b'BCBEC Elements: What drew you to civil engineering?Shakir Rashid:When I was young, I was always interested in trying to build buildings and castles and things with cardboard, so I always had that passion to build things. My parents could see that, and they suggested that I go into engineering. When I came to Canada, I looked at various programs in both engineering and architecture, and after weighing the two, I made the decision to go into engineering.BE: How did you come to specialize in building envelope technology?SR:It just so happened that when I grad-uated, B.C. was going through the leaky condo crisis in the late 90s. That area interested me because it involved dealing with buildings. It was also an industry where [building science] specialization had not occurred yet, and I saw it as an opportunity to do something different. I also saw how individuals were affected when their buildings were diagnosedas leaky condos and I wanted toprovide solutions. There is still no building envelope specialization or program requirement as a criteria for applying as a building enclosure engineer under EGBC (the body that regulates engineers in B.C.). However, BCBEC fills an important role in educating the industry. It would be nice to have more undergraduate programs and specializations available in the future, so that the public can be served well.BE: What would you consider to beyour proudest accomplishment inyour profession?SR:My proudest accomplishment was my first building that I completed on budget, using building envelope designs and technologies for a strata that had to dig deep into their savings to address their leaky condo issues. The strata was very pleased they did not have to request additional funds. Many strata owners subsequently sold their units athigher prices. I am also very proud to be able to successfully juggle my professional life with my family life. Being there for my kids and being involved in their activities is very meaningful to me. My daughter SPRING/SUMMER 2022 7'