Get to know F&S: Al Amin

Constant communication, organization and empathy are some of Mechanical Engineer Al Amin’s tools for success

It’s hard to convey just how enthusiastic and committed to his job Al Amin is. A mechanical engineer with the Infrastructure, Planning and Implementation (IPI) group, Amin brings extensive experience, and education from Bangladesh, Nepal and Newfoundland, to his role at the University of Toronto. 

“It’s my dream job,” Amin says. “ I’ve always wanted to work in a place where I can meet people, collaborate and keep learning.” 

And Amin, who has been with U of T since 2022, has done all that and more.  

As part of the IPI team, Amin is responsible for coordinating between major project stakeholders to ensure everyone has all of the necessary information, updates and contacts required to keep work moving smoothly. He communicates extensively with the University Planning, Design and Construction Group, external contractors, and groups across F&S, including the fire prevention team, area managers, hazardous waste disposal, building engineers and operators, the sustainability team and more. Amin works to ensure that projects meet U of T design standards and satisfy safety, sustainability and legal requirements. 

Amin and his team oversee projects from their earliest planning phases to commissioning and construction, and eventually to the university’s operational takeover. And there’s no shortage of activity to keep them busy. Brand new buildings, lab relocations and utility upgrades all require assistance. Meticulous organization and constant communication are necessary, particularly in construction “hotspots” when high-profile projects run simultaneously.  

Whether it’s locating record drawings, coordinating utilities, addressing schedule or scope conflicts or improving processes through new technologies, Amin’s goal is to keep projects organized and moving forward.

Amin’s portfolio includes the newly announced Project RISE, as well as Project Leap — the university’s ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 50 per cent by the end of 2027. “It’s a privilege to be a part of [Leap]” says Amin. “It’s a very high priority project for us and we try to work with enormous care every day.” 

With such high-profile projects, empathy, he says, is a critical part of his role. “Are you in trouble or are you overwhelmed with something?” Amin asks when team members are in need of help, “Can I do something to make it easier for you? Should we try to do it in a different way?” 

And that enormous care has not gone unnoticed by Amin’s team. 

“Al exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond, consistently demonstrating exceptional service-oriented behaviour that positively impacts U of T team members, other divisions and clients,” say his colleagues. “His proactive approach, reliability and willingness to support others foster a strong sense of community and collaboration across the team, and his work has improved how we serve the university community and created lasting systems that benefit everyone.” 

In his free time, Amin, a perpetual student, enjoys learning about new technologies, including AI applications, Lean Six Sigma continuous improvement methods and taking courses with the School of Continuing Studies. You may also recognize him as the guitarist from Sustainable Beats, the F&S rock band that will often perform at Eco Jam and in support of other sustainability events.  

Want to learn more about U of T’s design standards? Check out our recently published annual updates here.