BIM without borders: collaborating globally to deliver water solutions

Anand Kirtiwar, senior BIM co-ordinator, talks about his role shaping water projects across India, America and our global delivery business.

Tell us about your role and where you are based

I am a senior BIM co-ordinator based in Mumbai working in our global delivery services team.

I mainly work with our team in the US, supporting the delivery of BIM for their water and wastewater projects. I have also worked on water infrastructure, wastewater treatment, pipeline and distribution network projects across the globe.

Why did you choose you career path? Why Mott MacDonald?

As a child, I was always drawing architectural monuments, historical places like forts, portraits and cartoons and when I was in studying in the 8th standard class in the school, I took a technical course that required me to draft engineering drawings. I really enjoyed this aspect and when I delved deeper, I found there were a number of careers that required this skill. As a result, I did a diploma in mechanical engineering drafting from a government I.T.I. college. After that, my professional career truly began.

I find Mott MacDonald is full of exciting opportunities that are open to everyone through a fair and transparent process. I am grateful that here I have had the opportunity to work on so many complex projects and be part of their successful delivery which I delivered successfully. Since joining in January 2018 I’ve been able to demonstrate and develop my technical skills and soft skills.

What is your favourite thing about the place you live?

I live in Badlapur, a city in Thane district, Maharashtra, India, which is part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. My home is nestled at the foot of the Matheran hills, flanked by the Ulhas River, two major dams, and stunning waterfalls during the monsoon season. This natural beauty is one of my favourite aspects, providing a pleasant ambience every day. My second favourite thing is the local food, especially the famous Vada Pav, Misal Pav, and Idli Sambar.

What do you like to do on weekends or in your spare time?

I love to work in my mini farm called "Anandvan" which includes flower, fruits and vegetables. I enjoy harvesting the organically grown produce and using it in my own kitchen – a gift of nature earned by hard work. I like to spend my free time with my family, especially playing with my young child, and I have a creative side too - I love to capture photographs, especially of nature, and creating terracotta clay sculptures. I also find going on long drives over the weekend really relaxing.

What does it mean to you to be trusted to do brilliant things at Mott MacDonald?

Mott MacDonald always encourages me to do my best with initiatives like monthly excellence awards in my team and regular knowledge sharing sessions with teams around the world.

Can you share a moment when you felt particularly trusted and empowered in your role?

I felt trusted and empowered when I started getting involved in BIM deliverables and estimating budgets for project proposals. I have also had many opportunities to participate in exciting BIM workshops which have evolved and improved my thought processes and BIM practice.

How does Mott MacDonald’s trust in its people influence your approach to your work?

Mott MacDonald’s trust in its people significantly influences my approach to work.

I feel encouraged to think creatively and take risks without fear of failure. I am more likely to propose innovative ideas and solutions, knowing that I am supported. I feel valued and appreciated, which has a huge impact on my overall morale and commitment.

I believe that when people feel trusted, they are more motivated to take ownership of their work. This creates a positive work environment leading to higher productivity, more innovation, and better employee retention.

Interested in BIM roles in India?

Are you interested in joining Mott MacDonald or have you previously worked for us and would love to return?

We are proud to be part of an ever-changing global industry, delivering transformative work that’s defining our future. It’s our people who power that performance.

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What does a typical day look like for you at Mott MacDonald, and how do you find opportunities to excel in your role?

My typical day at Mott MacDonald is dynamic and filled with many opportunities to excel in my role.

My morning routine starts with reviewing my tasks and setting priorities. This helps me stay focused and ensures that I tackle the most important work first.

During the day, I engage in team meetings and collaborative projects. These interactions provide a platform to share ideas, learn from colleagues, and contribute to collective goals.

There are also often sessions on knowledge sharing, excellence and wellbeing.

I actively seek out challenges and opportunities to solve problems, think critically and innovate.

I value constructive feedback from my peers and supervisors to help me identify areas for improvement and refine my skills. I also take time to provide feedback to others when asked, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

At the end of each day, I like to reflect on my accomplishments and areas where I can improve. This reflection helps me stay motivated and plan for the next day with a clear vision.

Mott MacDonald's supportive environment and emphasis on growth empowers me to continuously strive for excellence.

Can you share a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of and explain why it stands out to you?

Each and every project, big and small, stands out to me.

In the water sector, projects often involve addressing critical environmental challenges and can have a significant impact on nature and the local community.

These aren't just projects for me - they are opportunities to improve lives and protect species by maintaining a pollution-free environment.

Working on global water and wastewater environmental projects for such a noble cause is a source of immense pride for me - knowing that our efforts contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet and improve the quality of life for many people is incredibly rewarding to me.

How do you collaborate with colleagues from different specialisms to achieve common goals?

I collaborate with colleagues from different specialisms by fostering open communication, encouraging knowledge sharing and brainstorming sessions, and utilising each team member's unique expertise. Regular meetings, clear goal setting, and a collaborative mindset help me align our efforts and achieve our common goals efficiently.

Can you describe a time when teamwork at Mott MacDonald led to a successful outcome?

On a USA project, we faced a tight deadline from the client to deliver the numerous drawings submission to project approving authority. Embracing the challenge, we collaborated as an integrated team, identified efficient working methods, established a standard workflow, and prioritised tasks effectively. This teamwork and time management led to a successful outcome.

What does being part of a global team mean to you, and how does it influence your work?

Being part of a global team means understanding regional cultures and diversity, sharing ideas and innovation, and leveraging different time zones for efficiency. It helps me appreciate various cultures, values and perspectives which help to enhance my own communication and work practices. This global collaboration drives me to deliver high-quality results and contributes to a broader impact.