Spotlight – Kris Klamut

Why did you choose a career in Structural Engineering?

I think it all really started at a very early age watching my father working when he occasionally worked from home. I remember he had a large drawing board propped up on books and pens which were full of ink. Occasionally he would sit me at his board and let me trace over some of the drawings which he had prepared. When I was about 10 to 12, I remember going into work with him, meeting his engineer work mates and helping with office admin type stuff. This early exposure meant that from relatively early on I had a plan and a goal to aim for.

What has been the most memorable moment for you?

I think the moment I’ll never forget was when I sat my Structures Part 3 exam at the age of 25. A seven-hour exam with half an hour break for lunch. I remember how mentally exhausted I was afterwards. But, I passed first time and was elected as a full member of the institution at the age of 26.

What has been the most challenging part?

Being someone who works best when under pressure, for me the biggest challenge has been not taking on too much and then not delivering. We always must remember that when creating something new we have to hit our deadlines, not exceed the fee budget and as important, someone has to build it and on time. Innovate where appropriate and don’t reinvent the wheel.

What do you like most about your job?

Now, it must be the variety of work I do. Anything from designing a multi-storey building structure on difficult ground, to investigating for example a bridge crane failure – being able to work out what went wrong!

What’s the best career lesson you’ve learned so far?

Don’t deviate from the path (too much)! On three occasions I tried to do something else, although engineering related.

The first was going to work for the Prison Service as a project manager in the early 90’s. After two years, I decided to go back out into private practice. I didn’t realise how much I’d got used to civil service life. It took a very patient employer, 12 months to get me back up to speed again.

My second deviation was to go and work for a design and build contractor running their small structures team. Interesting to see things from a different perspective, but again, I went back to private practise.

The final change was going to work for a US firm of Forensic Engineers which was really interesting work. I was let go 2 weeks into lock-down, but what I learnt there, I still use today. Structural Engineering forensic investigations. I’m now once again settled and thankful that I can again continue to practice what now feels like a vocation – Structural Engineering.

What’s your favourite structure in the world?

I have two favourite buildings. The first is what was built as the “Post Office Tower” in the West End of London, constructed in about 1970 I think, and later rebadged as the “Telecom Tower”. A building that has always resembled a space rocket to me.

The second must be Uxbridge Tube Station designed by Charles Holden. Whichever end you approach from, Uxbridge station is magnificent. The front entrance, with its black columns and stone carved wheels is a true original. Who wouldn’t be lured into that portal?

And lastly, what is one piece of advice you would give to someone starting out in Structural Engineering?

Whatever happens, stick with it. Persevere. Deviate wisely and come back. Ask the difficult questions, push the boundaries where you can, and keep stepping outside of that comfort zone!