that stay on schedule, on budget, and produce exceptional outcomes for clients across the state’s evolving aviation landscape.  

What inspired you to join the aviation industry?

I was drawn to aviation because it’s one of the few industries where our work directly touches millions of people every day. Whether passengers are traveling for business or leisure, everyone experiences the terminals we design. As an architect, I wanted to help shape those spaces to enhance the guest experience — creating environments that promote intuitive movement, comfort and enjoyment — even during travel’s busiest moments.

Aviation projects offer a rare opportunity to merge architectural creativity with operational strategy — improving how people move, work and connect.

What excites me most is knowing that every design decision contributes to a smoother journey. From ticketing to bag drop to gate areas, I focus on designing functional spaces that work for both passengers and staff.

What is your favorite ArchTam project you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favorite projects was the Gainesville Regional Airport terminal expansion and renovation.

The project combined new construction with a complex, multi-phase interior renovation of a 50,000-square-foot terminal — all while keeping the airport fully operational.

We upgraded ticketing, TSA checkpoints, hold rooms and restrooms, sequencing every phase around passenger flow and security requirements. Much of the work had to occur overnight to avoid disruptions. That level of coordination required a close partnership with the contractor and constant communication with the airport.

The results spoke for themselves: Gainesville’s passenger satisfaction and facility ratings climbed significantly after completion, demonstrating how tight phasing and teamwork can transform a space and a client relationship. We continue to work with Gainesville, which is a testament to the trust that grows when you deliver efficiently, on time and with care.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

My work on the UPS Air Cargo Facility at Tampa International Airport turned the outdated building into a modern, efficient operation hub.

I led design coordination and construction support as the architect of record for the 40,000-square-foot facility, which expanded UPS’s capacity and allowed them to hire significantly more workers.

Using BIM modeling, we integrated UPS’s conveyor systems with architectural, structural and building systems before construction began, identifying conflicts early and keeping the schedule on track.

This project stands out for delivering tangible economic and operational benefits. It not only strengthened UPS’s regional footprint but also supported local jobs and showed how design-build delivery can drive efficiency and create lasting value for clients and communities.

Share a piece of career advice.

My advice is on taking ownership and leadership.

During our recent terminal expansion and renovations at Punta Gorda Airport, the client needed to fast-track the schedule. We accelerated our design work so the contractor could establish final pricing without sacrificing quality. That experience reinforced a principle I share with my team often: treat every project as if it were your own.

That mindset changes how you approach everything, from communication and scheduling to cost and the quality of work. I take ownership of cost, time and coordination on every job. That ownership includes reviewing all change orders, questioning what doesn’t make sense and confirming design decisions align with the client’s budget.

Knowing every detail matters — that’s how you build trust. Not just with clients, but with contractors and your team. That’s what leadership looks like: staying on top of everything and responding to every shift in the situation.

The post People Spotlight: Meet Miguel Sanchez appeared first on Blog.

Anthony is the Hotel sector lead for ArchTam’s Buildings + Places business in Europe. Based in the South East of the UK, he has a background in mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) engineering. He has delivered complex hospitality projects, combining technical expertise with a strong focus on client vision, commercial strategy and the delivery of high-quality, efficient buildings.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I initially began my career working for an MEP contractor before moving into engineering consultancy. That practical foundation has shaped how I approach design to this day. Understanding how systems are installed and commissioned in the real world has been a huge asset — especially on complex heritage buildings, where coordination is critical, and space is at a premium.

What really drew me in, and continues to drive me, is the collaborative nature of this industry. No successful projects happen in isolation — it takes designers, contractors, and clients all working together with a shared vision. I’ve always enjoyed being part of that team effort.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

This has to be Raffles London at The OWO — a landmark transformation of the Old War Office in Whitehall into a luxury hotel and residences. The heritage, complexity, and ambition behind the project made it truly special.

The building’s historic status presented a number of technical challenges, particularly around spatial coordination, sustainability and the need to completely conceal services while delivering modern luxury standards. We embraced early-stage 3D design to resolve these constraints, using the latest digital tools at ArchTam’s disposal to accurately and quickly co-ordinate our services working closely with the design team to ensure nothing compromised the integrity or aesthetics of the building.

What really made the project stand out was how we delivered it — as One ArchTam. We brought together a global team working across time zones, with specialists from the UK and India all having a key input into the delivery of the project from completion to handover.

The finished result speaks for itself. It’s a once-in-a-generation project that sets a new benchmark for heritage-led luxury and I’m incredibly proud that ArchTam played such a pivotal role in making it a reality.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

On one of my first projects at ArchTam, I worked on a small but meaningful project — a primary school near an airport that had no openable windows due to noise constraints. The challenge was to design a ventilation system that would keep classrooms comfortable, healthy and well-ventilated despite being in a sealed environment and right under the flight path.

We developed a low-energy mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, ensuring excellent air quality and thermal comfort without any reliance on natural ventilation. For the school, it meant pupils could concentrate and learn in a calm, well-ventilated environment all year round — without the roar of aircraft interrupting lessons!

This system had a real, tangible impact on the children, teachers and local community at that school. Projects like that remind you why what we do matters and is impactful.

Share a piece of career advice.

Build your mindset around client needs. When engaging with them, start by listening. Understand what they’re trying to achieve. The best outcomes are achieved when we align our expertise with their goals and focus on how we can support them — not just deliver a scope but add real value.

That mindset also applies within our teams. Don’t be afraid to speak up and ask “why?”— why are we doing it this way, why not try something better, why does this matter to the end user? Stay curious, stay engaged and keep learning from the people around you.

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Jeff Chan is a structural engineer with five years of experience specializing in the transportation and water/wastewater sectors. Since joining ArchTam in 2020 as a structural designer, he has contributed to building projects across Canada, gaining expertise in seismic design and integration of diverse structural materials in buildings.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I was born in Hong Kong, a region renowned for its rapid infrastructure development, and spent my early childhood immersed in a constantly evolving urban landscape. For the first nine years of my life, this rapid urban growth felt normal. It wasn’t until my family immigrated to Canada that I began to recognize how unique and complex such development was, especially in densely populated areas. This realization sparked my curiosity about the built environment and a deep appreciation for the role infrastructure plays in shaping quality of life. That early insight, combined with an interest in thoughtful, impactful design, inspired me to pursue a career in engineering.

At ArchTam, I was fortunate to have a flexible full-time schedule, which allowed me to pursue graduate studies part-time. The combination of academic learning and guidance from knowledgeable, supportive colleagues and mentors helped me sharpen my technical skills, expand my confidence, and step into greater responsibilities.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to many meaningful projects at ArchTam, but the Capital Line South Extension has been one of the most rewarding experiences so far. I’ve served as the structural engineer and was also part of the pursuit team for the Operations and Maintenance Facility, which was one of the key components of this major design-build project.

What made this project stand out for me was the collaborative spirit from day one. We worked closely with an engaged client and a talented multidisciplinary team to develop conceptual designs, propose creative solutions, and shape a design that helped win the project. The strength of our design stemmed from the close collaboration we maintained with the builder throughout the process. We were aligned in our goals and challenges which allowed us to understand and share concerns around key issues such as material costs, construction sequencing, and overall constructability. By maintaining open lines of communication and working through these issues collaboratively, we were able to tailor our design approach to directly support their needs. This provided a smoother transition from design to construction, minimized surprises in the field, and fostered an integrated, solution-focused team dynamic.

This environment of trust and intensive multi-disciplinary coordination left a lasting impact on how I approach design thinking and cross-disciplinary teamwork.

The project was awarded in mid-2024 and is now in the construction phase. I’m excited to continue my contribution to a project that will help shape the future of transit in Edmonton and look forward to seeing our work take shape on site.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been contributing to the structural design of the Warehouse Park Pavilion in downtown Edmonton. What was once a stretch of surface parking lots is being transformed into a vibrant, community-focused park. The striking new pavilion structure anchors a revitalized green space in the city’s core.

The pavilion’s cantilevered, barrel-vaulted roof is framed with wood trusses, curved plywood sheathing, and is supported by steel beams and columns. This serves as both a functional shelter and an architectural statement. Its irregular geometry presented a complex structural challenge, requiring close collaboration with a senior ArchTam engineer and an award-winning architect to develop a solution that balanced durability, cost and design intent. Several roof design iterations were explored during the conceptual and design phases, considering concrete, steel and wood systems. Ultimately, we formed the barrel vault using prefabricated wood trusses and curved plywood, while the cantilever was framed with steel beams which leverages the versatility of wood and the strength of steel. Following the construction award for this design-bid-build project, we engaged early with the contractor to review the framing design. With input from carpenters and site supervisors, we refined details to enhance constructability and confirm accurate execution of the complex geometry.

What makes this project especially meaningful is knowing how the community will engage with the space once it’s fully redeveloped. Whether its families enjoying the shade in the summer, visitors gathering around the fireplaces in the winter, or individuals seeking a quiet moment in the heart of the city, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the structure the team designed will become a part of people’s everyday experiences. That kind of lasting, human impact is exactly what inspired me to pursue engineering.

Share a piece of career advice.

My best advice would be to ask questions, stay open to the perspectives of other building disciplines or contractors, and shape your design to anticipate their needs. What may initially seem like an impossible design challenge within your own discipline can often be resolved through collaboration with others who bring different skills and expertise to the table. Each discipline, whether it’s architectural, structural, mechanical, or electrical, has its own approach to solving problems and its own set of needs. By considering end user, contractor and discipline perspectives early in the design process, you can create more effective and integrated solutions that benefit the entire project.

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