When it comes to innovative façade engineering that marries architectural beauty with technical brilliance, few names command as much respect as Victor Zhilinsky. As the Founder and CEO of Skytop Engineering, Victor has carved a niche in the global construction and design industry by pioneering solutions that are as elegant as they are efficient. With a background shaped by years of experience in large-scale European contracting firms and an unwavering passion for façades, Victor’s story is a testament to entrepreneurial vision, resilience and the pursuit of excellence.

Founded in 2017, Skytop Engineering is a global façade consultancy firm known for delivering high-performance building envelope solutions. The startup’s portfolio spans multiple continents, embracing projects in diverse geographies and climatic zones. With a team of elite engineers and a strong design philosophy, the company is redefining what it means to be at the intersection of science and art in modern construction.

TFS: Welcome, Victor! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Let’s begin by talking about the origins of your entrepreneurial journey.

Skytop Engineering was born from a passion for façades and a desire to push the boundaries of building envelopes. Can you walk us through the moment you decided to break away and build something of your own?

Victor Zhilinsky: Thank you for having me. The origin of Skytop Engineering really was as unexpected as it was transformative. It started during a casual coffee break in the office kitchen. A colleague, half-jokingly, asked me, “Victor, how are you going to take over the world?” That moment stuck with me in a way I couldn’t have anticipated.

There wasn’t a grand startup strategy in place, no whiteboard filled with business models. But that question ignited something. It prompted me to reflect on what I truly wanted, to create something of my own, to build a team, a culture, a company that could reimagine how façade engineering is approached. Since that day in 2017, I’ve been pursuing that vision with focus and dedication.

TFS: You’ve built a company that thrives at the intersection of engineering precision and architectural beauty. What early personal experiences or mentors shaped your outlook on design and discipline?

Victor Zhilinsky: The sense of aesthetics I carry didn’t emerge from one specific moment, it’s something that has always been with me. A natural inclination towards beauty and proportion shaped my appreciation for design early on. Even when I’m deeply involved in engineering, my eyes naturally seek symmetry, balance and elegance.

But when it comes to discipline, I give full credit to my mathematics teacher in school. She taught much more than equations. Her lessons conveyed the importance of logic, precision and clarity. That foundation has stayed with me, guiding the technical mindset I bring to every Skytop project today. It’s a mindset that combines appreciation for design with a structured, problem-solving approach that our team carries forward in our work.

TFS: Staying motivated as a founder in such a competitive, detail-oriented industry isn’t easy. When things got tough in the early years, what kept you going?

Victor Zhilinsky: Interestingly, the hardest times didn’t come in the early startup phase. Initially, it was just a group of passionate friends working on exciting projects. The real test began when we transitioned from a startup team to a scalable business with layers of operations, departments and formal processes.

What kept me going through those tough phases was a deep sense of responsibility, not just to my dream, but to the team that chose to join me on this journey. Many of them had options to work at well-established firms but chose to take a risk with Skytop. Their trust in me and in our shared vision became the strongest motivator. Every challenge felt worth tackling because we were building something meaningful together.

TFS: Before Skytop, you were part of a large European contractor. How did that experience influence the values, culture and operations of Skytop Engineering today?

Victor Zhilinsky: That experience laid the foundation for everything we do at Skytop. It was there that I first fell in love with façade engineering. I gained hands-on exposure to complex projects, developed a strong technical understanding and learned how world-class firms operate.

The work culture was disciplined and driven and I was fortunate to be surrounded by passionate professionals. The company’s CEO made a lasting impact on me with his vision and leadership. Many of my colleagues from that time eventually joined Skytop. That shared professional experience helped shape the strong, respectful and purpose-driven culture we have today.

TFS: Outside the office, what personal routines or hobbies help you recharge and stay focused as a global leader in façade consultancy?

Victor Zhilinsky: Nature is my sanctuary. I spend time outdoors, preferably in silence, to ground myself. The fewer people around, the more relaxed and clear-minded I become. Nature helps me detach from the noise of the industry and return with a fresh, focused perspective.

That quiet space provides the mental clarity needed to lead a global consultancy like Skytop Engineering. As a founder, my responsibilities are constant, but these moments in nature allow me to reset and approach challenges with renewed energy.

TFS: Façade engineering is both a science and an art. How does Skytop Engineering maintain its edge when it comes to marrying performance with aesthetics?

Victor Zhilinsky: At Skytop, we believe that even the most technically-minded engineers appreciate beauty. Many members of our team engage in creative pursuits outside of work and that artistic sensitivity naturally influences their engineering approach.

We also benefit greatly from our collaborations with visionary architects. They challenge us to think beyond numbers and codes. Their input ensures we never lose sight of the emotional and visual impact of a façade. It’s this blend of technical excellence and aesthetic awareness that gives Skytop its unique edge in the industry.

TFS: Your projects span continents and climates. How do you tailor your solutions to address the unique challenges of different geographies – technically, culturally and environmentally?

Victor Zhilinsky: Each project we undertake is a unique tapestry woven from the threads of local climate, culture and technical requirements. While the fundamental principles of façade engineering remain consistent, the application varies significantly across regions.

Technically, we begin with a universal engineering framework, ensuring structural integrity and performance. From there, we delve into local building codes, environmental conditions and material availability. For instance, a project in the Middle East demands solutions for high temperatures and sandstorms, whereas a European project might focus on insulation against cold and moisture.

Culturally, we immerse ourselves in the local context, understanding architectural heritage and community expectations. This cultural sensitivity ensures our designs resonate with the local populace and respect historical aesthetics.

Environmentally, we prioritize sustainability, integrating green building standards and energy-efficient materials. Our goal is to create façades that not only perform optimally but also contribute positively to the environment and society.

TFS: What role has Building Information Modeling (BIM) and digital transformation played in reshaping the way you deliver projects? Where do you see the biggest gains?

Victor Zhilinsky: BIM has revolutionized our approach to façade engineering. Even when clients don’t mandate it, we proactively develop BIM models for every project. This practice enhances coordination, minimizes errors and streamlines the production of manufacturing drawings and schedules.

The most significant gains lie in risk mitigation and efficiency. BIM allows for early detection of potential clashes and design inconsistencies, reducing costly revisions during construction. Moreover, it facilitates seamless collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring everyone is aligned from conception to completion.

In regions like Dubai, BIM has become the industry standard and our commitment to digital transformation positions us at the forefront of this evolution.

TFS: Sustainability is becoming non-negotiable in construction. Can you share how Skytop integrates green building standards without compromising on bold design?

Victor Zhilinsky: Sustainability is integral to our design philosophy. We strive to exceed minimum performance requirements, delivering façades with superior U-values and energy efficiency. Material selection plays a crucial role; we opt for sustainable, durable materials that align with green building standards.

Importantly, we believe that sustainability and bold design are not mutually exclusive. Modern façade technologies enable us to craft visually striking designs that also meet stringent environmental criteria. Our projects demonstrate that it’s possible to achieve architectural ambition while honoring our responsibility to the planet.

TFS: What’s one project or moment that made you step back and say, “Yes, this is what Skytop was meant to do”?

Victor Zhilinsky: The restoration of Space House in London stands out. This Grade II listed building, once a symbol of aviation heritage, had fallen into disrepair. Our involvement in its rejuvenation was both a technical challenge and an honor.

Post-restoration, Space House garnered significant attention, hosting events like London Fashion Week and receiving accolades such as the Structural Awards 2024 and BREEAM Awards 2025. Witnessing the building’s transformation and its renewed prominence affirmed our mission at Skytop: to breathe new life into architectural icons and contribute meaningfully to urban landscapes.

TFS: Your leadership team includes some of the most experienced façade engineers. How do you attract and retain such niche talent in a globally competitive market?

Victor Zhilinsky: Our success in attracting top talent stems from our company culture and ethical foundation. We foster an environment where professionals feel valued, challenged and aligned with our vision.

We offer opportunities to work on landmark projects, encouraging innovation and continuous learning. Moreover, our transparent communication and respect for individual contributions create a sense of belonging. This combination of professional growth and cultural alignment makes Skytop a preferred destination for façade engineering experts.

TFS: How would you describe your leadership style when managing technical experts, architects and global stakeholders under one roof?

Victor Zhilinsky: My leadership approach is rooted in empathy and clarity. I prioritize active listening, ensuring that each stakeholder’s perspective is understood and considered. By fostering open dialogue, we navigate complex projects with a unified vision.

I also emphasize clear communication of goals and expectations, enabling teams to align their efforts effectively. This collaborative environment empowers individuals, encourages accountability and drives collective success.

TFS: Skytop has become known for being both fast and precise. What internal systems or philosophies help you deliver at that level of excellence, consistently?

Victor Zhilinsky: Our commitment to excellence is underpinned by a motivated team and robust internal processes. We cultivate a culture where quality and efficiency are paramount and where every team member takes ownership of their role.

Our systems emphasize meticulous planning, continuous improvement and proactive problem-solving. Regular training and knowledge sharing ensure that our team stays ahead of industry advancements, enabling us to deliver precise solutions swiftly.

TFS: Looking ahead, what are the next frontiers you want Skytop Engineering to explore – whether in technology, materials or new markets?

Victor Zhilinsky: Expanding into new markets is a key focus. We aim to bring our expertise to diverse regions, adapting our solutions to different cultural and environmental contexts.

Additionally, we’re exploring innovative materials and technologies that enhance façade performance and sustainability. Collaborating with visionary architects and developers on iconic projects worldwide remains a driving ambition, pushing us to continually evolve and excel.

TFS: If a young engineer or architect approached you for advice on starting a consultancy, what’s the one piece of wisdom from your personal journey you’d want them to take to heart?

Victor Zhilinsky: Embarking on this path requires resilience and unwavering commitment. Success doesn’t come overnight; it’s the result of consistent effort, adaptability and learning from challenges.

I advise aspiring entrepreneurs to cultivate patience and mental fortitude. Embrace the journey, stay true to your vision and remain open to growth. With determination and integrity, you can build a consultancy that makes a lasting impact.

TFS: Victor, this has been an incredibly insightful conversation. Thank you for sharing your journey and vision. As we wrap up, any final thoughts you’d like to leave us with?

Victor Zhilinsky: Thank you. It’s been a pleasure reflecting on the journey so far. If there’s one thing I’d leave aspiring entrepreneurs or engineers with, it’s this – never underestimate the power of staying true to your values. That clarity will guide you when strategy becomes uncertain and it will attract the right people and opportunities to your path.