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When Design and Reality Meet

October 3, 2025
•
Engineering

When Design and Reality Meet

"Nothing replaces being hands-on."

Early in my career, I remember walking a site where a small coordination issue between mechanical and structural drawings had the potential to cause a costly delay. On paper it seemed minor, but standing there in person, seeing how everything fit together, the problem — and the solution — became obvious.

That moment stuck with me. It reminded me that no matter how advanced our tools get, nothing replaces being hands-on. Walking sites. Asking questions. Seeing how design decisions translate into the real world.

Even now, as Design Works has grown across Canada and beyond, I try to keep that same mindset. Leadership isn’t just about sitting in meetings or reviewing reports — it’s about staying connected to the work and the people doing it.

For engineers, the lesson is simple: your drawings are only as good as your understanding of how they come to life. For clients, it’s a reminder that the best engineering happens when design and reality meet.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Regards,
Haydar Al Dahhan, P.Eng., P.E., IntPE, APEC, MIET
‍President & CEO
Design Works Engineering

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