A SOLID Introduction to Iryna

We cannot deliver excellence without the right staff and when it comes to excellence, it doesn’t get better than Iryna. Iryna came to us from Coventry University in 2017 with a first-class master’s degree in Civil Engineering and began in a graduate position before becoming a Design Engineer. However, she has recently taken on a dual role, adding BIM management to her bow.

Iryna at Work

Whilst some people thrive on small scale projects, Iryna prefers the challenge of large-scale commercial and educational developments. She finds that when working on buildings of this size, even those with apparently ‘simple’ designs, there can be a multitude of challenges hidden within the superstructures, and Iryna loves a challenge.

Iryna is a whizz at BIM and 3D modelling. On her desktop she displays stunning independent work. Currently, the impressive structural design of Evesham Baptist Church, a single-storey braced steel-framed structure with a roof made up of four different sections which slope slightly from the ‘petal’ shaped walls. Iryna casually describes it as ‘a typical grid of steel beams’, but to the untrained eye her BIM, or Building Information Modelling, is a work of art.

Structural Design

Whilst managing her projects she has no problem helping other members of staff with their own complex designs, recently assisting on the Fifth Girl’s House at Shrewsbury School. A stunning architecturally designed new build made up of an intricate steel and timber frame. Complicated as her plans are, she still makes time to lovingly point out features such as ‘hobbit doors’ or stops to show off her ‘plane building’. Her ‘plane building’ actually a beautiful barn which looks simple enough in design, but hides a complex frame, allowing for a flat roof in amongst pitched. From above it closely resembles a biplane, hence the apt nickname. Iryna’s terms of endearment highlight that her projects really are her ‘babies’ and she will give each her undivided attention.

As if we are not keeping her busy enough, Iryna still (somehow!) finds time for her in-depth weekly training sessions to teach the rest of us how to be as efficient at Allplan BIM design as she is.

Iryna’s work in progress

Efforts for Ukraine

Outside of work Iryna keeps herself equally as busy, currently renovating her house alongside her boyfriend, Robert, a mechanical engineer. But as Iryna comes to us from Ukraine, where her family still is, her home country is, understandably, at the forefront of her mind. Iryna has joined forces with the Hook Norton Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine, who organise donation drops specifically for the Ukrainian Army. This week’s primary focus has been on locating twenty-five litre metal petrol cans in camouflage or forest colours, a much-needed item that the army are desperate for.

An example of the items the Hook Norton Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine require - please contact them directly for an up to date list.

Here at SOLID the team endeavour to help Iryna with her cause and do all we can to assist other Ukrainian families. Office manager Emily works as one of the driving forces behind the group ‘Hooky Supports Ukraine’. The group’s primary aim to provide Ukrainian families with sponsors, giving those fleeing a route to safety. Hooky residents are joining together to offer accommodation to Ukrainian refugees and whilst they do not have any host families yet, they are on the cusp of doing so. Iryna, of course, has been vital in helping break down language barriers, allowing the process to run as smoothly as possible.

Sean and Emily also work closely with Viktor Zaichenko, another Hooky resident who hails from Ukraine, and his wife Lucy. The pair are doing all they can to help, currently focusing their efforts on fundraising to supply 4x4 pickups. These trucks are to be used in search and rescue missions, evacuating Ukrainians from the hardest to reach areas. Viktor and Lucy have already succeeded and the first trucks, packed full of supplies, have been delivered, but more are still required! When not fundraising for trucks, Viktor has been demolishing walls in his home to provide more room to host refugees. However, this proved to be a more complex task than originally thought due to the walls being load bearing. Sean offered his time and expertise to assist the project, keeping things moving as swiftly as possible.