We are thrilled to expand on our recent announcement and formally introduce the newest member of the Lochlie team, Dr. Habib Manzoor.
Habib joins us as our new KTP Associate for a strategic project focused on AI and Automation, in partnership with the University of the West of Scotland and supported by Innovate UK.
This partnership is a cornerstone of our commitment to embedding cutting-edge research and innovation directly into our operations. To give everyone a chance to get to know the expert behind this exciting initiative, we sat down with Habib to learn more about his impressive background, what drew him to the construction industry, and the passions that drive him.
Read our full Q&A with Dr. Manzoor below.
Tell us a little bit about your background
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from HITEC University, Pakistan (2013), and an MS in Electronics from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI), completed in 2016. During my MS, I worked as a Lab Engineer and Teaching Assistant. I then joined the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, where I taught various Electrical Engineering courses and supervised multiple student projects. In 2021, I was awarded a scholarship to pursue a PhD in Applied Machine Learning at the University of Glasgow, where I also served as a Tutor and Research Assistant and supervised several master’s projects. My research interests lie in machine learning and electrical system design.
What made you choose a career in construction?
Although my academic background is rooted in electrical engineering and applied machine learning, I was naturally drawn to the construction industry due to its dynamic, interdisciplinary nature and its reliance on integrated engineering systems. My experience in electrical system design and project supervision sparked a strong interest in how these systems are implemented in real-world infrastructure. Additionally, I see immense potential for machine learning to transform the construction sector in optimising project planning, improving safety, enhancing energy efficiency, and enabling predictive maintenance. The opportunity to apply both my technical expertise and machine learning knowledge to complex, large-scale construction projects motivated me to pursue a career in this field.
What are you enjoying most about your new role?
What I’m enjoying most about my new role is the opportunity to apply both my electrical engineering expertise and machine learning knowledge to real-world construction challenges. Being part of multidisciplinary teams allows me to contribute to the design and integration of smart, efficient systems in complex infrastructure projects. I’m particularly excited by the growing opportunities to leverage machine learning in the construction industry. whether it’s through predictive maintenance, safety monitoring, project risk assessment, or energy optimisation. These applications not only make the construction process more efficient and reliable but also open up new frontiers for innovation. The dynamic, fast-evolving nature of this field keeps me engaged and constantly learning, and I find it highly rewarding to see how advanced technologies can make a tangible impact on the built environment.
What’s most important to you in life?
What’s most important to me in life is staying true to my core values: my faith, my family, and the people I care about. My religion guides my principles and decisions, while my family and friends provide constant support, motivation, and a sense of belonging. I also deeply value the safety and well-being of others, and I believe in contributing positively to any environment I’m part of. Alongside these personal values, I am committed to the constant pursuit of learning and self-growth. I believe that personal and professional development go hand in hand, and I strive to keep evolving both in knowledge and character throughout every stage of life.
Tell us a surprising or fun fact about yourself!
A fun fact about me is that I’m really passionate about working out and staying active. Whether it’s hitting the gym, running, or trying out new fitness challenges, I find that exercise not only keeps me healthy but also helps me stay focused and energized in my daily life. Many people are surprised because they usually see me in a more academic or technical role, but for me, fitness is a big part of my routine and a way to clear my mind and push my limits outside of work.
