From the remote mountains of Bodaybo, Russia to the bustling streets of Vancouver, Andrey Lykov has always looked for ways to improve the communities around him.
Today, as a building science professional, he helps owners and project teams plan and deliver building renewal and rehabilitation projects. At BCIT, however, his most lasting contribution wasn’t a building at all. It was the community he helped create.
That desire to improve the world around him, which first emerged during his studies in Russia, would eventually shape every major decision he made.
“I was looking around and just thought, I’ve seen how things are done better. What can I do?”
The rocky road to BCIT
During his bachelor’s studies in civil engineering in Russia, Andrey’s interest in the social impact of construction began to take shape.
This growing focus led him to take part in green initiatives. He championed climate action, participated in environmental protests. He also contributed to Russia’s first LEED-certified healthcare facility in Moscow which presented state-of-the-art sustainable building practices. Up until then, Andrey had only seen examples of sustainable building practices on lecture slides.
As Russia’s sustainability sector continued to develop, Andrey found himself looking to parts of the world where high-performance and sustainable building practices were already well established.
“I was looking at all this civil infrastructure being built around the world, and I realized things could be done differently,” says Andrey. “I wanted to learn from those who had been doing this for a while.”
After researching programs abroad, Andrey set his sights on Vancouver, drawn by the city’s buildings.
Andrey made the move, overcoming visa rejections, COVID travel restrictions, and geopolitical hardships back in Russia. He didn’t waver, arriving just six months before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and bringing his wife to safety soon after.
Despite the personal challenges of leaving home, Andrey remained committed to his long-term goals.
Building on his previous professional experience, Andrey pursued graduate studies at BCIT to deepen his building science expertise with hands-on experience and prepare for professional practice in Canada. Strong feedback from BCIT graduates regarding their academic and employment experiences helped inform his choice. He would proceed to complete his Master of Applied Science in Building Engineering/Building Science in 2024.
Paving the way for the future
Andrey embraced the opportunities and resources the BCIT community provided. He valued the collaborative learning environment and the support he received from the community.
While volunteering at a graduation ceremony, Andrey was struck by how many students had completed their programs together yet barely knew one another. He recognized the same disconnect with his own cohort.
Wanting to create stronger connections among students, Andrey co-founded the BCIT Building Science Club with fellow student Mohit Thakur. Initially, Andrey envisioned the club as a place where Building Science students could connect, build friendships, and discuss topics beyond the classroom.
As the club grew, Andrey saw the potential for a community that could support students long after graduation. “I realized that we could do all kinds of events with this club. It could be a key into the industry, to help get students out there.”
Recognizing the value of lasting relationships, Andrey began connecting Building Science students with BCIT alumni. His goal was to ensure those connections to the BCIT community continued well beyond graduation.
Under Andrey’s leadership, the Building Science club evolved into a bridge between academia and industry, offering workshops, networking events, and opportunities for students to connect directly with professionals in the field.
Andrey wanted other students to benefit from the professional connections the club made possible.
The network and community he helped establish continue to provide Building Science students with meaningful opportunities to connect with alumni and industry professionals.
A leader at his core
Throughout his journey, Andrey has consistently looked for ways to improve the world around him. Whether advocating for sustainable building practices, navigating the challenges of immigrating to Canada, or creating opportunities for fellow students, he has approached each challenge with curiosity, determination, and a genuine desire to help others succeed.
That same mindset has guided his work with building owners and project teams, helping them understand technical challenges and make informed decisions about renewal. For Andrey, helping others succeed means finding practical solutions that account for both a building’s long-term needs and the people who use it every day.
For Andrey, leadership means creating opportunities for others, fostering meaningful connections, and leaving the community stronger than he found it.
“Good work is not done in isolation or fear. Don’t wait until you feel experienced or confident enough. You need to have the courage to grow and question. It’s a process of taking small steps.”
That philosophy continues to shape the community today. Through the relationships he fostered, the connections he created between students and alumni, and the opportunities he helped build, Andrey’s impact extends far beyond his own time at BCIT.
As he continues his career, the community he helped create will keep opening doors for future students, proving that some of the most meaningful things we build are not structures, but connections.