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Articles

Staying Steady in a Fast Changing Industry

November 28, 2025
•
Engineering

Staying Steady in a Fast Changing Industry

Why fundamentals matter more than ever in engineering and construction.

Something I’ve been thinking about lately is how quickly our industry is changing — and how slowly people think it should.

Engineering, construction, development… these fields weren’t built for constant change. They were built on precision, process, and doing things right the first time. But today, new technologies, new client expectations, and new pressures are reshaping how we work faster than ever.

And I’ve realized something:The companies that thrive aren’t the ones who adopt every new tool — they’re the ones who stay grounded while everything around them shifts.

For us at Design Works, that means a few things:
• Staying committed to quality even when deadlines get tighter.
• Keeping communication clear when projects get more complex.
• Integrating new tools without forgetting the fundamentals.
• And remembering that engineering is still a people business, no matter how digital it becomes.

The world is changing, but our responsibility hasn’t.

We still design spaces people live in, work in, and depend on. That comes with pressure — and it should.

My view? Adapt where it makes sense. Stay steady where it matters. Focus on the fundamentals. And don’t mistake movement for progress.

It’s not about keeping up with everything — it’s about choosing what genuinely makes your work better.

Wishing you all a strong, focused end to the week. Have a great weekend, everyone.

Regards,
‍Haydar Al Dahhan, P.Eng., P.E., IntPE, APEC, MIET
‍President & CEO
Design Works Engineering

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