“Visibility changes perception”: Milena on leadership, confidence, and her journey from London to Dubai

Milena is a Design Director based in AtkinsRéalis’ Dubai office, working at the intersection of architecture, engineering, and sustainability. She relocated from London in October 2024, bringing a multidisciplinary background shaped by years of designing complex, high-performance projects and a clear philosophy on what leadership actually looks like.

The moment that changed what she thought was possible

Milena was elected as one of the youngest Fellows of Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). But the path to getting there started with someone else.

“I saw a female colleague achieve the same milestone,” she says. “Until that moment, I had unconsciously assumed such recognition was reserved for much later in a career and did not even consider applying.”

It’s a small story with a big point. “Visibility changes perception. This is why representation matters, especially for women in design and engineering leadership. I hope to see many more at the highest level.”

Design excellence, grounded in analysis

Milena’s role in Dubai sits across two areas: leading teams on live projects, and supporting bidding and business development across the region. Alongside delivery, she focuses on raising the quality of the practice’s output, hosting structured design reviews and supporting the rollout of the ‘Carbon Insights’ approach across projects.

Her goal, as she puts it, is to inspire teams to bring the highest level of expertise and value to every project. “I work closely with clients to deliver their immediate objectives, on time and on budget, building the trust required for deeper, more strategic conversations,” she explains. “This often unlocks opportunities to create lasting environmental and social value, whether through lifecycle carbon reduction strategies, performance-driven design decisions, or initiatives that positively impact local communities.”

Beyond project work, she is looking forward to volunteering with the School of the Future challenge and working on AtkinsRéalis initiatives in collaboration with local universities, and serves as a judge for the CIBSE Building Performance Awards, assessing projects on their actual measured performance, not just design intent.

A structure that enables excellence

When asked about the culture, Milena points to the company’s values: excellence, collaboration, innovation, integrity, and safety - and says they align strongly with her own. Last month, she was shortlisted for the Excellence Award in the Make it Brilliant Awards, which she sees as evidence that the way our company is structured genuinely enables people to pursue high standards.

“We are surrounded by exceptional talent across disciplines, strong digital capabilities, and complex, high-impact projects,” she says. “Every day presents an opportunity to deepen your expertise and improve your understanding of the construction industry, as well as leave a positive mark on the communities we work in.”

“If the people I work with lead sooner, then I have succeeded”

Milena is direct about what she expects from people and what she gives in return. “I expect hard work, however, I am deeply committed to supporting people who are dedicated and ambitious.”

The proof is in the outcomes. Several colleagues she has line-managed have gone on to receive the highest recognition from professional institutions including CIBSE and ASHRAE. “Their achievements are more meaningful to me than any personal accolade,” she says.

She’s also inspired by the women around her in the Dubai office, colleagues she describes as strong, practical leaders who generously share their expertise and time. “Their willingness to support others creates a culture of collaboration and trust.”

Building a multidisciplinary design force in the Middle East

What excites Milena most about the future is the opportunity to help shape a truly integrated design team in the region, one that brings together architecture, engineering, sustainability, and digital intelligence seamlessly. “The scale of transformation happening across the Middle East demands bold thinking and leaders who can operate across systems and disciplines,” she says. “At AtkinsRéalis, we have the expertise, technology, and global reach to influence projects that will define cities for generations.”

Her advice

“360 degrees consistency,” she says. “If you consistently deliver high-quality work, over time your knowledge, experience, and professional network will differentiate you. Think strategically about your career, build relationships, make your work visible, seek opportunities to grow in both breadth and depth, and stay resilient when others give up.”

She leaves one final thought and it’s one worth sitting with. “Remember that empathy and confidence are not opposites. They are leadership strengths. Women who combine technical authority with emotional intelligence are uniquely positioned to shape the future of our industry.”

Interested in contributing to bold, multidisciplinary projects across the Middle East? Discover career opportunities at AtkinsRéalis and be part of a team redefining what’s possible.