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Former Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc student, Denis Fedosov, talks about his transition from civil and mechanical engineering in Russia to specialising in building physics in the UK.

About Denis FedosovÌý

Denis Fedosov came toÌýThe Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and ResourcesÌýto studyÌýSmart Buildings and Digital Engineering MScÌýin 2021 and has gone on to find work as aÌýBuilding Physics Engineer in London.

Q&A with Denis

Why did you join the course?Ìý

I graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering in 2017 from Samara State Technical University, Russia. My programme covered new building design and reuse, exemplified by my graduate project on refurbishing a residential building. During my studies, I worked part-time as an Assistant Fire Protection Specialist, using Fire Dynamic Simulators (FDS) to model smoke and fire spread in buildings. After graduation, I gained practical experience in construction, supervising drainage system installation for the Zaryadye Philharmonic Hall in Moscow. In September 2021, I enrolled in Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê’s MSc Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering course. With my background in civil and mechanical engineering, I saw this program as a perfect fit to enhance my expertise in energy systems and construction.

What aspects of your studies did you enjoy the most, and why?

I enjoyed learning from experienced module leaders who were always available for questions and discussions. Collaborative projects, like the Integrated Building Design for Health and Wellbeing module, where tasks were assigned based on each team member's expertise, were particularly enjoyable and educational.

How did you experience life as a student in London?

As an international student, I was impressed by London’s cultural diversity. Weekends were spent exploring vibrant markets with friends. The Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê campus, especially the Student Centre and Bartlett Library, became my favorite spots, with picturesque bike rides through Regents Park standing out as cherished memories.Ìý

Tell us about your current role?Ìý

While working on my dissertation, I began job hunting and attended five interviews in a month. Upon graduating, I joined Mott MacDonald UK as a Building Physics Engineer in September 2022.ÌýBased in London, my responsibilities include thermal and energy modeling, daylight assessments, programming, and building data exploration. I also oversee project budgets and monitor progress and completion of project milestones.

Which parts of your student experience were the best preparation for your job?

The Integrated Building Design for Health and Wellbeing and Integrated Building Systems Simulation modules provided fundamentals in daylight and energy modeling. The Machine Learning in Smart Buildings and Building Systems Modelling modules taught me how to postprocess building data in Python, a skill I use regularly.

What are your major career milestones since completing your studies?

I familiarised myself with the London Plan Energy Assessment Guidance, BREEAM assessment criteria, and CIBSE Technical Memorandums. In 2023, I achieved WELL Accredited Professional status, and in 2024, I became a Chartered Engineer (CEng), leading to a promotion to Senior Building Physics Engineer.

What are your future ambitions?

I aim to contribute to the advancement of heat network solutions in the UK and broaden my experience in sustainability and net zero carbon projects. I joined the CIBSE Heat Networks group in 2024 and plan to take a leading role in supervising heat network projects at Mott MacDonald. Additionally, I am passionate about data-driven designs and aim to support academic research in data interoperability in the built environment.

What advice would you give to a student considering the course or looking to get into a career in your sector?

Explore Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê’s extensive facilities and study spaces, including libraries and online resources. The Smart Buildings and Digital Engineering MSc course is strong in teaching advanced energy modeling software like EnergyPlus and DesignBuilder, and Python programming, which are essential tools in energy modeling today.