The Secret Of My Success - Holger Falter

Holger Falter is Arup’s lead structural engineer on the famous  ArcelorMittal Orbit (designed by Anish Kapoor with Cecil Balmond, and Arup with Ushida Findlay). Before now he has worked on Beijing Airport Terminal 3 - the largest airport building in the world – and The Grand Canal Theatre in Dublin.

Did you choose your career or did it choose you?  

I actually decided to become a structural engineer when I was pretty young. After that decision was taken, all came together nicely!

What aspect of it gets you up in the morning?

To design beautiful buildings and infrastructure for beautiful people and healthy societies. 

How much of the child you were is in the adult you have become?

I am still enthusiastic about what I am doing. I still get excited when a project I'm working on with other design professionals leads to a real sparking of ideas.

How much inspiration, how much perspiration?

Albert Einstein said that science is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. I think in engineering this is more of a 20% / 80 % ratio. Each single detail gives the opportunity to be creative. There is always a chance to improve things.  

What tip would you give to anyone following in your footsteps?

Learn from different countries and cultures. Make use of opportunities abroad.  

What is the greatest obstacle you’ve overcome?

Consistently having to deliver a high quality product under a lowest cost mentality.