From collaboration to climate resilience: 7 lessons learnt

Scott McKeever, Country Director - UAE is featured in the February edition of MEP Middle East, where he reflects on seven key insights from his career, covering everything from the power of collaboration to the future of engineering in the region.

Collaboration as the cornerstone of success
Communication is key. Having the right people involved in projects to enable and facilitate effective communication and collaboration is critical to achieving successful outcomes.

Sparking interest in STEM
The UAE’s talent shortage is a real challenge, impacting businesses across the region. Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to play our part in addressing this issue. By actively engaging with local universities and schools, we have learnt that there is a strong appetite for STEM subjects and that students are genuinely enthusiastic about engineering. Early engagement and fostering curiosity in STEM can inspire the next generation of talent and help bridge the skills gap.

How we design
Recent experiences, particularly with heavy rains exposing inadequate infrastructure, have highlighted the importance of challenging conventional approaches to building design. By integrating futureproofing strategies and prioritising climate resilient solutions, we can create infrastructure that not only withstands climate extremes but also contributes to a greener, more resilient future.

Cundall's culture
As we have expanded our team in the UAE and opened a new office in Bengaluru, maintaining our culture and values has been key. The Cundall culture truly is unique, providing our people with an amazing environment in which to do their best work. Learning from past experience, this is something that must be intentionally nurtured and protected during periods of growth in order to keep Cundall, Cundall.

Embracing a digital first approach
As digitalisation continues to be both a constant and an accelerating force in our industry, it's imperative to not only be prepared for it but to eagerly embrace it. I have always been keenly interested in emerging technologies and how they can drive efficiency, innovation, and improved outcomes for our clients.

Building for people and communities
What drives me is the bigger purpose: creating buildings that make a meaningful difference in the lives of people and the communities they belong to. It's about more than just design, it’s about shaping spaces that inspire, nurture well-being, and align with a sustainable future. I’ve learnt that purpose is the most powerful motivator, and when we channel that into our work, we have the opportunity to create environments that are not only innovative and resilient but deeply impactful.

Lifelong learning
Embracing continuous learning is essential in our ever-evolving industry. Investing in professional development keeps us adaptable, and ahead of the curve. By prioritising growth and knowledge-sharing, we strengthen our expertise, inspire creativity, and ensure we deliver the best solutions for our clients