Fire Safety, Smart Design & Innovation: A Q&A with Elie Abou Samra
This week, we connected with our team in Lebanon to introduce Elie Abou Samra, who leads our Fire Services team at Goldfish & Bay’s Lebanon office. His journey into engineering is one of determination, adaptability, and a deep commitment to building safety.
Originally from Qartaba, Lebanon, Elie’s path wasn’t always set on engineering. His initial goal was medicine, but as life shifted, so did his focus—leading him toward the precision of mechanical engineering. What began as a practical decision soon became a passion, placing him in a role where he directly influences the safety and functionality of the built environment.
To learn more about his journey, we sat down with Elie for a Q&A session:
Q: ELIE, YOU ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO STUDY MEDICINE. WHAT MADE YOU SWITCH TO ENGINEERING?
I always wanted to be in a field that made an impact, and at first, that meant medicine. But as circumstances changed, I found myself drawn to the structure and logic of engineering. Over time, it became my passion.
Q: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN FIRE SERVICES ENGINEERING?
I started at Goldfish & Bay as a draftsman, eager to get my foot in the door. I was always interested in problem-solving and system design, so when the chance came to transition into fire services engineering, I took it. The more I learned, the more I realised how critical this work is—not just for compliance but for real-world safety.
Q: WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AT GOLDFISH & BAY INVOLVE?
I lead the Fire Services team in our Lebanon office, working closely with our Sydney team to design and manage fire protection systems that align with Australian Standards and the National Construction Code. My job isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about ensuring fire safety is embedded into a building’s very foundation.
Q: FIRE PROTECTION IS EVOLVING WITH TECHNOLOGY. WHAT TRENDS EXCITE YOU MOST?
The industry is moving toward smarter, more sustainable fire protection. We’re seeing advances in intelligent fire detection, automated response systems, and resource-efficient suppression methods. These innovations enhance reliability while reducing environmental impact.
Q: WHAT DRIVES YOU TO DO THIS WORK EVERY DAY?
Knowing that what I design can save lives. That’s a powerful motivator. I also thrive in an environment where expertise is shared, where we challenge each other, and where every project is a chance to refine and improve.
From draftsman to fire services leader, Elie’s journey shows how dedication and technical expertise shape the future of engineering. At Goldfish & Bay, his contributions are helping set new standards in fire protection, ensuring safety remains at the forefront of design. Thank You Elie Abou Samra 👏
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