Expertise
Design, Project Management, ConstructionLocation
United KingdomMy highlights
Managing the design of the Biocad pharmaceutical complex in Russia
Working as lead engineer on the Hanhikivi-1 nuclear plant in Finland
Working as senior civil engineer on the Hinkley Point C project in the UK
A day in my life
As a senior civil engineer on the Hinkley Point C project, my work is now mainly based in the design back office, responding to the evolving needs of the site.
Each day can be unpredictable, but I stay focused on a few key tasks.
I manage design activities for essential nuclear island buildings (housing the heart of the nuclear power plant), providing guidance and issuing important documents.
Resolving open issues and checking design notes, models, and drawings is a big part of my day.
I also work closely with various teams and contractors to solve issues that affect construction.
Another priority is managing design changes, especially when late updates—like load changes—come in from suppliers.
I prepare and present these changes to committees, ensuring we stay on track and aligned with project goals.
Civil engineers today are involved in cutting-edge areas like smart cities, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?
The Burj Khalifa was a big inspiration for me to become a civil engineer.
Seeing the world’s tallest skyscraper, so massive yet elegant, sparked my fascination with engineering.
The complex design and incredible height showed me the endless possibilities of what engineers can create.
During my master’s studies, I was lucky to meet a principal structural engineer who had worked on the Burj Khalifa project.
Listening to his speeches about designing and building these huge structures motivated me even more.
His insights into the challenges and rewards of such projects gave me the extra push to pursue civil engineering with real passion.
We asked Ivan…
I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…
I’d recommend a career in civil engineering because it lets you design and build structures that impact communities and shape the world around us.
The variety is amazing—whether it’s roads, bridges, hospitals, or energy projects, you’re always solving complex challenges and improving things.
Civil engineering also offers global opportunities.
You can work on projects in different countries, learning new approaches and building valuable skills.
Many large projects need international teams, so you’re not limited to one place.
It’s a career that lets you grow, travel, and make a real difference wherever you go.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…
I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also a boat lover.
While living in Finland, I had a travel boat and loved exploring the stunning Botnian Bay.
There’s something so peaceful about being on the water, navigating around islands and along the coast.
Boating helps me appreciate the natural world that my work aims to protect and improve—and it’s the perfect way to recharge and find fresh inspiration.
What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?
The opportunity to solve real-world problems and see the impact of my work.
As a civil engineer, I help create the infrastructure that shapes communities and makes people’s lives better.
The challenge of designing and building something that lasts motivates me to keep pushing forward, day after day.
What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?
How much collaboration is there.
It’s not just about designing structures on paper, it’s about working closely with a wide range of experts - engineers, architects, contractors, and even regulatory bodies - to bring a project to life.
Every project is a team effort, and being part of that process, where everyone's expertise comes together to solve challenges, is incredibly rewarding.
Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
I wish I’d worked on the Burj Khalifa project.
The engineering behind it is extraordinary, with its complex design, innovative use of materials, and the challenge of building the world’s tallest skyscraper.
The project pushed the boundaries of what was possible in structural engineering and being part of that would have been an incredible learning experience.
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
That civil engineering is a static career with little room for growth.
The field is always evolving and new technologies, materials, and sustainability practices are constantly shaping how we approach projects.
Civil engineers today are involved in cutting-edge areas like smart cities, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
What motivated you to become professionally qualified?
My motivation to become a Chartered Engineer comes from wanting to reach top standards in my field and make a bigger impact on projects.
Being professionally qualified shows trust and competence, opening doors to take on more challenging roles and lead important projects.
I’m also motivated by the chance to connect with other professionals, give back to the industry, and mentor younger engineers.
I want to keep growing in my career and learning, and getting this qualification is a big step in that journey.
What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?
Being professionally qualified with the ICE is a huge milestone for my career.
It’s an internationally respected credential that shows I’ve met high standards in engineering knowledge, experience, and ethics.
This qualification gives me the credibility to take on larger projects and more complex responsibilities.
What’s the best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE?
The best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE is the recognition and trust it brings.
It’s a clear mark of competence that shows I’ve achieved a high standard of knowledge, skill, and ethical practice, which is respected worldwide.
How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified?
My employer’s chartership network connected me with mentors and sponsors who offered guidance, feedback, and even mock professional reviews. This all helped me prepare for the final assessment.
The ICE representatives also helped me understand each requirement clearly and organised useful workshops and webinars, which were invaluable for building my confidence and skills.
What do you value most about being an ICE member?
The sense of belonging to a global community of dedicated civil engineers.
Through the ICE, I have access to a wealth of resources—technical insights, professional development opportunities, and industry-leading research—that help me stay at the forefront of civil engineering practices.
How has being a member helped your career?
Since becoming a member, I’ve been trusted to lead more complex technical tasks and have taken on greater responsibilities, which ultimately led to a promotion within my team.
What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego? How long did it take you?
The biggest thing I’ve built out of Lego was a tall tower, like a mini skyscraper.
It had multiple levels, complete with columns, stairwells, and even a helipad on top!
I used different colours to create patterns on the sides, aiming for balance and stability as it grew taller.
It took a few days to complete in my free time.
The hardest part was making sure the foundation was solid enough to support the height without tipping over.
Each new layer needed careful planning to keep it steady.
Ivan's career path
After my bachelor’s in civil engineering, I launched my career in 2009 in Russia, working on small projects as a structural engineer while earning a master’s in civil engineering.
After gaining the master’s degree I joined a Novartis pharma plant construction project in St. Petersburg. I advanced from structural engineer to senior structural engineer, where I led design finalisations and site inspections.
Later, being a chief structural engineer, I managed the design for a massive 30,000-square-meter pharmaceutical complex Biocad in St. Petersburg. I guided a team from initial concepts to construction.
In 2018, I moved to Finland to work as lead engineer on the Hanhikivi-1 nuclear power plant project, where I managed design reviews and project configurations.
In Finland I also earned a master’s in project management and completed a doctorate in industrial engineering.
Today, I’m a senior civil engineer on the Hinkley Point C project, ensuring top-quality and safe civil design.