All I knew at the time was that Naeem was the Bridge Leader for Arup’s London office and working on
this magnificent bridge project connecting Sweden to Denmark. I was a fresh graduate at the time
and a young bridge engineer with the Big Dream of one day designing the third bridge crossing in
Istanbul to connect Europe to Asia. That night I thought it was definitely possible to realize your vision
when you worked hard and diligently, like Naeem did.
The second time I met Naeem, I was in Kuala Lumpur and working on the construction of elevated light
rail structures. Naeem, together with my bridge leader Allen Paul, was very supportive of my overseas
appointment and secondment to the Client, which was a pioneering step for a woman bridge engineer
in Arup.
I still remember how proud and grateful I was when I gave him a tour and told him with great
enthusiasm about my involvement in the design and construction of all different forms of bridges.
Again what struck me most was his interest in my work, his questions and his in-depth knowledge and
hands on approach to his work.
I knew that day that I wanted to be like him in maintaining my technical expertise and always feeding
my intellectual curiosity about the design but also about the construction of bridges and civil
structures.
I also came to know Naeem better, as a visionary leader, in my last role in Arup. He promoted and
supported me in becoming the regional leader for Arup America’s Bridge and Civil Structures Practice.
When we decided to pursue the Owner’s Engineer’s role for Champlain Bridge in Montreal, again he
made himself available for the team to win and deliver the project. He was and continues to be a great
mentor to me in shaping and delivering my practice plan and bridge projects in North America.
In brief, Naeem Hussain has always been a true role model for me and many bridge engineers around
the globe with his visionary and inclusive leadership.
1/2018