Asif Rahmany

We asked Asif…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

It opens doors to the world!

I've worked on five continents and met incredible people from all backgrounds.

You get to be part of projects that change cities and countries and which will last for generations.

The money is good, but the real reward is seeing something you helped build become reality.

Plus, civil engineering teaches you problem-solving and negotiation skills that help in every part of life.

You're not stuck in one place, every project is a new adventure with new challenges.

Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…

I'm a civil engineer, but I'm also a mentor who loves helping young professionals grow in their careers and a proud father of two future engineers!

What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?

The variety! Every project brings new challenges and new places.

Whether it's negotiating a billion-dollar contract or mentoring a young engineer, I know I'm making a difference.

I love solving complex problems and seeing the results of my work.

What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?

How much it connects you with people. I thought engineering was just about calculations and plans.

But it's really about communication, teamwork, and understanding different cultures.

I've made lifelong friends across the world through this career.

Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?

The Panama Canal expansion. The scale, the challenges, the global impact – it would have been incredible to be part of that team.

It's one of humanity's greatest engineering achievements.

Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.

That you need to be brilliant at maths to be an engineer.

You need to be good at solving problems and working with people.

The maths is important, but it's not the only thing. I've mentored many engineers who weren't top in maths but excelled because they were creative and great communicators.

Has civil engineering helped you overcome any personal hurdles/difficulties?

Moving to different countries and adapting to new cultures was tough at first.

But civil engineering gave me a purpose and a team wherever I went.

It taught me resilience and how to connect with people from all backgrounds.

Now I feel at home anywhere in the world.

What motivated you to become professionally qualified?

Becoming professionally qualified shows that you meet international standards of excellence. It builds trust with clients and employers. 

It pushes you to keep learning and growing throughout your career.

What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?  

It means recognition as a leader in your field. It's a stamp of quality that employers worldwide respect.

It's helped me secure senior roles on mega-projects and build credibility with clients in over 10 countries.

Professional qualification shows you take your career seriously.

What’s the best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE? 

The global network. You join a community of engineers who share your standards and passion.

I've connected with brilliant people through professional institutions that have become lifelong colleagues and friends.

It's like being part of an international family.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

The continuous learning opportunities. With 30+ years in the industry, I still learn from ICE resources, publications, and events.

The technical knowledge sharing is invaluable for staying current with industry developments.

How has being a member helped your career?

Membership has enhanced my credibility, opened networking opportunities, and kept me connected to the latest industry standards.

It's helped me transition across different countries and sectors, from oil and gas to infrastructure.

Employers trust members because they know we maintain professional standards.

What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego?

I built a detailed model of an LNG processing plant with my son, which took us three weekends!

I loved showing him how the different parts connected, like pipes and storage tanks.

It reminded me of the real $34 billion Ichthys project I worked on, just a bit smaller!

Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies

I'm passionate about mentoring young engineers and giving back to the profession.

I served as president of the Engineers Australia Qatar Chapter.

I also volunteer with local community development programmes in Qatar, helping build sustainable communities.

In my spare time, I love travelling, reading, and spending time with my family.