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Syed, tell me about your background.

I graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering back in Pakistan from University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore and soon after I had the opportunity to work on a major EPC project in the Middle East. I worked in the region for a decade and was fortunate to have worked for some of the biggest contractors in the region. In my roles specializing in project controls and scheduling, I got to work on some of the mega projects across a variety of sectors.

Along the way, I acquired professional certifications from AACE and PMI and, driven by my interest in dispute resolution, completed a master’s degree in construction law and arbitration from Robert Gordon University in the UK. I then moved to Canada and had an opportunity to join HKA in 2019 and have since been involved as an expert on a significant number of multi-million dollar claims and disputes in mediation, arbitration and litigation settings.

I feel fortunate to not only have worked on some of the most notable projects across continents and gained experience on a variety of construction projects including pipelines, infrastructure, rail, wastewater, power and renewable energy, marine and various ICI [industrial, commercial and institutional] buildings.

That’s a great segue; what attracted you to engineering and construction and then, the transition into claims and disputes side of things.

I grew up around a lot of doctors and engineers, so I think the precedent was already set and I did not have much of a choice. I realized early on that medicine was not my cup of tea. On a serious note, it was perhaps not that perfectly planned but in hindsight, my early traits and interests like building and fixing things, curiosity and attention to detail have greatly influenced how my career has shaped so far.  

With the challenges that it brings, construction is all about collective efforts to plan, coordinate, identify and mitigate risks to successfully deliver projects and assets that go on to impact and transform lives and the wider societal landscape. This is something I’m so passionate about to this day. My current role offers a unique opportunity to be involved in a variety of such projects while leveraging my skills and expertise to investigate, advise and provide expert opinion to help clients resolve their disputes.

Have you worked on any notable projects and how what drives you to support clients in your current role?

I think two of the most prominent ones that I can name are the Parliament of Canada rehabilitation program in Ottawa, Canada and the King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Two very unique and notable developments—the former representing the modernization of a national icon and the latter, creating an iconic new skyline in the desert. Both had their own unique engineering complexities and construction challenges but were transformative in their own way.

Working on such prestigious projects is certainly a badge of honor but what is more valuable to me is the many ways a project creates a wider impact by improving lives or solving problems—such as a new transit, infrastructure or advance healthcare facility, etc.

In my current role, I am not as actively involved in the usual sense of projects delivery but I’m more focused on helping clients resolve their disputes who may require my opinion on assessment of delays and quantification of their impacts on a project.

Typically, clients engage me when they are facing challenges and put their trust in me to help resolve their high stakes disputes on projects that have not gone as planned. The positive feedback from clients at the end is what I value the most and makes up for all the hard work as I get to learn about a landmark settlement they achieved or a judgment that hugely went in their favor. I am really proud and grateful for the continuous feedback I have received that translated into my recognition as a Recommended expert in various listings by Lexology Index.

Why is HKA a standout employer for you?

There are a number of dimensions I can touch upon that makes HKA a standout employer for me. One being the exciting opportunities that I get to work with, along with the challenges and opportunities that it brings.

Secondly, in a business like ours, it’s all about the people, their values and culture we collectively create. What stands out at HKA is the supportive and understanding colleagues who mentor, encourage and lift everyone around. I think a collective vision to improve, collaborate, deliver quality and value to our clients every time is a perfect recipe of success for any high achieving organization and I am proud that we do this very effectively. 

The successes and growth we have achieved globally and within Canada, particularly in a short period of time is truly remarkable.

I would like to mention two of my colleagues and mentors, Lorna Tardif and Jeff McCain, who invited me to join HKA in 2019 and helped lay the foundations of a great team we have rapidly grown in to.

What other roles do you have outside of the office?

I’m a dad to a toddler, so other than work it’s all about being there for the family by spending time together, exploring nature, reading stories and being involved in every step of the way.

Working with HKA gives me the flexibility to manage my work life balance and allows me to relish the precious moments of parenthood in the best possible way.

You start off in Pakistan, moved to the Middle East, and now you’re in Canada. What’s your favorite thing about Canada and living in Toronto?

Every place I have lived is special and remains close to my heart in its own way. One thing that stands out about Canada, and it’s no joke—Canadians are really, very friendly and polite. I just love how excessively we say sorry and most of the time, without any reason.  Toronto is very diverse and full of life. People from all backgrounds and cultures visit, cohabit and work together and are open and very welcoming.

I have lived and travelled across Canada, and I am amazed by how beautiful the country is. So, if you want to explore nature and the outdoors, Canada is the place to be.

What are your passions outside of work?

I’m a devout Liverpool Football Club fan. I’m sort of a romantic, if you will, and have followed the club for a long time including the not so glory days which feel like a distant past now. Learning about the rich history and living through the steady build up over the last decade or so has been an incredible journey as a supporter. Seeing the club back to its perch was a very special feeling that words might not do justice. Apart from that, I love playing Squash and Tennis and taking scenic walks to unwind, relax and recharge.

What would you as a teenager think about the person you’ve become today?

My teenage self would be proud that I have stayed true to my values—integrity, humility, and dependability and perhaps, be pleasantly surprised at the risks and challenges I continue to take head on. He’d probably say: keep your curiosity, stay disciplined and never stop believing.

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