Darwin Thomas Meprethu is a civil engineer specializing in flood risk and drainage engineering, with expertise in hydraulic modelling, Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS), and stormwater management. Based in the United Kingdom, he is currently part of the Networks and Drainage Solutions (NDS) team at AtkinsRéalis, where his work focuses on developing sustainable urban drainage solutions and mitigating flood risks. His career has included contributions to several high-profile international infrastructure projects, as well as local environmental improvement schemes.
Educational Background
Darwin’s professional expertise is underpinned by a strong academic foundation in civil and environmental engineering.
- Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering (2014–2018) – He earned his undergraduate degree from Amal Jyothi College of Engineering Autonomous. This program provided him with fundamental knowledge in structural engineering, hydrology, geotechnical design, and infrastructure planning.
- Master of Science in Water, Waste and Environmental Engineering (2019–2020) – He completed his postgraduate studies at the University of Greenwich in the United Kingdom. This advanced program allowed him to specialize in water resource management, wastewater engineering, environmental sustainability, and advanced hydraulic modelling.
- Schooling (2002–2014) – He attended the Ideal Indian School in Doha, Qatar, where he completed his primary and secondary education, building the foundation for his interest in engineering and infrastructure development.
Professional Certifications
Darwin holds professional certifications that add credibility to his technical and regulatory expertise.
- Professional Engineer License – Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Qatar
Issued in January 2022 and valid until January 2025, this certification is a formal recognition of his professional competency to work as a registered engineer in Qatar. - Professional Memberships
- GMICE – Graduate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, United Kingdom.
- MMUP Certified – Recognition from Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning, allowing him to work on regulated engineering projects.
Career Path and Professional Roles
Darwin’s career has progressed through a range of roles in both the Middle East and the United Kingdom, covering design, modelling, and project management in the water and drainage sector.
AtkinsRéalis – Civil Engineer, Networks and Drainage Solutions
(Apr 2024 – Present | Epsom, England, United Kingdom)
In his current position, Darwin works on stormwater management and urban drainage solutions. The role involves hydraulic modelling, flood risk assessment, and designing SuDS systems to mitigate surface water flooding and enhance resilience in urban areas. His work is aligned with the UK’s push towards sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Metis Consultants Ltd – Flood and Drainage Engineer
(Mar 2022 – Apr 2024 | London, England, United Kingdom)
At Metis Consultants, Darwin worked on various flood alleviation schemes, sustainable drainage retrofits, and flood risk management strategies. This included work on the Action for Silk Stream Flood Alleviation Schemes in Watling Park, where SuDS design was implemented to improve stormwater management and reduce local flood risks. His work involved the use of advanced drainage design tools such as InfoDrainage and Civil3D.
Meinhardt Group – Graduate Civil Engineer, Water Infrastructure
(Feb 2021 – Mar 2022 | Qatar)
At Meinhardt, Darwin contributed to large-scale water infrastructure projects, including stormwater networks, wet utilities design, and master planning for urban development. His role included technical design, hydraulic modelling, and coordination with multidisciplinary teams.
ASCO Consulting Engineers – Civil Engineer Trainee (Wet Utilities)
(Sep 2018 – Jan 2019 | Doha, Qatar)
This early internship provided Darwin with practical experience in wet utilities, including potable water networks, sewerage systems, and stormwater drainage systems. It helped him develop an understanding of design workflows and project site coordination.
Notable Projects
Darwin has contributed to several significant infrastructure and environmental projects, both in the UK and internationally.
- FIFA World Cup Venues – Lusail Stadium and Stadium 974 Surrounding Infrastructure Development Works
- These projects involved planning and implementing stormwater drainage and flood mitigation measures for stadium complexes in Qatar. Darwin’s role supported infrastructure readiness for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ensuring drainage systems could handle peak flows during heavy rainfall events.
- Neom: The LINE – Source Segregation
The Neom project in Saudi Arabia is a large-scale, futuristic urban development. Darwin’s involvement focused on source segregation in drainage systems, ensuring sustainable water reuse and stormwater management within the project’s innovative urban planning framework. - Action for Silk Stream – Watling Park SuDS Design
This project aimed to alleviate flood risks and improve biodiversity in the Watling Park area of London. Darwin worked on designing and modelling SuDS interventions, including permeable surfaces, swales, and rain gardens, to manage stormwater naturally and reduce surface flooding. - Qatar Military Medical City
Darwin’s contributions to this healthcare infrastructure project included designing wet utility networks and stormwater systems to ensure reliable and resilient water management within the facility.
Technical Expertise
Darwin’s skill set covers a range of engineering and modelling competencies relevant to modern flood risk and drainage engineering.
- Hydraulic Modelling – Proficient in modelling tools to simulate stormwater flows, assess flood risks, and design mitigation strategies.
- Flood Risk Assessment – Experience in preparing technical reports and studies to evaluate and mitigate potential flooding impacts for urban developments.
- Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) Design – Skilled in designing green infrastructure solutions that manage surface water through natural processes.
- Civil3D Modelling – Experienced in creating detailed engineering drawings and models for infrastructure projects.
- Project Management – Capable of managing project timelines, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
- Software Proficiency – Hands-on experience with InfoDrainage, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and other industry-standard modelling tools.
Professional Approach
Darwin’s engineering approach is rooted in practical problem-solving and compliance with regulatory frameworks. His focus on sustainability is evident in his work with SuDS and green infrastructure, ensuring that designs not only address immediate drainage needs but also contribute to long-term environmental resilience. His involvement in both high-profile international developments and local flood alleviation projects shows a balance between large-scale engineering and community-level environmental improvements.
Impact on Urban Drainage and Flood Risk Management
The importance of professionals like Darwin lies in the increasing challenges posed by climate change and urbanization. Flood risk management has become a critical aspect of infrastructure planning, and engineers in this field must design systems capable of handling intense rainfall events, protecting properties, and improving water quality.
Darwin’s contributions to projects such as the Action for Silk Stream SuDS scheme demonstrate the role of engineering in delivering local environmental benefits, while his work on mega-projects like Neom shows the international demand for advanced drainage solutions.
Career Development and Future Prospects
Darwin’s career trajectory indicates continuous growth in technical expertise, project responsibility, and international exposure. Starting from an internship in wet utilities, he progressed to graduate engineering roles and then to positions with greater responsibility in flood and drainage engineering. His current work at AtkinsRéalis provides opportunities to engage with complex urban drainage challenges in the UK, which may lead to further specialization in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable water management.
With his professional memberships and certifications, Darwin is well-positioned to work across international markets where urban flooding and sustainable water management are high priorities. The combination of his practical project experience and advanced academic background gives him the capability to contribute to both technical design and strategic planning.
Conclusion
Darwin Thomas Meprethu represents a generation of civil engineers who integrate traditional engineering principles with sustainable practices. His work spans from major international projects like the FIFA World Cup stadium infrastructure in Qatar to local UK flood alleviation schemes, showing a balance between global-scale engineering and community-focused solutions. With expertise in hydraulic modelling, SuDS design, and flood risk management, he continues to contribute to projects that address one of the most pressing infrastructure challenges—managing water in urban environments.
His career journey illustrates the pathway from academic training to specialized engineering roles, and his portfolio reflects a commitment to delivering effective, sustainable, and regulation-compliant drainage solutions.
