Meet Terki Alghedair

Tell us a little bit about your professional background?

After graduating from Qassim University in Saudi Arabia as a civil engineer, I started working with an engineering consultancy for one year. In 2017, I joined SNC-Lavalin’s Atkins as part of the design and engineering department where I was involved in several multi-disciplinary projects such as King Abdullah Financial District and the Grove project. As part of my role, I worked on either structural design or reviewing the existing design. After that, I started working on the project management side of structural design which led me to become a project manager at SNC-Lavalin’s Faithful+Gould.

What inspired you to become Structural engineer? 

I have always been fascinated by high-rise buildings, so when I started studying civil engineering I was passionate about the structural part of the my studies. And since I always look for something to solve, i get the satisfaction from working on structural design.

What is the coolest thing you are working on?

The coolest thing I’m currently working on is the redesign of several buildings in King Abdullah Financial District. Atkins is providing support on changing the existing structural elements of some of the buildings from offices to hotels. This is a great learning experience as it enables me to work on site and see the structural aspects of all related buildings.

What do you think has had the biggest impact on your career development to date?

Working on several mega multidisciplinary projects has given me the opportunity to fast-track my career. Also, the knowledge I gained from working on such projects has enabled me to work on even more complex projects. These have really given me the chance to grow both personally and professionally.   

What is the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?

The team director in my first job gave me a piece of advice that I still carry with me. He said: “You have to make your own luck”. It encouraged me to take advantage of any opportunity that arises in my career, even if it’s not directly related to structural design.

What is your favorite quote and why?

‘’Master the art of timing’’: this quote reminds me of not being on a hurry and to always pick the right time when I want to do something.

Tell us one fun fact about yourself.

I’d rather keep using Google maps than remembering how to go to a specific place.