My journey as a structural engineer: from academia to entrepreneurship
Becoming a structural engineer isn't just about the technical skills and knowledge you gain in the classroom - it’s also about the people you meet, the experiences you have, and the lessons you learn along the way. My journey started in my home country of Greece, took me to London for further education and professional experience, and eventually brought me back to Greece, where I founded my own structural engineering firm. Each step has been a mix of challenges and rewarding opportunities to grow, learn, and make a meaningful impact on the built environment.
Academic foundations: a passion for engineering
My academic journey started at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). I had always been drawn to understanding how structures are designed and built. My curiosity about the forces that shape our environment led me to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering, where I chose to specialise in structural engineering. This choice set the course for the rest of my career, as I found myself fascinated by the complexities of designing safe, sustainable structures but also unravelling the hidden structural form of an existing building.
During my time at NTUA, I was able to gain a strong foundation in the principles of civil engineering, including materials science, statics, dynamics, and structural analysis. The academic rigour of the program prepared me well for the challenges ahead, but it was the opportunity to work on real-world projects that truly solidified my passion for structural engineering.
Expanding horizons: a Master’s degree at Imperial College London
Upon completing my undergraduate degree, I realized that to take my knowledge and career to the next level, I would need to gain international experience and broaden my understanding of global engineering practices. This led me to pursue a Master’s in General Structural Engineering at Imperial College London.
Studying at Imperial was a transformative experience. Not only did I gain advanced knowledge in structural engineering, but I also had the chance to immerse myself in a diverse, dynamic academic environment, surrounded by brilliant minds from all over the world. The course covered a wide range of topics, from advanced materials to complex structural analysis, which challenged my thinking and deepened my technical understanding.
My first job in London: building a professional foundation
After completing my master’s degree, I took my first professional role in London with O’Connor Sutton Cronin. It was here that I began applying the knowledge I had gained from my studies to real-world projects, marking a significant step in my professional journey.
Working in London exposed me to a wide range of projects across various sectors, from residential and commercial buildings to infrastructure developments. Each project presented its own set of challenges, and I was given increasing responsibility as I gained more experience. I had the privilege of working alongside senior engineers who played a big role in helping me develop both my technical and project management skills. Looking back, I feel lucky to have crossed paths with such incredible people—many of whom I’m still friends and even business partners with today.
The fast-paced, high-pressure environment of London taught me the importance of time management, communication, and collaboration. I was often required to think on my feet, solve problems creatively, and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. This experience allowed me to work on large-scale projects that honed my ability to assess the structural integrity of buildings, make safety assessments, and develop design solutions that were both innovative and practical.
Returning to Greece: starting my own practice
After four years in London, I decided to return to Greece, where I felt a strong desire to contribute to the local engineering industry and take on more leadership roles. The Greek construction industry was evolving rapidly, and I saw an opportunity to bring the knowledge and expertise I had gained abroad back home. I joined a structural engineering firm in Greece, where I spent another two years working on a variety of projects, extending my design skills to include seismic resilience on structures. However, I soon realised that in order to fully realize my vision and implement the ideas I had about structural engineering, I decided to join forces with my best friend and business partner, Kosmas Michael, and start our own practice.
This new venture was both a bold and challenging move. While I had gained significant technical expertise and professional experience, I had little experience in managing a business and bringing clients in. I was determined to provide innovative engineering solutions while also focusing on the importance of sustainability, safety, and efficient design.
One of the challenges faced was to navigate the complexities of setting up a company, managing finances, and building a team. However, sharing this load with a business partner makes the whole journey way more fun and undoubtedly the desire to provide high-quality engineering services fuelled my determination.
We, at DMA Engineering Services, handle a range of projects, including both new builds and the restoration of existing structures. Whether working on residential, commercial, or infrastructure projects, we focus on delivering safe, sustainable, and cost-effective designs that meet the specific needs of each client.
Voluntary involvement: leadership and advocacy
In addition to my professional work, I have always believed in giving back to the community and contributing to the development of the industry. This led me to become actively involved in the Institution of Structural Engineers in London.
During my time with IStructE, I took on various roles, including that of Chairwoman of the Young Members Group in London. This position was a significant responsibility, but it was also incredibly rewarding as I worked to increase awareness about the importance of structural engineering, advocate for the professional development of engineers, and encourage diversity and inclusion within the industry. I also helped organise events, conferences, and workshops that provided valuable opportunities for young engineers to learn, network, and share knowledge. I’m still involved with the organisation today, serving as the Honorary Secretary of the North ThamesRegional Group (NTRG) and collaborating with like-minded professionals.
Reflections on my journey
Choosing engineering as a career helps you develop skills that are useful in navigating everyday life. It’s about fostering a mindset that tackles and solves problems. The ability to break down huge, overwhelming challenges into smaller, more manageable tasks is what makes engineering so powerful. The analytical thinking it teaches you is a skill that will serve you well, no matter what career you pursue. It’s a solid foundation that can support you in any endeavour, whether or not you choose to work as an engineer.
Personally, I remain focused on the core values that have guided me throughout my career: integrity, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. I am also passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers, especially women, and helping to create a more diverse and inclusive industry.
My journey as a structural engineer has been one of continuous learning, growth, and exploration. It has been a rewarding path, and I am excited to see where it leads in the years to come!