GIS and its innovative applications in the construction sector, is a burgeoning field where design, data, and technology converge.
Joshua Ranjith, our next pathbreaker, works as Product Manager at Bentley Systems (Chennai), a company whose infrastructure engineering software is extensively used by various professionals in the construction and infrastructure industry.
Joshua talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about the role of GIS technologies in not only streamlining and enhancing construction processes but also in giving a digital makeover to traditional construction methods.
For students, your interests can guide you to unexpected and wonderful places if you’re open to following them.
Joshua, Your background?
Born and raised in the bustling city of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, my journey through high school was filled with a mix of academics and extracurricular activities. I found myself drawn to science and mathematics, intrigued by the way they allowed me to understand the world in a visual and practical manner. This interest in hands-on learning was complemented by a natural inclination towards the arts, where I enjoyed breaking down complex ideas into simpler, visual formats.
Sports and leadership roles also played a significant part in my school life. I participated in a variety of sports, enjoying the camaraderie and lessons learned on the field. My time as a student council member and house captain taught me the importance of responsibility and teamwork. Cricket and badminton were sports I was particularly fond of, and I had the opportunity to represent my district and state during high school
My family background is diverse, with my mother working as the Chief Nursing Superintendent in the Cardiology Department at Southern Railways Hospital, and my father running his own construction business. Their careers, distinctly different yet equally impactful, have been a source of inspiration and guidance for me.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?
For graduation, I pursued architecture, which was a natural extension of my love for visual arts and practical science. It was a discipline that promised an outlet for both my creativity and my enjoyment of tangible, hands-on work. Then, for post-graduation, I chose to specialize in M.Tech Geomatics, a field that would allow me to leverage cutting-edge technology to make meaningful contributions to the design and construction sectors.
Can you talk about some of the influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional, and cool career?
The trajectory of my career was set by a blend of personal ambition and strategic decisions at critical junctures. At the heart of it was a drive to differentiate myself within my domain — not to emerge as just another architect, but to be an innovator at the intersection of architecture and the burgeoning field of information technology.
The allure of IT was undeniable, and I was keen to integrate this with my foundational expertise in architecture. GIS and Spatial Analytics stood out as a burgeoning field where design, data, and technology converged. It was the perfect avenue for me to venture into the IT world while capitalizing on my background in architecture.
While there wasn’t a single mentor guiding this decision, it was the collective encouragement from professors and industry professionals who recognized the unique blend of skills that an architect could bring to the IT domain. Their recognition of the value in a multidisciplinary approach helped solidify my resolve.
A pivotal project during my bachelor’s program required us to design at both urban and rural scales. The project underscored the importance of precise data analysis and the potential of GIS in elevating design decisions. It became clear that GIS was more than a tool; it was a gateway to redefining the scope and impact of architectural work.
During my bachelor’s program in architecture, we were given a particularly challenging project that became a turning point for me. The task was to study a specific urban space, identify its problems, and propose design solutions. It seemed straightforward at first, but as we delved into it, the complexities became apparent.
Our approach involved extensive data collection, analysis, and visualization. We spent days going door-to-door, gathering information with pen and paper, then spent evenings manually drafting in AutoCAD and creating visualizations in Photoshop. This process was not only time-consuming but also fraught with potential for human error and scale discrepancies.
As we struggled with these challenges, I couldn’t help but feel there must be a better way. That’s when I first stumbled upon GIS technology. I learned that GIS could streamline our entire process – from data collection to analysis and visualization. It promised not only to reduce manual labour but also to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
The realization was striking. GIS was not just a tool; it was a revolution for how urban and rural studies could be conducted. It offered a way to work smarter, not harder, and presented a method to handle complex data sets with precision. This discovery was a revelation for me. I realized that in a field not yet widely explored in India at the time, GIS held immense potential.
It was this project that planted the seed of curiosity about GIS in my mind. It was exciting, it was new, and it was something that few others in my field were aware of. This project was not just an academic exercise; it was the catalyst that propelled me towards a career that blended architecture with the advanced capabilities of GIS.
My turning point came when I faced the challenge of eligibility criteria for advanced IT programs, which typically required a bachelor’s degree in IT or engineering. This obstacle was surmounted when I discovered CEPT’s GIS master’s program, which welcomed students with diverse backgrounds. CEPT, a renowned institute within the architecture and design community, offered me a sense of belonging and a chance to expand my horizons without the alienation I might have felt in a conventional IT college.
This course not only bridged the gap between my architectural knowledge and IT but also set me on a path to pioneering the use of GIS within the construction sector in India, aligning with my core value of innovation and my drive to make a unique mark in my field.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path
My career path has been a journey of exploration, learning, and adapting. While I didn’t have all the steps meticulously planned out from the beginning, each experience naturally paved the way for the next, leading me to where I am today—a product manager at a construction tech company.
Initial Experience: During my bachelor’s in architecture, I seized the opportunity to intern with both a local Chennai architecture studio and a multinational corporation. This dual exposure for a year allowed me to understand the nuances of architectural practice and work culture at different scales. This was my foray into pure architecture, laying the groundwork for my professional values.
Ah, my internships! They were quite the adventure, each with its own flavor of architecture. In the first one, right here in Chennai, I was deeply involved in 3D modeling, visualization, and even got my hands on heritage architecture documentation and detailing. It was like piecing together stories from the past, bringing them to life through design and detail.
Then, in my second internship with a multinational, things took a turn towards the technical side. I delved into procedural modeling and construction project management. Looking back, I see how these experiences were quietly shaping my future. The skills I honed there – especially in 3D modeling and project management – later became invaluable when I ventured into the world of 3D GIS, cartography, and working with LiDAR 3D point cloud scanning techniques.
It’s fascinating, you know, how those early days of dabbling in different areas of architecture laid a foundation for the diverse skills I use today in building construction project management products. Each internship added a unique piece to my professional puzzle.
Project Management Experience: After completing my bachelor’s, I worked with a Project Management company in Bangalore. It was here that I encountered alumni from CEPT, whose professionalism and innovative mindset deeply impressed me. Their influence contributed significantly to my decision to pursue a master’s in GIS at CEPT, having seen firsthand the caliber of graduates it produced.
The GIS course at CEPT is far more than just its application in architecture. It’s like a melting pot of disciplines, all connected by the common thread of ‘location’. The program is designed to encourage exploration and innovation in a multitude of fields where GIS can make a difference.
It’s really for anyone who finds the concept of location fascinating. Whether it’s urban studies, where you’re looking at how cities evolve and function, or remote sensing, which is all about understanding our world from a distance. Even those in electronics and instrumentation can find immense value in this course, given how integral location data has become in these fields.
In short, if you’re someone who gets excited about the idea of using location data to solve real-world problems, regardless of your academic background, this course at CEPT is a playground of possibilities. It’s for the curious minds who want to see how far the rabbit hole of ‘location’ goes in their respective fields.
Master’s and Beyond: During my master’s, I focused on honing my skills in GIS, which culminated in a placement at LTIMindtree at L&T Chennai. This role was a turning point—it was at L&T’s startup incubator, specializing in Construction Technology, where I truly merged the worlds of construction and technology.
As a GIS Engineer, my architectural background endowed me with strong cartographic skills and the ability to present and manage stakeholders effectively. Recognizing these strengths, I transitioned into the role of a Product Owner for various solutions, where I could utilize my domain and design expertise. My familiarity with design tools, gained from my architecture days, made it a natural progression to pick up UX/UI skills.
Embracing IT: The most challenging yet rewarding part was bridging the gap between my architectural knowledge and IT. I immersed myself in learning, took relevant courses, and achieved certifications that enabled me to communicate effectively with the development team and make informed decisions.
LTIMindtree is the IT subsidiary of L&T, much like Google is to Alphabet. It’s a vibrant hub that caters to a variety of domains, with construction being one of the key areas. The cool part is the synergy we have with L&T Construction, which takes on massive construction projects worldwide. LTIMindtree steps in to provide innovative tech solutions and products, boosting the efficiency and effectiveness of these projects.
In the GIS division where I worked, our focus was on leveraging GIS technology to streamline and enhance construction processes. Think of it as giving a digital makeover to traditional construction methods. For instance, we developed solutions that allowed construction companies to monitor project progress through GIS. This meant integrating daily updates from varied sources like drones, IoT devices, and remote sensing, all displayed on an intuitive map interface. It was about making data-driven decisions to improve project delivery.
But it wasn’t just about tracking progress. We addressed a range of construction-related challenges. Safety, for example, was a big focus. We used GPS tracking and zoning techniques to ensure the safety of workers, especially in remote sites. Then there was asset and stockpile management. By managing resources and materials across different locations, we could optimize consumption, provide live stock updates, and facilitate better planning.
In essence, my role was about finding innovative ways to apply GIS in the construction world, turning everyday challenges into digital solutions that made a tangible difference.
How did you get your first break?
My first break came through campus placement (during my masters) at LTIMindtreee.
My 2nd first break wasn’t so much a single event as it was a pivotal moment during my tenure at L&T. It came unexpectedly during an annual performance review when I expressed a desire to step out of my GIS Engineer role and be more involved at the forefront of a project. Recognizing my potential and eagerness to grow, my manager entrusted me with the ownership of a product. This was the gateway to becoming a Product Owner, a role that was both challenging and immensely rewarding.
The Evolution to Product Management: Through wearing multiple hats, managing projects, and empathizing with my team, I evolved into an all-rounded performer with competencies in domain expertise, business, design, and technology. These multifaceted experiences unknowingly sculpted me into a product manager—a role that I now realize perfectly aligns with my skills and passions.
In retrospect, while my steps weren’t pre-planned, they were intentional in the sense that I always sought growth and learning, allowing my career to evolve into what it is today.
Taking charge of the product, I was propelled into the multifaceted world of IT project management. It was a hands-on experience that encompassed people management, stakeholder engagement, UX/UI, and an in-depth understanding of cloud technology and development frameworks. I was now not only part of the technical side of things but also deeply involved in the strategic aspect of product development.
Each day presented new learning opportunities, from high-level system design to the intricacies of product lifecycle management. This role was my crucible, testing and expanding my capabilities beyond what I thought possible. It was here that I honed the gamut of skills required to build and run a successful product.
As I navigated through this role, it became clear that product management was where I could make the most impact. This period of intense learning and responsibility was the launchpad that set the trajectory for my career in product management, allowing me to confidently claim this path as my own.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
In the journey to becoming a product manager, I encountered several challenges that tested my resolve and ingenuity. The most significant ones were:
- Mastering the Technical Language: One of the initial hurdles was the technical language of coding and system development. This was a domain that was initially foreign to me, given my background in architecture. To overcome this, I dedicated hours after work to self-study, preparing in advance for technical discussions, and frequently consulted with experts. By consistently asking “why” behind each function and process, I not only expanded my technical knowledge but also significantly improved my decision-making and understanding of the product development lifecycle.
- Fostering Collaboration Between Design and Development: Another challenge was bridging the gap between the design and development teams. Often, disputes would arise due to differing priorities and misunderstandings. To address this, I instituted a practice of empathy—encouraging each side to view issues from the user’s perspective. This approach helped in resolving conflicts by ensuring that both teams had a better understanding of each other’s statements and limitations. It fostered a culture of collaboration and mutual respect, which was pivotal in streamlining our product development process.
- Breaking into Top-Tier Product Management Without an MBA: The path to securing a product management role in a leading company often requires an MBA from a prestigious institution—a qualification I did not possess. To circumvent this, I focused on strengthening my portfolio. I built a personal website showcasing my projects and highlighted real-life user experiences during interviews to demonstrate my practical expertise. This effort was to prove that, despite not holding an MBA, I had the requisite skills and hands-on experience to excel in product management.
Each of these challenges was a stepping stone that further solidified my capabilities as a product manager. They were rigorous but necessary trials that shaped me into a more knowledgeable, empathetic, and effective leader in the tech space.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I currently thrive in the dynamic role of a Product Manager at Bentley Systems, an esteemed company at the forefront of infrastructure engineering software. The multifaceted nature of my job means that every day comes with its unique set of challenges and learning opportunities.
Synchro nPulse is extensively used by various professionals in the construction and infrastructure industry. Its user base includes construction managers, who leverage it for effective project management and real-time scheduling; project planners and schedulers, who find it invaluable for its advanced planning capabilities, scheduling, and 4D visualization of construction sequences; architects and engineers, who integrate Synchro nPulse to synchronize design and construction workflows; and site engineers, who use it for on-the-ground monitoring and decision-making. Safety managers also utilize Synchro nPulse for identifying potential hazards and proactive safety planning, while stakeholders and clients benefit from its detailed visual representations, which facilitate improved communication and transparency about project progress.
a) Problem-Solving:
In my role, I tackle a spectrum of problems, which I categorize as planned or unplanned. The planned problems encompass enhancing user experience, refining product performance, fulfilling customer commitments, and adhering to our product roadmap. On the other hand, unplanned issues can range from immediate product complaints to adapting swiftly to technical glitches, policy shifts, organizational changes, and evolving market demands. My job is to navigate these with foresight and agility.
b) Required Skills:
The position demands a versatile skill set. On the hard skills front, it’s about being a jack of all trades—understanding technology, business acumen, product mechanics, market trends, and design thinking. Soft skills are equally crucial, including stakeholder management, the art of value-based prioritization, maintaining an open mind, the tactful ability to say no, and robust presentation and persuasion skills. These I’ve acquired over years through hands-on experience, continuous learning, and adapting to various roles that have added layers to my expertise.
c) A Typical Day:
My days are thoughtfully structured yet flexible. I aim to accomplish three significant tasks daily. The rest of my time is allocated to scheduled and impromptu meetings, participating in weekly workshops to stay abreast of market shifts, customer demands, and technological advancements. I’m also proactive in refining processes and techniques to enhance efficiency and transparency across teams.
d) Passion for the Job:
What I find most exhilarating about this job is its inherent ambiguity. No two days are identical. It’s a career that propels you to make decisions on the fly, immerse yourself in unfamiliar technology, and engage with new people and their unique challenges. This constant novelty and the perpetual learning curve are what I love most, embracing the unknown and turning it into an opportunity for growth and innovation.
How does your work benefit society?
As a Product Manager in the infrastructure engineering space, my role is essentially about creating tools that help build the world around us. It’s quite remarkable when you think about it—the software we develop at Bentley Systems is used to design and maintain everything from the water pipes under our streets to the skyscrapers that define our city skylines.
When engineers use our software to design a bridge, for instance, they’re able to make it not just sturdier but also more sustainable. This means we’re directly contributing to safer, longer-lasting infrastructure, which is incredibly rewarding. And because our tools streamline the design process, public projects can be completed faster and more cost-effectively, which is a win for communities and governments alike.
But it’s not just about efficiency and economics. What excites me is how our software sparks innovation. It encourages engineers to think outside the box and come up with solutions we haven’t even imagined yet. Plus, by making these complex tools more user-friendly, we’re enabling more people to have a hand in shaping our environment. That’s a form of empowerment that really resonates with me, because it means our work has a hand in building not just structures, but also communities.
So, in a nutshell, my job is about supporting the creation and care of the spaces where life happens. And that’s something that feels both humbling and pretty amazing.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
There’s one project from my time at LTI Mindtree that I hold particularly close to my heart. It was in the wake of the pandemic, as the world was tentatively inching towards normalcy, and we faced the challenge of reopening our offices. The goal was to do so safely and efficiently, transitioning to a hybrid work model that would benefit both the organization and its employees.
We were tasked with a complex problem: capacity planning. Our mission was to figure out how to assign default office locations to employees based on proximity, optimizing the use of space and ensuring the well-being of our workforce. It was a puzzle that required a balance of employee experience and operational cost-effectiveness.
Leveraging GIS technology, my team and I dived into spatial analytics, sifting through location data to unearth patterns and insights. We mapped out where our employees were in relation to our office spaces, identifying hotspots of high demand and areas where we could scale back.
The results were eye-opening. For the first time, the HR and Infrastructure teams could visualize the data beyond the confines of traditional spreadsheets. The maps we created provided a new perspective that was both informative and actionable. Our analysis not only enhanced the employee experience by reducing travel time but also resulted in significant cost savings by optimizing the rental of office spaces.
The success of this project was a testament to the power of GIS and spatial analysis in strategic decision-making. It was immensely gratifying to see our work appreciated and to know that it would have a lasting impact. We established a framework for this analysis to be conducted regularly, empowering the company to make informed decisions about office locations with their own data, rather than relying on external consultants.
This project exemplified the incredible potential of marrying technology with practical needs. It was memorable not just for the technical achievement but for the real difference it made in the daily lives of my colleagues and the operational efficiency it brought to the organization.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
When it comes to advice, I often reflect on what’s steered me through my own career path. If I were sitting across from you, maybe in a campus café, here’s what I’d share:
First off, let curiosity be your compass. It led me from architecture to product management, through the world of GIS, and into the tech space I never planned to be in but now absolutely love. Your interests can guide you to unexpected and wonderful places if you’re open to following them.
Adaptability is your best ally. The world won’t wait for you to decide you’re ready for change; it happens, and often fast. I’ve found that a mix of skills, more like a Swiss Army knife than a single-purpose tool, can be a lifesaver when the ground shifts beneath your feet.
Don’t underestimate the power of soft skills. The techiest tech skills might get your foot in the door, but it’s your ability to communicate, empathize, and lead that will have you walking through it. These skills turn a job into a career.
Get your hands dirty with real work. Theory is great, but there’s nothing like the real thing to make you understand what works, what doesn’t, and why. Internships, projects, volunteer work—grab opportunities with both hands.
See every experience as a classroom. I’ve learned something from every job I’ve had, every project I’ve tackled. Even the tough times are packed with lessons, so don’t shy away from them.
Building a network is more than just collecting contacts. It’s about finding those few key people who can guide you, advise you, and maybe give you that critical nudge when you need it.
And you know what? Sometimes you just have to trust in your own potential, even when you don’t tick every box in the job description. I didn’t have an MBA when I pivoted into product management, but I had something just as compelling to offer—real, hands-on experience and a portfolio to show it.
The gist of it all? Your career journey is yours to shape. It doesn’t need to be a straight line—it’s the zigs and zags that make it interesting and uniquely yours. So, take the leap, learn from it, and enjoy the ride.
Future Plans?
Looking ahead, I’ve got a roadmap of my own that I’m excited about. At the heart of it is the dream to build my own product. I’m currently hands-on with some tools and tech, diving deeper into the nuts and bolts of product development. It’s like piecing together a complex puzzle, and I’m loving the process.
Alongside that, I’m eyeing an executive MBA from a top-tier college. It’s not just the credential I’m after, but the rich networking possibilities and the chance to learn firsthand from the experts. I’m particularly keen on sharpening my understanding of sales and business frameworks—it’s like adding new instruments to my orchestra, you could say.
And then there’s the part about giving back. I’m passionate about fostering a learning community, so I’m planning to create content that can help others grow. Think practical, hands-on guides on productivity, career development, and diving into niche technologies like GIS, AR, and VR. Sharing knowledge that can empower others? That’s a future that really lights a fire in me.