Alex Frant, Project Mechanical Engineer, Axiseng/Chair, ASHRAE YEA
Careers in Engineering
ALEX FRANT, Project Mechanical Engineer, Axiseng, and Chair, ASHRAE YEA, answers some questions about what he values about being an engineer.
What drew you to the field of engineering and, more specifically, building services?
“From an early age, I was fascinated by maths, physics and problem solving. I was inspired by my father’s work in construction, but drawn more to the planning and strategy behind it. This led me to explore various engineering disciplines in college before discovering my calling in building services engineering, which combines my love for technical problem-solving with creating environments that support human wellbeing.
“My professional journey took off after I joined the ASHRAE Ireland mentoring programme. Winning a sponsored trip to the ASHRAE Annual Conference was a pivotal moment, connecting me to a global community. Since then, I’ve been actively involved with Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA), where I found my “professional tribe”—a network of peers and mentors who have been vital to my personal and professional growth.”
Among your various responsibilities, what’s your favourite part of the job?
“I’m involved in the design of buildings across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, education, life sciences, commercial, residential, and manufacturing. I support projects from feasibility to handover, and what I enjoy most is seeing a finished building that I helped design.
“There’s a real sense of pride in knowing that my technical work lives on physically in a space people use every day. That’s my signature on that building, and a satisfied client means I’ve done my job well.
“I’ve also started to take on some early-stage management responsibilities, coordinating one or two graduate engineers on smaller projects. It’s a learning curve, but rewarding.”
Looking ahead, what excites you about the field of engineering?
“Sustainability is one of the most exciting and meaningful areas in our field. When we design new sustainable buildings or retrofit older ones, we’re not just creating systems – we’re helping to build a better world.
“I am keenly interested in Indoor Air Quality (IAQ). Traditional benchmarks often overlook material emissions and their impact on occupant health. As engineers, we’re being asked to consider these long-term effects on wellbeing, and I believe this shift will transform how we approach ventilation design.”
Who or what are your primary sources of support, professionally and personally?
“ASHRAE has been central to my professional development: the network, the mentoring, and the exposure have all opened doors I didn’t even know existed.
“Axiseng has also provided incredible support. They’ve been flexible with my ongoing education, I’m currently completing an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering part-time, which is demanding. The company’s willingness to support both my academic and professional goals is something I truly value.”
What bodies are you a member of, and how important is this to you?
“I’m a member of Engineers Ireland, where I plan to pursue Chartered Engineer status once I complete my degree.
“I’m also active in ASHRAE Ireland, particularly through ASHRAE (YEA) programmes, which has been a major catalyst for my growth.”
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone considering a career in engineering, what would it be?
“Engineering is a deeply rewarding career, and not always easy. But the challenges make it worthwhile. If you want to see the tangible results of your work—not just in the physical environment, but in the energy efficiency, comfort, and wellbeing of people—then building services engineering could be the right path for you. Regardless of your chosen field, always take pride in your work. Strive to do things properly and don’t take shortcuts. The quality of your work reflects your reputation, which will follow you throughout your career.”