4 minute read
Profi le
5 minutes with... MEMBER FOCUS Ben Venktash, C.Build E FCABE, is a consultant Building Services Engineer and a member of CABE’s US chapter
QHave you always had an interest in the construction and engineering industry?
Yes, and I was lucky that a friend of my father was a New Zealand qualifi ed Building Services Engineer. I consequently ended up focusing on building services engineering.
QWhy did you choose your specialism?
I had several discussions with my maternal uncle, a respected Radiologist and Medical Superintendent at a government hospital. He instilled in me to focus on one area and become a specialist rather than becoming a general practitioner. I decided to focus on building environmental systems because a few years aft er completing the engineering training I learned that my father died of lead poisoning from his employment in an auto body rebuilding shop. My uncle also suggested I move to the USA to learn more about hazardous issues in the workplace, specifi cally hospitals and industrial facilities. Ventilation infection control is my area of interest.
QDid you face any challenges joining the industry?
The fi rst two years, the challenges were more in the area of safety compliances on construction sites. But the tasks were a tremendous learning experience.
QWhat are the current challenges of your role?
As a consultant, I have recommended that clients focus on appropriately qualifi ed healthcare facility engineers for the benefi t of the operations team. Having real experience in the fi eld will help in eff ective decision-making and safe outcomes.
QWhat inspires you in your work?
When I witness the collaboration of the multi-disciplinary engineering team come together on a project. That’s truly inspirational.
QWhat advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Do the right thing, be a good listener and follow the rules.
QWhat challenges do you see for the industry in the US?
In the case of healthcare, the lack of training is a major challenge. I would like to see three-year, full-time training focused solely on healthcare facilities engineering. It’s a specifi c discipline that requires the extra education.
QHow do you think these will be overcome?
By making it possible to educate and produce technically competent healthcare facility engineers.
Building Control Group Manager
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CABE, RICS, IStructE, IMechE, RIBA, IFE, CIAT, ICE or CIOB qualified, a specialist in tall and complex buildings and a key player in assessing innovative construction solutions. Closing date: 28th June 2020.
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