Peter Leung

Describe what the Mott Mac Life means to you in three words

Technical, excellence, balance.

Tell us about your specialism and why you chose it

I am specialised in railway tunnel ventilation and underground fire safety. These are essential aspects of metro projects that require engineering judgement and simulation skills.

Why did you choose to join Mott MacDonald?

Mott MacDonald is a worldwide leader in tunnel ventilation. I started working in the Croydon office in 2005, surrounded by well-known experts. It gave me a lot of opportunities to learn from them and participate in worldclass projects.

How has your career progressed since joining?

I started with tunnel ventilation in the late 90s and completed my fire engineer MSc in 2004. In 2012 I picked up project management skills working as a project management consultant in Qatar. These new skillsets always enrich and complement my career with knowledge from different aspects of project work.

What have you learnt while working at Mott MacDonald?

In one of the Mott MacDonald training sessions, I learned that “a good engineer should spend 51% of his time collaborating”. I have since been making an effort to talk to colleagues, across teams, departments or even countries, with often synergetic outcomes.

How do you demonstrate Technical Excellence in your work?

Checking and rechecking calculations, and considering different aspects and counter-arguments, until it is waterproof against critique.

How do you contribute to Mott MacDonald making a difference to people and the planet?

By contributing to our projects, moving them forward in design and construction. Even though our parts are usually small (in these modern-day mega-projects), our contributions are still essential, and the completed project will make a difference to our community.

What are your career highlights and achievements?

One of my career highlights has been working on the Singapore MRT East-West line into Changi Airport in 2000. I designed the tunnel ventilation system and contributed to the airport station MEP. When Changi Airport T5 opens in the future, I will be able to say that I’ve contributed more than 7 years of my work life to the engineering of this airport.

Writing the fire strategy for all the tunnels as well as Liverpool Street Station on London’s Elizabeth Line was also a highlight. As well as Doha Metro where I managed the MEP Design for Msheirab and Education City stations.