“From the beginning of my civil engineering studies, my dream was to have my own company. Thanks to my time at University of Plymouth, that dream is starting to become a reality.
During my foundation year in Greece I decided to continue my studies in the UK. I chose Plymouth as it is recognised in Greece as one of the ten best universities in the UK, especially the civil engineering department.
My MSc project was an investigation into the fire protection of steel frame buildings. At the moment there are only a few steel frame buildings in Greece as engineers there currently prefer concrete, but I think, as the advantages of steel frames for multi-storey and office buildings become more widely known, this will soon change. As there are only a few engineers in Greece who have studied the fire protection of steel frames, I feel my MSc will put me in great demand.
After my masters I returned to Greece and found a job in an architectural and construction company in Athens. My work involves studies, computer programs, 3D images models, detailed construction studies, financial analysis and timetabling for various projects around Greece and the Greek Islands. I am also visiting the construction sites for supervision, which is exciting and this is where I am learning the most.
My projects have included the study and construction of a two-storey office building, with five basements for parking, and the study and construction of many mansions and luxurious residences including a two-storey mansion with basement, inside and outside swimming pools and a tennis court on the island of Corfu.
Apart from the work in the office, I have joined together with three friends - an architect, a civil engineer and a mechanical engineer - to take over our own jobs and do our own studies in the hope of starting our own company.”