Six Months In: A Conversation with Mike

Black and white drawing of a man with short hair and a beard, smiling, in a white circle, on a yellow background

We are delighted to celebrate Mike, a skilled Associate Director (Civils) who became part of the QED team six months ago at our London office. Recently, we had the pleasure or interviewing Mike to gain insight into his journey, experiences, and reflections during his time with us.

What is your name and how long have you been working at QED?

Mike Tuna, and I have been working at QED for 6 months.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I love engineering, and in my free time I am working on an internal civil engineering good practice book. It is something I enjoy developing whenever I have the time.

What is your favourite thing about where you live?

I live in Colchester, which is the oldest recorded town in the UK. I like it because it is only about 15 minutes’ drive from the seaside, around 65 miles from London, and it offers a more affordable and balanced lifestyle.

When did you go to university and what did you study?

I completed my university studies in Romania in 2009, at the Engineering University in Craiova. I studied a wide range of subjects, including materials, welding, industrial engineering, topographical surveying, and ISO 9000 / ISO 9001 management systems. I enjoyed the variety of subjects and how they helped me build a strong technical foundation.

What was your last job like and how have you progressed since then?

My last role was as a Principal Engineer, where I managed and worked with a team of Civil Engineers and Senior Civil Engineers. I was involved in a wide range of projects across the UK, from residential developments of up to 4,000 units to large industrial projects. Since then, I have progressed to the role of Associate Director.

Are there any challenges you have had to overcome since working at QED?

I have faced a few challenges since joining QED, but I have relied on my 17 years of civil engineering experience to manage them. I also continue to read, learn, and stay up to date with the latest UK legislation, standards, and best practice guidance related to civil engineering.

What have you enjoyed about your time at QED so far?

I have enjoyed taking responsibility for the civil engineering work and supporting the team on different projects. I also like the opportunity to help develop the civil engineering side of the business.

What have you enjoyed about your time at QED so far?

Juhring and Hobbs is one project that stands out to me because it involved interesting drainage and civil engineering challenges, and it gave me the opportunity to use my experience to develop practical solutions.

Are there any jobs that stand out? If so, why?

I am happy to be part of QED, and I really enjoy helping to develop the civil engineering side of the business. I would like to continue supporting the team, improving our processes, and helping the business grow.