Sustainability Technical Lead profile – Konstantinos Megagiannis
3 January 2024
Role: Principal Building Physics Consultant – Specialist Services Lead
Office: Oxford
At QODA, we have a dedicated team of sustainability experts who work with design teams and industry leaders to provide design detail, guidance, and professional expertise. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be introducing each of our leads.
Next up is Konstantinos Megagiannis. Read on to learn more about how he became a sustainability engineer, what his role at QODA involves, and a project that has inspired him.
What is your background?
Inspired by the book ‘Operating manual for Spaceship Earth’ that I read in my teenage years, written by a great architect, engineer and inventor Buckminster Fuller and his holistic approach about social, environmental and aesthetic issues, I grew a great interest in buildings and structures. After acquiring a Diploma in Civil and Structural Engineering, I wanted to transform this parallel passion of mine for Architecture and Sustainability into a career. Therefore, I pursued my second master’s degree on Sustainable Architecture Studies in the University of Sheffield. This master’s course firstly exposed me to concepts such as the PassivHaus Standard and the field of Hygrothermal Performance Assessments, which have been key elements of my career as a Building Physics Engineer since then. Later on, I became a Certified PassivHaus Designer/Consultant, an AECB Certifier and I completed the Hygrothermal Risk Assessment course provided by TU Dublin.
“Driven by deep interest and curiosity, I have always enjoyed delving into complex areas such as the physics of heat and moisture transfer in buildings and providing input that ensures the durability of the buildings and the wellbeing of the occupants.”
At the same time, my engagement with clients as a PassivHaus Consultant and my involvement in large low energy projects has helped me to not lose sight of the bigger picture amidst the current climate emergency.
What do you do at QODA?
In my role, as QODA’s Specialist Services Lead, I oversee a range of specialist projects, including Moisture Risk Assessments, Thermal Bridge Modelling, Daylight Services, and PassivHaus Certification. This role involves not only delivering projects but also analysing our processes and outcomes and developing strategies to improve and extend our offer to the clients in these areas.
As a certified Passivhaus Consultant/Designer, I provide consultancy in a range of projects, including residential, commercial and higher education. I am involved throughout the entire project lifecycle, offering guidance and technical support from the early concept design to site delivery.
Finally, my specialisation in Hygrothermal Assessments with cutting edge software tools has given me the opportunity to provide consultancy regarding project-specific moisture-related issues to small and large architectural practices, energy consultancies, and construction companies. Furthermore, I support companies embarking on the introduction of new, often ground-breaking, products or building systems into the market by bolstering their product launch through extensive hygrothermal risk analysis. These projects are more expansive in scope, encompassing parametric studies that scrutinize system performance under diverse conditions, including location and existing structural parameters.
An essential part of my responsibilities involves nurturing communication and cooperation between the engineering and architectural teams, with the goal of striking a harmonious equilibrium between energy efficiency, fabric durability, occupant well-being, and the reduction of carbon emissions.
What is one project that has inspired you, and why?
Working on the Retrofit Internal Wall Insulation Guide to Best Practice for BEIS has truly inspired me.
“This project has allowed me to amplify the influence of my efforts and has enabled me to contribute towards raising awareness within the industry regarding the influence of design choices on both building durability and occupant well-being.”
It has also equipped me with the skills and expertise needed to make a meaningful contribution to the upcoming Passivhaus Trust’s 2023 Retrofit Moisture Guide.
Tell us something about your life outside QODA
I have always enjoyed reading books and watching documentaries about the universe and sciences such as theoretical physics, even if I am left questioning my mind’s capacity after each one of them!