Avinash Kunder – Associate (Mechanical) at 9E Global.
Engineering Journey & Professional Expertise
What inspired you to pursue a career in mechanical engineering, specifically in MEP building services, and what led you to specialise in this field?
My interest in engineering started back in childhood when I would wander over to construction sites near my home. Watching masons lay bricks, apply plaster, and mix concrete felt like witnessing magic in slow motion. At that time, I was convinced I would become a civil engineer because, honestly, what could be cooler than building walls?
But as I grew older and learned how buildings actually function, I discovered the real superheroes: MEP systems. These unsung heroes make a building livable and efficient, bringing comfort, safety, and sustainability to modern spaces. That realization flipped my career compass toward mechanical engineering within MEP building services, where I could help create spaces that are not just standing tall but working smart.
What excites me most about this field is its complexity and impact. MEP design is not just about pipes and ducts; it is about precision, coordination, and innovation, especially with the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and green building technologies. I find it incredibly rewarding to work on designs that directly improve people’s daily lives while also contributing to sustainability goals.
In short, I started out dreaming of bricks and mortar but ended up falling in love with ducts and chillers, and honestly, I would not have it any other way. The journey from awe-struck observer to passionate MEP engineer has defined my purpose: to shape building environments that support people’s lives with ingenuity and care.
Could you share a project or milestone in your mechanical/MEP career that substantially shaped your technical capabilities or leadership approach?
One of the most defining milestones in my mechanical/MEP career was contributing to the design and delivery of a large-scale mixed-use development, the Amaala Marina Village. This project integrated retail districts with two major hotel complexes: the Marina Lifestyle Hotel and the Village Boutique Hotel. It came with complex sustainability and performance requirements, making it a truly challenging and rewarding experience.
It was my first time working on a project of this scale, and it pushed me to elevate both my technical expertise and leadership capabilities. The project demanded precision, adaptability, and a strong understanding of local codes and international standards.
On the leadership front, I was responsible for coordinating between consultants, contractors, and internal teams. This taught me the value of clear communication, proactive problem-solving, and stakeholder alignment. I learned how to manage expectations, resolve conflicts, and keep the team focused on shared goals even under pressure.
Looking back, this project not only sharpened my engineering skills but also transformed me into a confident, collaborative, and forward-thinking professional. It set the foundation for my continued growth, inspiring me to approach every challenge with curiosity, clarity, and a drive for excellence.
What excites you most about working in the Middle East’s building services and infrastructure sector, especially in the MEP domain?
What excites me most about working in the Middle East’s building services and infrastructure sector is the region’s bold vision and rapid transformation. From futuristic smart cities to sustainable mega developments, the scale and ambition of projects here are unmatched, and MEP engineering plays a central role in bringing them to life.
In the MEP domain, I’m particularly inspired by the opportunity to design systems that are not only technically advanced but also deeply responsive to the region’s climate, energy goals, and urban growth. Whether it’s optimizing HVAC systems for extreme temperatures or integrating smart controls for energy efficiency, every challenge pushes us to innovate and think holistically.
It’s incredibly motivating to work in a region where engineering excellence is not just encouraged, it’s expected. That environment fuels my passion and keeps me excited about what’s next.
Joining 9E Global & Industry Impact
What motivated you to join 9E Global, and which aspects of our vision, projects, or culture resonated with you most?
What motivated me to join 9E Global was its reputation for delivering innovative, high-performance engineering solutions while staying committed to sustainability and collaboration. For someone passionate about mechanical and MEP systems, the diversity of projects from smart buildings to large-scale infrastructure was irresistible. These projects don’t just challenge engineers; they make us think creatively and occasionally question our life choices when ductwork clashes with architecture!
I had also expressed my interest in traveling and collaborating with colleagues across different regions to support company goals. The management didn’t just nod politely; they actually made it happen by giving me the opportunity to visit our Mumbai office for a collaboration initiative within a week of my joining. That experience proved one thing: 9E Global doesn’t just talk about supporting growth; they walk the walk (and sometimes fly you across borders).
What truly resonated with me was the culture of continuous learning and shared ambition. Even as a new joiner, I felt welcomed and empowered to contribute meaningfully. The emphasis on teamwork, mentorship, and forward-thinking design aligns perfectly with my values and career goals.
Joining 9E Global feels like stepping into a space where I can grow, make an impact, and be part of transformative projects that shape the future of sustainable engineering. And honestly, if engineering is an adventure, 9E Global makes sure you have the best map.
How does 9E Global support your professional goals in mechanical/MEP engineering and align with your areas of expertise?
9E Global supports my professional goals in mechanical and MEP engineering by fostering an environment where innovation, technical excellence, and continuous growth are core priorities. I’ve had the chance to work on projects that challenge me to apply my expertise in HVAC design, system coordination, and energy-efficient solutions, while also exploring advanced technologies such as BIM and smart building integration.
What truly distinguishes 9E Global is its commitment to purposeful engineering. The company’s focus on sustainable infrastructure and high-performance systems aligns perfectly with my passion for creating designs that are both efficient and impactful. With access to mentorship, collaborative teams, and cutting-edge tools, I’ve been able to strengthen my technical capabilities and evolve into a well-rounded professional.
Through hands-on project experience, knowledge sharing, and a culture that values curiosity and initiative, 9E Global has created an environment where I can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and help shape the future of building services.
Are there upcoming mechanical/MEP projects or challenges at 9E Global that you are particularly eager to contribute to?
I’m particularly eager to contribute to the upcoming data center projects at 9E Global, as they present some of the most complex and rewarding challenges in mechanical and MEP engineering. Data centers require highly efficient cooling systems, precise environmental control, and redundancy to ensure uninterrupted operations. Designing HVAC solutions for these facilities means balancing energy efficiency with reliability, which pushes us to innovate and adopt advanced technologies like precision cooling and smart monitoring systems.
Beyond technical challenges, these projects demand strict compliance with international standards and client-specific performance benchmarks. Meeting these expectations is critical not only for successful delivery but also for building trust and confidence with our clients. This is especially important as we are onboarding new clients with ambitious projects. Delivering excellence will help us strengthen relationships and secure repeat business, creating a foundation for long-term partnerships.
I’m excited about these opportunities because they allow me to apply my expertise in HVAC and energy-efficient systems while contributing to 9E Global’s reputation for high-performance engineering. These projects challenge us to think creatively, collaborate across disciplines, and consistently exceed client expectations, something I’m passionate about achieving.
Civil & Infrastructure Engineering Challenges & Regional Trends
From your perspective, what are the key challenges currently facing MEP engineers in the region, particularly in mechanical systems design and delivery?
One of the key challenges facing MEP engineers in the region, particularly in mechanical systems design and delivery, is the growing demand for energy efficiency and sustainability while meeting aggressive timelines and cost constraints. Clients increasingly expect high-performance HVAC systems that minimize energy consumption and comply with green building standards such as LEED or Estidama. Achieving this balance requires innovative design strategies, advanced simulation tools, and precise system integration.
Another major challenge is the complexity of projects like data centres, healthcare facilities, and mixed-use developments. These require highly reliable systems with redundancy, strict environmental control, and compliance with international standards. Coordinating across multiple disciplines, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing, while ensuring seamless integration, adds to the technical and logistical complexity.
Additionally, the region’s climate poses unique hurdles. Designing systems that can handle extreme temperatures while maintaining efficiency and occupant comfort is a constant challenge. Coupled with rapid urban development and evolving client expectations, engineers must stay ahead by adopting technologies like BIM, smart building solutions, and predictive maintenance tools.
Ultimately, the challenge is not just technical; it’s about aligning performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness while delivering projects that build client confidence and set the stage for a long-term partnership.
How do you see mechanical/MEP engineering contributing to smarter, more sustainable buildings and infrastructure in the Middle East?
Mechanical and MEP engineering is at the heart of creating smarter, more sustainable buildings and infrastructure in the Middle East. With rapid urbanization and ambitious development goals in the region, the demand for high-performance systems that reduce energy consumption and environmental impact has never been greater.
Mechanical systems, particularly HVAC, play a critical role in achieving sustainability targets. Advanced technologies such as energy-efficient chillers, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) systems, and heat recovery solutions help optimize cooling and heating in a region known for extreme temperatures. Integrating these systems with smart building platforms enables real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and automated controls, which significantly improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
MEP engineering also drives water conservation through efficient plumbing designs and supports renewable energy integration, such as solar-assisted HVAC systems. Combined with BIM and IoT-based solutions, engineers can design buildings that are not only sustainable but also intelligent, capable of adapting to occupant needs while minimizing resource use.
In the Middle East, where mega-projects and green building certifications like LEED and Estidama are becoming standard, MEP engineers are essential in turning sustainability goals into reality. By innovating in mechanical design and embracing smart technologies, we are shaping infrastructure that meets global standards and supports the region’s vision for a sustainable future.
A Personal Perspective on Engineering
Can you describe a project where you encountered a particularly complex mechanical or MEP coordination challenge, perhaps around HVAC, plumbing, or fire-protection systems, and how you addressed it?
One project that really stands out was the mechanical design and coordination for a multi-use high-rise that wanted to be everything at once: residential, commercial, and hospitality, all stacked under one roof like a vertical city. The challenge? Making HVAC, plumbing, and fire-protection systems coexist peacefully across zones with completely different requirements, all while working in tight spaces and sprinting through a fast-track schedule.
The HVAC part felt like solving a 3D puzzle where the pieces kept moving. Coordinating ductwork and pipe routing without turning ceilings into obstacle courses required meticulous planning and more coffee than I’d like to admit.
Our secret weapon? BIM. Weekly clash detection sessions with structural, architectural, and electrical teams became our version of group therapy for building systems, catching conflicts before they turned into construction nightmares. We also created detailed zone-by-zone layouts and used modular prefabrication for certain components to keep installation smooth and avoid site chaos.
In short, this project taught me that successful MEP delivery is part engineering, part diplomacy, and part magic. And yes, BIM was the wand that made it all happen. Lesson learned: ducts, diplomacy, and a dash of caffeine can solve almost anything.
What advice would you give to emerging mechanical/MEP engineers looking to build a successful career in the region?
If you’re an emerging mechanical or MEP engineer in the Middle East, here are three things you absolutely need to focus on because trust me, duct sizes and chilled water pipes aren’t the only challenges you’ll face:
- Technical Excellence with a Green Twist – The region is racing toward sustainability with standards like LEED and Estidama. If you can design energy-efficient HVAC systems and water-saving solutions without making the client faint at the cost, you’re already ahead of the game.
- Become Tech-Savvy – BIM, IoT, and smart building systems aren’t just buzzwords; they’re the new normal. If you’re still clinging to old-school methods, it’s time to upgrade. Think of BIM as your GPS in the jungle of coordination.
- Communication is King – You’ll work with architects, contractors, and clients who sometimes think HVAC is just ‘big air conditioners.’ Explaining complex systems in simple terms is a superpower. Bonus points if you can do it without making anyone feel like they need an engineering degree to understand you.
And finally, be reliable. Delivering quality work builds trust, and trust brings repeat projects. In this industry, your reputation travels faster than chilled water through a pipe!
So, stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of a well-designed duct.
