dhavaldave.com

About Dhaval Dave

Principal Engineer | Investor | Photographer

I have spent two decades designing systems that cannot fail.

In the world of Piping Design, precision is everything. A thermal expansion error can shut down a refinery. A layout clash can cost millions in rework. My career has been defined by “Stress Analysis”—calculating loads, mitigating risks, and planning for the future.

For a long time, I applied this rigor only to my job.

I optimized plant layouts for Refineries, Petrochemical plants, but I didn’t optimize my own health. I managed multi-million dollar project budgets, but I treated my own portfolio like an afterthought.

The Shift

I realized that the same principles I used to design Petrochemical plants could be used to design a better life.

  • Asset Allocation is just Stress Analysis for your money—distributing the load to prevent failure.
  • Weight Loss is just Thermodynamics—energy in versus energy out.
  • Photography is just Geometry—finding the perfect angle and composition.

Today, I live a “Full Stack” life. I am as passionate about Personal Finance and Street Photography as I am about Piping Networks.

My Professional Background

If you are here for consulting or engineering advice, here are the credentials:

  • Experience: 23 Years in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, Construction).
  • Key Roles: Lead/Principal Engineer at Fluor, SNC-Lavalin, Petrofac, L&T.
  • Expertise: FEED, Detailed Engineering, Layout Optimization, and Global Workshare Management (USA/UK/India).
  • Credentials: PMP® Certified.
  • Tool Stack: S3D, PDS, Navisworks, SmartPlant Review.

The Personal Side

When I am not in the office or analyzing a spreadsheet, you will find me:

  • On the Court: Playing tennis or strength training (currently down 10kg+ and counting).
  • Behind the Lens: Shooting street and landscape photography with my Fujifilm XT-4.
  • Reading: Consuming non-fiction on philosophy, psychology, and finance.
  • Diet: Proud vegetarian focused on high-protein nutrition.

Connect With Me

I am always open to discussing complex engineering challenges, investment philosophies, or camera gear.