Meet The Team – Kai Xu

Kai Xu joined as a structural designer-drafter in July 2017.

If we think Brisbane is growing, what we are seeing is nothing to the first-hand experience Kai gained working for one of China’s top design companies in Beijing for over 11 years.

With a skillset developed across industrial, commercial, residential and public buildings, Kai is committed to delivering design solutions that are underpinned by his rich experience, knowledge and skills.

We took the time to find out a little bit more about Kai.

Why did you become an engineer?

When I was very young, I saw an advertisement that a boy said that his dream is to build the tallest building in the world. Then I started to have the same dream. And since childhood, I love all kinds of ‘LEGO’ toys. Therefore, I chose civil engineering when I was in university.

What do you love about engineering?

I really enjoy the process of working together with other engineers to overcome problems and complete a building project that is satisfactory to the clients.

What are you working on at the moment?

I am currently involved in a large commercial project in Brisbane city. The project is very challenging and exciting. Our work is to add seven new floors on the top of two existing high-rise office buildings and integrate the two buildings into one building.

I am also involved in a high-rise residential project near Chermside shopping centre.

What has been your greatest professional achievement to date?

My biggest achievement is that I am in the one percent of structural engineers in China with a National Top-class certification for both structural and construction engineering.  Also, I can rely on my professional ability and experience to immigrate to Australia and contribute to the development of Australia’s engineering industry.

What’s the best project you have worked on?

I was very lucky to work on a Malting and Brew Plant Project (Industrial Building, 120,000 m²) in China in 2012.

As a senior structural engineer, I participated in the design of the whole process of the project. The project is currently the largest industrial building project integrating beer production and malt production in China. The project won the National Excellent Engineering Design award by China Light Industry Association in 2014;

What’s the most useful thing you’ve learned throughout your career?

Years of work have made me realize that the renewal of my knowledge cannot be stopped. With the continuous development of new technologies and new materials, I must continue to expand and update my knowledge and keep up with the pace of technological development.

What was your last meal?

The last meal was to make dumplings with my family. I very enjoy the process of cooking with my family.

How much is a 2-litre bottle of milk?

Between $2 and $4 depending on the brand.

What’s the last movie you watched?

The Green Book, a wonderful film with laughter and tears.

Who’s the greatest engineer of all time and why?

Tung-Yen Lin, a Chinese American, he was a structural engineer and was the pioneer of standardizing the use of prestressed concrete.

Among his engineering accomplishments were the Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, the Kuan Du Bridge in Taiwan, and the roof of the National Racetrack in Caracas, Venezuela. In 1996, he was named the 53rd National Honor Member of Chi Epsilon, the national civil engineering honor society.