Meet Govind Ranjith Kota: mechanical BIM engineer based in Bangalore

Whether it's a high-rise building or a complex highway interchange, building information modelling (BIM) empowers us to visualise, coordinate and deliver with precision. We recently spoke with Govind Ranjith Kota, a mechanical BIM engineer, about his exciting role in our global delivery business and how crucial innovation is to our success.

Tell us about your role and where you are based

I am a mechanical BIM engineer working within our global delivery services business, based in Bangalore, India, and currently delivering work for our office in Singapore.

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

I chose my career in BIM because it sits at the intersection of design, technology and construction, three areas I’ve always been passionate about. I was specifically drawn to BIM because of how it enables smarter, more collaborative workflows, reduces errors before construction begins and ultimately leads to more sustainable and efficient buildings.

Mott MacDonald stood out to me because of its strong reputation for innovation in digital construction and its commitment to integrating advanced BIM strategies across projects.  Being part of Mott MacDonald provides a dynamic and supportive environment for BIM professionals to grow and make a real impact on the built environment.

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

Being trusted to do brilliant things means a lot to me – it signifies confidence in my skills, judgement and potential to make meaningful contributions. It’s not just about performing and delivering tasks well; it’s about being empowered to take the initiative, think creatively and solve problems in ways that align with the organisation’s goals. Trust creates a culture where people do their best work because they feel ownership and purpose. For me, being trusted means I’m not just filling a role – I’m part of something bigger, contributing to work that matters and helping to drive forward the company and my own growth.

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

One of the most exciting and innovative projects I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to was a major, multidisciplinary airport project where BIM played a critical role from planning to execution.

A stand-out moment for me was when I was asked to take the lead on coordinating the team across multiple disciplines. Initially, I was just supporting the modelling process, but my manager trusted me to step up and manage the team and project from our digital delivery part of the business.

Being trusted on such a high-profile project pushed me to be proactive, solve problems independently and continuously look for ways to add value. It reinforced my confidence and deepened my skills in managing large-scale BIM projects.

This experience reinforced how much people can grow when they’re trusted – and how I perform best when I feel that sense of ownership and responsibility.

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

Knowing that Mott MacDonald places a high value on trust changes the way I approach my work – it encourages me to take full ownership, be proactive and continuously look for ways to improve outcomes. When a company trusts its people, it creates an environment where they are not just following instructions, they’re contributing ideas, making decisions and driving progress with confidence.

This kind of environment brings out the best in me. It motivates me to stay accountable, push beyond minimum expectations and treat every task as something that reflects my personal standards and the company’s vision. It also means I’ll be more willing to step up, suggest improvements and collaborate openly, knowing that taking the initiative is respected and supported.

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

A typical day is dynamic and collaborative – starting with reviewing updates in the BIM model, checking for any design conflicts and coordinating with various disciplines to keep everything aligned. I also attend coordination meetings, support design teams with model updates, ensure data accuracy in line with project requirements and help improve workflows through automation or templates.

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

One project I’m particularly proud of is my involvement in the design of a major airport project. I was heavily involved in the BIM coordination and the project required close collaboration between multiple disciplines – including architecture, structure and mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) aspects –across different time zones.

Despite the pressure and technical challenges, I felt empowered to take the initiative, solve coordination issues, and contribute to a smooth workflow.

This project reinforced why I chose this career path. It showed me how technology, collaboration and trust can come together to deliver something impactful, and it motivated me to keep growing in the field of BIM.

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.

Submit your CV today

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

Collaboration is at the heart of every successful BIM project and I’ve learned that clear communication and mutual respect are essential when working across disciplines, such as architecture, structural engineering and MEP.

I always start by making sure everyone understands the shared goals and how their role fits into the bigger picture. During coordination meetings, I make an effort to listen actively – understanding the challenges each team faces and making sure everyone has a voice. I often act as a bridge between disciplines, using the model as a common language to identify clashes early and propose practical solutions.

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

A key moment where teamwork led to a successful outcome was during the Changi Airport project. 
During the clash detection phase, we encountered several conflicts between the MEP systems and the architectural and structural elements of the terminal. Instead of seeing this as a roadblock, we immediately engaged in collaborative problem-solving sessions. The MEP engineers worked with the architectural and structural teams to redesign certain elements and we quickly updated the BIM model to reflect these changes. Regular cross-disciplinary meetings helped us stay aligned.

This experience is just one example of how powerful teamwork can be when everyone works toward a common goal, trusts each other’s expertise and remains flexible in solving problems.

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 working with people who have diverse backgrounds, skill sets and perspectives. It’s an exciting opportunity because it brings together a variety of expertise and approaches, which often leads to more innovative solutions and better decision-making.

What inspired you to join Mott MacDonald and how has your career journey evolved since then?

I was inspired to join Mott MacDonald because of its reputation for innovation, commitment to quality and forward-thinking approach to technology and BIM. The opportunity to work with a team that is not only at the forefront of construction and design but also actively fostering a culture of collaboration and trust really resonated with me.

Mott MacDonald values both the technical and creative aspects of delivery, empowering employees to take ownership and contribute in meaningful ways. This environment of growth, development and continuous improvement made it the ideal place for me to build my career.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start their career at Mott MacDonald?

My biggest piece of advice would be to embrace learning and take ownership early on:

• be curious and eager to learn
• collaborate and communicate effectively
• embrace responsibility and take ownership and
• stay agile and adapt to change

Starting your career here is a fantastic opportunity for personal and professional growth and, by embracing these principles, you’ll find success and contribute to the company’s continued impact in the industry.

How does Mott MacDonald create an environment where you feel empowered and supported?

Mott MacDonald excels at creating an environment where empowerment and support go hand in hand. From day one, I felt that my ideas and contributions were valued and there was a clear sense that I was trusted to make meaningful decisions within my role. That inspires me to take ownership of my work, whether it's leading BIM coordination efforts on a project or troubleshooting complex issues.

The supportive environment is also evident in the collaborative culture. I’ve never felt alone in tackling challenges. The willingness of colleagues to offer help, feedback and insight has made me feel confident in my decisions, which directly impacts my ability to contribute at a high level.

What resources or support at Mott MacDonald have been most beneficial to your growth?

The resources and support have played a significant role in my growth, and I’m grateful for the opportunities provided to enhance my skills including:

• access to cutting-edge technology and tools
• training and professional development
• opportunities to progress into a  leadership role
• a supportive and collaborative environment