Engineer: Design to Build

Published on March 3, 2018 Edit article | View stats

Ir. Maskan Md Hassan, PEng.

2 articles
Senior Mechanical Engineer in Oil and Gas Industry

During one of the regular dental check-ups, a dentist asked me what I have been doing as an
engineer. My response was to manage a project from start at design to completion at the end
of build. I mentioned it has been an enjoyable experience.

During a typical project execution, there are many roles an engineer can position himself /
herself. Working from a start at the design stage right up to the end of build stage is of them.
Normally other engineers may work in detailed design, some in manufacturing of highly
engineered products such as compressor, and some in construction building an offshore
facility based on the given drawings and specifications.

The photo above is an example an offshore facility that was designed in a three-dimensional
model and was then transformed into physical things. More often for an offshore facility,
design term includes associated works such as to specify and prepare technical
specifications and data sheets, while build term covers other build-related activities such as
to fabricate, assemble, install and test of equipment or components.

Below are some of the rewards for working from design to build:

See things grow. An engineer can gain feeling of fulfilment when seeing physical things
get built from a three-dimensional model, which is originally a blank sheet of paper and
design basis. It is like seeing a baby grows up to an adult. The success of completing an
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operable offshore facility that is able to process hydrocarbon and deliver other functions can
add further to the satisfaction.

Within oneself. While on the job or project, an engineer is anticipated to ensure most issues
are worked on and any conflicts are addressed within the boundary limit of design
basis. Anything beyond that boundary, an engineer is often required to make
recommendations and get the decision approved. He / she is then entrusted to ensure the
decision is implemented especially when the implementation is at build stage. During the
build stage also, an accidental omission in design can be seen physically and a quick
resolution is needed since time and cost are normally in essence during construction. Lesson
learned is to have high level design completion to minimise revisit during build
stage. Getting involved and making decision that shape up the final product is equally
fruitful such as selecting final colour for the facility.

When an engineer is at build stage, he may need to advise for an item that is not identified
earlier. Photo below shows an example pink colour lifting devices that were supplied within
a manly 24-inch ball valve because an engineer wished (or suspected) to add femininity into
his work.

Longer tenure. An engineer who has both project experiences in design and construction is
considered more valuable as a team player and has a tendency to stay longer in the
organisation and likewise the employment. If a new project is commencing, the engineer
who has design skills will normally be recruited, while a construction-experienced engineer
may have to wait until construction stage starts.

On the other side of rewards are challenges that an engineer needs to keep in mind and be
ready to navigate.

Stay focus. A long project duration can test engineer’s focus on the job and he / she may
lose sight of the design intents when the project is at the construction stage. A typical
complex offshore facility can take up to six years to complete. Perseverance is a key here.

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Travel and relocation. At the end of design, travel to supplier locations either locally or
oversea is normally required for a kick off meeting or regular progress surveillances. The
travel can be a week or two depending on the purpose of meetings with the suppliers. This
travel can be tiring and time consuming. Similarly, as the design comes to closure and
construction pace is picking up, relocation from the design office to the construction
locations that are sea fronting is often inevitable. Engineer’s flexibility to travel and to suit
relocation arrangement is a prerequisite.

Limited places. Comparatively not many employees or companies can offer opportunity to
work on a project from start to finish. Some organizations are working in a matrix scheme
where the project is “passed on” from design department to construction department.
Knowing the right people inside the organisations who offer start-to-finish type projects can
increase the chance to secure a place.

Like in any other projects or work locations, good team work with other members and
excellent supports from third party service providers or suppliers are paramount to the
success of the assignment and an eventual enjoyable experience. Even though an engineer
may have limited influence in choosing the team members to work with, he / she normally
has some privilege in selecting the service providers or suppliers.

The above experience can also be said applicable for an architect who works in design and
then be resident at a construction site as part of architectural supervision and compliance.

In the end, the rewards and fulfilling adventure from design to build can out-weigh the
challenges.

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Published by
Ir. Maskan Md Hassan, PEng. 2 articles
Senior Mechanical Engineer in Oil and Gas Industry
Published • 2yr

#engineer
#engineer design to build
#engineer career
#engineer design
#engineer build
#what engineer does
#architect design to build

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Zafer METE • 2nd 2y

Company şirketinde Construction Group Chief

But gentlemens! It is not so easy as it looks in the photos .

· 1 Like · 1 Reply

Ir. Maskan Md Hassan, PEng. • You 2y

Senior Mechanical Engineer in Oil and Gas Industry

Well...it takes grits to get it done....

· 1 Like

S Sigit B. • 2nd 2y
Sr. Piping Support Designer PDMS/ E3D

Nice article and that is impress me much ..pak...

· 1 Like

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Ir. Maskan Md Hassan, PEng.

Senior Mechanical Engineer in Oil and Gas Industry

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