Feature interview with Krishna Chaitanya Vadali, Operations Manager – People Operations, Ahmedabad
From supporting projects across three continents to developing the next generation of geospatial specialists, Plowman Craven India has become an integral part of the Group’s global success. We spoke to Krishna Chaitanya Vadali about the team’s remarkable growth, collaborative culture and ambitious vision for the future.
When people think about Plowman Craven, they often picture surveyors, engineers and technical specialists working across the UK. Increasingly, however, some of the company’s most important work is being delivered thousands of miles away. This work is being completed by a growing team in Ahmedabad, India.
Established in December 2020, Plowman Craven India has rapidly evolved into an integral part of the Group’s global delivery network. They support projects across the UK, the United States and Australia. They also help deliver the technical excellence clients expect from Plowman Craven.
More importantly, the India team has become a true extension of the wider business. Every day, colleagues collaborate across borders, time zones and disciplines. As a result, they help deliver projects more efficiently while maintaining the same high standards of quality clients expect from Plowman Craven.
As Krishna explains:
“We come from different states across India and speak six different native languages, but geospatial is our common language. We have a great balance of young talent and experienced professionals, creating an environment where we learn from one another while consistently delivering high-quality work.”
Growing together
The story of Plowman Craven India is one of continuous growth, investment and opportunity.
Over the last few years, the team has grown from 17 specialists to almost 30. During this time, they significantly expanded both their technical expertise and the range of services they provide across the Group.
Today, the India office delivers point cloud registration and post-processing, 2D and 3D CAD topographic mapping, measured building surveys, BIM modelling and quality assurance. They also deliver survey data processing and image processing through photogrammetry. This expanding capability enables the team to support increasingly complex projects. In addition, they maintain the precision and quality for which Plowman Craven is recognised.
For Krishna, however, growth has never been about numbers alone.
“Our growth reflects the trust placed in the India team. We’ve continued to strengthen our technical capabilities so we can support increasingly complex projects while maintaining the high standards our clients expect.”
One global team
Although based in Ahmedabad, the India team works as an integrated part of the wider Plowman Craven Group.
Every day, colleagues collaborate with teams across the UK, the United States and Australia, supporting multiple business divisions including Asset Management, Digital Construction and Inspection (Infrastructure) processing teams. Shared Microsoft Teams channels, regular project discussions and continuous communication ensure projects move seamlessly between teams. This is the case regardless of location.
One of the biggest advantages this creates is the team’s follow-the-sun approach.
With a four-and-a-half-hour time advantage over the UK, the India team contributes to a seamless workflow by preparing key deliverables ahead of the UK working day. This effective collaboration helps accelerate turnaround times while maintaining consistent quality.
Rather than operating as separate regional offices, the business works as one connected global team.
“By the time our UK colleagues start work, we’ve already been working for several hours. Deliverables are ready for review, projects keep moving forward and we’re able to support the business much more efficiently.”
Supporting projects across the globe
The India team now provides specialist expertise across a broad range of geospatial disciplines. In addition, they support projects from initial survey data through to final deliverables.
Its capabilities include:
- Point cloud registration and processing
- BIM modelling and quality assurance
- 2D and 3D CAD mapping
- Measured building surveys
- Survey data processing
- Photogrammetry and image processing
Working across multiple sectors and regions, the team supports projects throughout the UK, North America and Australia. They collaborate closely with colleagues across They collaborate closely with colleagues across all divisions. This breadth of expertise enables Plowman Craven to provide a seamless global service. Furthermore, they maintain the same high standards of accuracy and quality wherever projects are delivered.
As new technologies emerge and client requirements evolve, the India team’s capabilities continue to expand alongside them.
Investing in people
Behind every successful project is a talented team, and investing in people remains one of Krishna’s greatest priorities.
Regular mentoring, knowledge-sharing sessions, technical training and exposure to diverse projects allow colleagues to continually develop their skills. This also helps them build long-term careers within Plowman Craven.
Support isn’t limited to formal reviews. The collaborative office environment encourages open communication, face-to-face mentoring and continuous learning.
“People are our greatest strength. We support our team through regular training, mentoring, knowledge-sharing sessions and opportunities to take on new challenges. When people grow, the whole business grows with them.”
That commitment is reflected in the careers of many team members.
Mehul Saini joined Plowman Craven as a CAD Technician and has progressed to become CAD Lead. He now leads a team of 15 while playing a key role in project delivery.
Abhishek Chandran, Senior Date Processing Technician, has taken on increasing responsibility supporting Jonathan Fletcher, Survey Manager in the UK, with day-to-day project activities. Meanwhile, Yash Chhantbar, CAD Technician, joined the business with no previous Scan-to-CAD experience. He has developed into a trusted team member who now supports project delivery, quality assurance and the training of new colleagues.
These are just a few examples of how investing in people has supported both individual careers and the continued success of the wider team.
“Every member of our team has contributed to our success. Whether it’s delivering projects, maintaining quality, supporting colleagues or embracing new challenges, everyone has helped shape who we are today.”
A culture built on collaboration
Technical excellence is only part of the story.
The India office has built a culture founded on collaboration, respect and continuous learning. Despite representing different regions, languages and backgrounds, colleagues work together as one team. They share knowledge and support one another every day.
Outside project delivery, the team celebrates festivals including Holi, Diwali and Dasara, reflecting the rich diversity of the office. ESG initiatives, wellbeing activities and friendly box cricket competitions also bring colleagues together. This strengthens relationships while creating a positive and inclusive workplace.
These shared experiences reinforce something that sits at the heart of Plowman Craven India’s success: exceptional projects are delivered by teams that enjoy working together.
Looking to the future
The next chapter for Plowman Craven India is already underway.
Krishna’s vision is to grow the team to more than 50 highly skilled professionals. He aims to establish Ahmedabad as a global delivery centre supporting the UK, the United States and Australia.
Alongside continued investment in training and emerging technologies, one key focus is expanding the team’s in-house CAD capability to support around 2,500 hours of work each month. This will strengthen technical expertise. In addition, it will improve delivery efficiency and provide even greater support to colleagues across the Group.
“We’re entering an exciting phase of growth. By investing in our people, embracing new technologies and strengthening our in-house expertise, we can continue delivering faster turnaround times, exceptional quality and even greater support across the Group.”
Proud to be part of the Plowman Craven story
Although much has been achieved in a relatively short space of time, Krishna believes the team’s greatest achievement is the strong relationships it has built across the wider business.
Today, Plowman Craven India is far more than a regional office. It is an integral part of the Group’s global success, helping deliver innovative geospatial solutions while supporting colleagues and clients around the world.
Looking ahead, Krishna remains focused on building on that success.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone across the Plowman Craven Group for the trust, support and encouragement they have given us over the years. Everything we have achieved has been possible because of this strong partnership, and we truly value the confidence placed in us.
We are proud to be part of Plowman Craven’s 60-year legacy and its contribution to the global geospatial industry. We remain committed to delivering high-quality work, supporting our colleagues around the world and continuing to build on that legacy together as one global team.”
