Insights How Chris is using VR and AR in his engineering career
As part of our #PeopleDriveResults campaign, this week we have caught up with Chris from our Digital Engineering team.
Can you tell us a bit about your professional background?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2003 from Auburn University in the U.S. Shortly after graduating I joined a small municipal/civil firm in Birmingham, Alabama as an Engineer-In-Training.
In 2005, I moved to London, U.K. and joined a structural/civil firm where I took over their drainage and infrastructure department. In the spring of 2010, I became a Chartered Engineer and a Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers. A few months later, I joined Atkins as a Civil Engineer where I worked in the Engineering and Major Projects division. I worked on several large programs like Olympic Park and Crossrail in London, and Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia; where I became known for 3D modelling and digital delivery.
In early 2012 I transferred back to the U.S. to Atlanta, Georgia. The following year I became a licensed professional engineer. I specialized in aviation projects until 2018 when I moved into my current corporate design technology position.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
I was torn between environmental science and engineering when I enrolled in university. My academic advisor told me it would be an easier transfer from engineering to science than the other way around, so I enrolled in the civil program. After working through some foundational classes I realized I found joy in the conic sections, physics and larger-scale engineering. Sequences and series, electromagnetics and chemistry all felt like you had to be too exact. I prefer real geometry because I’m much more comfortable getting things within a foot than a nanometer.
What is the coolest thing you are working on?
I get to work on everyone’s projects, which means I’m working on so many cool things. One I’m most excited about right now is the integration of extended realities like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) into our delivery workflows. Remote working and the falling barrier to entry (Quest 2 for $300!) means we have the need and the access to engage in new ways of collaborating. If you want to try VR or AR on your projects, there is no better time than now to get into it!
What do you think had the biggest impact on your career development to date?
The juxtaposition of two very different positions I’ve held.
The first being my time at a small mom-and-pop shop in Birmingham right out of school. We printed onto mylar and did reproduction on a blue-line machine - I can still smell the ammonia! My boss would ask me to line up all the mylars before a submittal and ask “is it right?” before stamping them. We did not issue revisions and we did not deliver late.
The second was my time in Major Projects. Travelling from mega-project office to mega-project office across London and attacking problems was one of the most exciting positions in my career. I learned there really are no dumb questions and the best way to learn how to do something is by doing it, then figuring out how to improve as you go along.
What is the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
While I was leading the infrastructure department at my first job in London I was trying to juggle over 30 projects and deliveries. I worked harder and longer hours just to keep up. My then-manager sat me down and told me, “You’re never going to chop down that tree with a dull axe. I know it seems wrong, but if you stop and sharpen it for a bit you will get through the tree much faster than if you continue the way you are.”
He showed me how to make a program with activities that I could delegate and track instead of trying to juggle a heavier workload. I learned that if you try and do everything yourself you will never be able to do as much as you want to.
What is your favourite quote and why?
In the immortal words of Jean Paul Sartre, ‘Au revoir, gopher’
by Carl SpacklerI love this quote because it reminds us that were it not for the contingency of our deaths, we would never end. Choosing to be this or that is to affirm the value of what we choose. In choosing, we commit not only ourselves but all of mankind, and mankind’s unending war with gophers.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I played competitive ultimate frisbee for many years. Although the pairing of the words “competitive” and “frisbee” may seem strange, the sport is filled with fun-loving and athletically gifted people. In most tournaments, officials are not present. Instead, players decide for themselves when a foul has been committed and whether to contest it. This way players play to “what is legal per the rules” and not to “what a referee doesn’t see is legal”. There is no better way to understand how far you’ll go to win than to be required to police yourself toward victory.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
![the three pillars of sustainability](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/_Xu26CRc709AQgjaEnvzHA/75/the+three+pillars+of+sustainability.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
What are the three pillars of sustainability? When facing a challenge as mighty as sustainability, it's logical to break the topic into more manageable subtopics - like economic sustainability, envir
![A Picture of Kiran smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/hye9y-sr3EhNNQjcE2fYDQ/75/Kiran+PC+Expo_3+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we are dedicated to shaping the future through innovative infrastructure projects that make a significant impact on communities around the world. We are excited to share the ex
![A Picture of Ashley smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/efFOts4nE0kc7gjcek5B5w/75/Picture3.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/04/2024
Summary
From starting as a Civil and Structural Engineering Apprentice to leading major projects at AtkinsRéalis, Ashley’s career journey is a testament to the power of passion, leadership, and contin
![A picture of Bobby along with his dog at a café.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/f55pKSdvokbqdgjcsFVGjQ/75/BobbyMasonThumbnail+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/02/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Bobby. After playing professional ice hockey in America and Europe I spent eight years as a Royal Navy submarine weapons and communications engineer. Towards the end of my su
![city at sunset with bridge going over a river](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/_mh_o-Brc0S4_wjaU5OWRg/75/shutterstock_1078734461-min.jpg)
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
The Australian market is an important growth area for AtkinsRéalis. Over the last 26 years, we have established a strong presence with offices across Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne. AtkinsRéalis i
![image of ravikumar](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/_Bf_F1ctS0oQMAjcyJi5pQ/75/Screenshot+2024-08-30+at+12.16.04.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
My rapid career progression and professional growth across engineering roles at AtkinsRéalis. Hello. I'm Ravikumar from AtkinsRéalis' Global Technology Centre (GTC) in India. As I write this, I'v
![image of bindu](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/cFm6WB0AAUp7XQjcyJ_1eA/75/WhatsApp+Image+2024-08-29+at+1.18.03+PM+(1)+(1).jpeg)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
Returning to work after a career break? Bindu shares how AtkinsRéalis can empower your return. Hi, I'm Bindu, an Account Lead at AtkinsRéalis in India. I manage a team of eight that handl
![image of sarah](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/4sECDNnYsEYixAjcyG4n0A/75/Sarah+3+(1).jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
How I grew my architectural roots into sustainable innovation: my rewarding career journey at AtkinsRéalis. Ahlan wa sahlan! My name is Sarah, and I work for AtkinsRéalis in Cairo. I began my jou
![image of sudhapriya](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/dNxZbtV-00worgjczLN1-Q/75/Sudha-tn.png)
Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
How I mix flexible working and family to thrive as a leader in the Nuclear New Build team. Hello, I'm Sudhapriya. I joined AtkinsRéalis in mid-2017 as contract staff on the Transportation team. A
![image of gobinath smiling](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/QPrib_nVaksivwjcyG4n0A/75/Gobinath+India+(1).jpg)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/30/2024
Summary
My rapid career growth at AtkinRéalis from senior engineer to practice manager Nuclear New Build Hello! My name is Gobinath. I graduated from PSG College of Technology in 2008 as a gold medalist.
![A picture of Olu smiling](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/QhoVhIJjTk4_SQjctz8oMA/75/Olu3TN+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/27/2024
Summary
Hi, I'm Olutomide. I work with the Project & Programme Services team at AtkinsRéalis. As a Risk Consultant, I'm part of a diverse team that delivers major infrastructure projects and natio
![Yasmeen Mohammed portrait](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2848/img/0HGNDJnUaUpXjQjcxXh8cg/75/yasmeen2.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
08/26/2024
Summary
Yasmeen Husain Mohamed is a dedicated professional in the field of Talent Acquisition, currently serving as an Advisor at AtkinsRéalis. Her career is built upon a foundation of fostering relatio
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Leatherhead
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Potters Bar
Leatherhead
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-118435
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Abhishek SahaAuthor
Abhishek SahaSalary
Location
Raleigh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Operations & maintenance
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Raleigh
Description
Why join us?We are hiring! AtkinsRéalis is seeking a Traffic Management Specialist to join our Statewide Transportation Operations Center in Raleigh, NC.About Us:AtkinsRéalis is one of the world’s mos
Reference
R-118421
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Houston
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Houston
Description
Why join us? It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of makin
Reference
R-118409
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Epsom
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Chelmsford
London
Epsom
Swindon
Bristol
Edinburgh
Description
Be trusted to make great things happen.Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we
Reference
R-118328
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
Derby
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Mechanical engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Derby
Description
Are you looking for the opportunity to develop technically and build skills including: expert judgement, hand calculation, computational analysis and development of bespoke processes supported by a te
Reference
R-118063
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Glasgow
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
West Midlands
Derby
York
London
Glasgow
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on. It'
Reference
R-118022
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Guaynabo
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Surveying, geodesy & geography
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Guaynabo
Description
Why join us?It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of making
Reference
R-118015
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Guaynabo
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Electrical engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Guaynabo
Description
Why join us?It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of making
Reference
R-118014
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
West Midlands
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
West Midlands
Derby
Description
Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we face our clients' problems head-on? It'
Reference
R-118003
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
Austin
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Austin
Description
Why join us?It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of making
Reference
R-117983
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more