In this conversation, Mayur Mistry interviews Mohamed Adil, the founder of Awatif, discussing his journey from structural engineering to software development. They explore the complexities of finite element analysis, the importance of understanding fundamentals in engineering, and the evolution of Awatif as a parametric modeling platform. Mohamed emphasizes the value of open source contributions and collaboration in the engineering community, sharing insights on how to approach software development in structural engineering.   Takeaways Mohamed Adil is the founder of Awatif, a parametric modeling platform. His career highlights include a focus on finite element analysis and software development. Understanding the fundamentals of engineering is crucial for effective problem-solving. The transition from structural engineering to software development can enhance one's skills. Asking 'why' is essential in learning and understanding engineering concepts. The complexities of finite element analysis stem from various edge cases and scenarios. Awatif started with the idea of interactive simulation but pivoted to focus on parametric modeling. Real-time analysis in structural engineering can aid architects in decision-making. Open source contributions are vital for community-driven development in engineering. Collaboration and delegation can significantly enhance productivity and innovation.   Chapters 00:00 From College to Career: The Journey Begins02:23 The Leap to Software Development04:47 Understanding the Complexity of Structural Analysis07:06 Building a New FEM Solver09:44 The Evolution of Awatif 12:03 Interactive Parametric Modeling14:14 The Future of Structural Engineering16:42 Open Source and Community Collaboration19:25 Rapid Fire: Insights and Reflections   📩 Don’t miss future episodes. Subscribe to the AEC Tech + AI Newsletter: https://aiaecdigest.substack.com/