Surena is an experienced Building Technologist with over 5 years in structural drafting, precast concrete design, and construction documentation. He has a strong background in material optimization, quality control, and compliance monitoring for industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Surena is skilled in AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Allplan, and engineering documentation. His proven ability to collaborate with engineers, project managers, and manufacturing teams to enhance prefabrication processes is an asset to the Giffen team.
Surena is fluent in four languages (French, German, Persian, and English), which allows him to facilitate clear communication in diverse and international team environments.
Job Title: Junior Drafter
When did you start at Giffen? May 2025
What office are you based in? Vancouver, BC
What inspired you to join the team here? I was at the building to make a sketch, and while sitting in the lobby, I did some research. I looked up the engineering offices in the building, and Giffen was my first choice. I rang the office door directly and got the chance to talk with Joel, the owner, and that is how it all began.
What do you think makes our team culture unique? The hierarchy here is very flat, so I always feel comfortable talking openly with my boss or the director. It makes the whole environment approachable and collaborative.
What is the best advice you could give to a brand-new employee? Be yourself! When I arrived in Canada from Europe, many people advised me to change this or that to fit in or make more connections. I didn’t really follow that advice. I stayed true to myself. It took a little longer, but in the end, it worked perfectly, exactly as I imagined for myself.
What is one thing that you wish people knew about your job or industry? A drafter can eventually become a designer with experience. It is a very versatile career. You can design mechanical, electrical, or structural projects. It is a huge and exciting field.
When did you first know that you wanted to pursue a career in this field? I’ve always been interested in construction, so I knew early on that my path would lead me into the construction industry.
What do you love most about your job? The creation! Especially when moving to 3D modeling. It is fully immersive, passionate, and constantly exciting.
What piece of advice would you give to your younger self? Always stay curious!
What would your perfect weekend look like? I love spending time at the beach. When it is sunny, I enjoy hours under the sun listening to my favorite music, losing track of time until sunset. I also enjoy art exhibitions, though I wish Vancouver had more variety in that scene.
What do you like to do outside of work? I go to the gym, enjoy a drink on the terrace of a nice café, or go to the cinema when there is a good movie playing.
What is your favorite local spot to eat / drink? Café Calabria on Commercial Avenue in Vancouver. The décor is a bit kitsch, but they have the best coffee and ice cream I’ve tried in Canada, though of course, the best can always be found in Milan.
What would be your dream job (that isn’t this one!)? Without any hesitation, architect. I love architecture and am fascinated by the Bauhaus style.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be? Santorini, Greece. I often wonder why I missed visiting it when I was so close. It wasn’t far, yet I hadn’t gone.
If you could pick any superpower, what would it be and why? To have wings, to fly wherever and whenever I want, completely free and without limits.
