About
Laurent Rus
Civil engineer, bridge specialist, founder of Singular Structures.
Since graduating in civil engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, in 1995, I had been waiting for the moment to set up my own practice. Singular Structures is that practice: focused on the structural services I am professionally recognised for, primarily bridge structures, and on working shoulder to shoulder with my clients. I hope to earn your trust and friendship.
Why choose Laurent for business?
I am a passionate and proactive civil engineer. My technical knowledge is the result of a long learning journey, shaped by continuous exposure to projects, a clear awareness of cutting-edge techniques and technology, and endless out-of-the-box thinking for efficient, resilient and architecturally and environmentally integrated structures. I gained these skills on infrastructure projects on five continents, with cultural nuances in how those three design drivers are defined. More importantly, I worked hand in hand with, and learned from, the greatest bridge design leaders of my career.
Technical competency is necessary but not sufficient for the success of a technical service. It is equally important to act with business integrity.
Background
- EPFL, Lausanne: Dipl. Civil Engineering, structural analysis and design (1995)
- University of California at Berkeley (UC Berkeley): Master’s in structural engineering, mechanics and materials (1998)
- Imperial College London Business School: MBE, Master’s module in business economics (2011)
- T.Y. Lin International: Structural Designer of the Main Tower of the self-anchored suspension bridge of the new San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge east span
- Arup (from 2002): more than forty projects, Deputy Bridge Leader in The Netherlands (2011–2012), Bridge and Civil Structures Leader in Canada (2015–2016), with periods in Spain
- Signature projects: San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge (USA), New Samuel de Champlain Bridge, Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine Tunnel and Turcot Interchange (Canada), Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (Hong Kong), Seohae and Kwang-Ahn Grand Bridges (South Korea), Jamuna Bridge (Bangladesh), Galecopper and Ewijk bridges (The Netherlands), and over 50 bridges in Africa
What I value most in business
First, to act with integrity. Being honest and trustworthy are the foremost core values I have learned over the years. They let me blend into a project team as one more loyal player. They are supported by technical competency and capability, respect, openness and listening.
Second, to focus on the objective. How many times are projects not built? How many times does personal or political interest overshadow public and common interest? It is important to go beyond the assignment and to be a strong team player.
Our values
“Mettere il cuore” (E. Piccinini, Italian Surgeon) — We commit our full passion and intellect to every task.
Ten values in three groups:
The Context
The Execution: Teamwork
The Person: Communication and Growth