The Real Harris: Meet Ranka Diklic

Tell us about your background. How did you get your start in the construction/service/BAS business?

I have a degree in structural engineering. After I finished college, my mom received a call from her cousin in CA asking if I would like to come and work at his company.

What drew you to Harris? What makes you stay?

I worked with John Williams and Kathryn Lee in ARUP, some time ago. It was great to have opportunity to be on the same team again.

What do you enjoy about working at Harris?

I enjoy the design build approach to construction. Additionally, I get inspired from direct interaction with field personnel and learning from their input on constructability.

What is the best part about your position?

I was lucky to get to work on the Recursion project. It involves specialty gasses and systems I never designed before. It was such a great learning experience with a supportive and knowledgeable team.

What traits do you think are important for someone in your role to be successful?

Curiosity, willingness to learn and share your knowledge, accept that you cannot always be right and celebrate every deadline that get successfully sent out the door.

What are your main responsibilities and initiatives that you lead?

My responsibilities include supporting and advising junior engineers in their plumbing efforts. I’ll also respond to plumbing questions any time of the day.

What are you passionate about at work?

I am passionate about getting equipment and systems sizing calculations on drawings. I try to make it a standard across the plumbing group.

How do you like to re-charge?

Going for a long hike or a bike ride.

What are you most proud of at Harris?

I am proud of the Harris Design Team and how much we grew and progressed this year.

What is one thing Harris employees wouldn’t know about you?

I walk barefoot whenever I have opportunity.

What drew you to this industry?

In a way, this industry chose me. In the first company where I started, the person doing the plumbing work went on maternity leave and I took over her projects.

What inspires you?

The excitement of learning something new.