Introducing Williams Lin, Design Manager at GUNN!
Williams joined GUNN in 2024 and is regarded for his expertise and calm demeanor in the Vancouver branch.
How did you end up in Vertical Transportation?
My path into the vertical transportation industry began with a passion for design and hands-on engineering. During my final year at university, I designed and built PCB boards as part of a capstone project – handling everything from schematic design to assembly and testing. After graduation, I had the opportunity to interview with an elevator contracting firm. Although I had no direct elevator experience, the interviewer saw potential in my design work, which opened the door for me to this highly specialized field.
You left the contracting world and moved into consulting! What facilitated the move?
With more than a decade of experience in elevator systems design, transitioning to consulting gave me the chance to broaden my influence. Consulting allows me to shape the vision of projects from the beginning, working closely with developers and architects to deliver effective and tailored solutions. It’s a natural progression that aligns with my passion for optimizing vertical transportation systems on a larger strategic scale.
Any surprises?
Adjusting to business casual was a real shift after years spent on construction sites and in the fabrication shop – where anything nice would likely get covered in dust or grease. But beyond the wardrobe change, I was pleasantly surprised by how involved consultants are in shaping a project from the earliest stages. Working directly with developers and architects has been both a new and rewarding aspect of the consulting side.
What has been one of your most challenging projects to date?
Healthcare projects stand out as especially challenging due to their diverse traffic patterns and specialized functional requirements. Each facility has its own purpose, whether it’s acute care or long-term treatment, and requires a tailored vertical transportation strategy that balances efficiency, compliance, and user experience. The key is deeply understanding the functional programming of the facility to make accurate and practical recommendations.
What’s your favourite part of your role as Design Manager?
What I enjoy most is the ability to blend data-driven traffic analysis with system design. This role allows me to influence key design decisions early on, ensuring that each vertical transportation system aligns with the operational goals and user needs of the building. It’s a space where technical depth meets strategic planning, and I find that combination particularly fulfilling.