Dino Philopoulos, P.Eng., FEC, M.Sc.
This month The Professional Edge chats with Dino Philopoulos, P.Eng., FEC, M.Sc.
Tell us about your personal background. Where are you from? Where did you attend university?
I was born in Winnipeg to a Greek immigrant family.
When I was five, we relocated to Greece where I completed high school. I returned to Canada in 1997 for post-secondary studies in civil engineering at the University of Manitoba.
During my studies, I also was employed as a research assistant and further pursued a Master of Science degree while also serving as a sessional lecturer for the Engineering Materials course.
Upon completion of my studies in 2005, I returned to Greece to complete mandatory military services. In 2007, I returned to Saskatchewan and joined the KGS Group Regina office.
Why did you choose to go into engineering?
From a young age I had a special interest in how things are built and would often take apart toys and household appliances to better understand how they were built. Later, I realized engineering is the discipline that converts scientific discoveries into practical applications that improve our quality of life and overall safety.
Did you have any engineers in the family who influenced you?
I had an uncle in Greece with whom I spent countless hours as a young child, watching him design homes and produce drawings by hand.
What was your first job after university? What is your current job title and what do you like most about your work?
My first job after graduation involved structural design for military and residential applications in Greece.
My first job in Canada was a Structural Engineer-in-Training in consulting engineering for the commercial and institutional sector.
My current position is Regional Manager for KGS Group’s Saskatchewan operations, overseeing the development and growth of our offices in Regina and Saskatoon.
What do you feel has been your single greatest accomplishment as an engineer?
The work I primarily execute within the potash industry involves hundreds of assignments on an annual basis. They vary in size, yet all are important in maintaining safe production operations that affect global food security.
My overall sense of accomplishment relies on the fact that throughout my career I have managed to break down the various barriers that may come between consultants, owners and contractors, in favour of collaborative approaches towards sound, practical and safe engineered solutions.
What do you do for continuing professional development? Are you involved in any outreach programs?
I have been fortunate to participate in APEGS committee work for about 10 years.
One event I recently participated in and highly recommend was the Indigenous Awareness Training offered through the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. I found it to be an eye-opener on certain struggles the Indigenous community is facing.
What are your interests outside of work? What do you do for fun?
My personal interests include enjoying the outdoors, travelling and socializing with my wife Effie, daughter Rhea and son Nicholas. I like playing the electric guitar and other traditional musical instruments, as well as soccer, computer programming, breakthrough science and public policy.