VEL designed several hundred projects last year, which together cost more than $1 billion to build.

Smith's individual engineering accomplishments include being the engineer of record for the first two LEED Silver Certified buildings in Canada: a joint RCMP office and library in Surrey and an office and laboratory at the University of British Columbia. Some of VEL's most well-known work likely comes from building IKEA stores such as the one in Coquitlam. VEL has the account to build all future IKEA stores in Canada.

Smith said his strategy to grow VEL is simple: to run the company as a business. He emphasizes continuing education, seeks and hires top designers and manages areas such as human resources and sales and marketing as a team.

He began his career at Howe Design and Management Ltd. as a designer in England. Within two years he was running a large office renovation project in London, England. Wanting to get out of the metropolitan jungle, he briefly returned to his native Glasgow, Scotland and then continued on to Vancouver in 1991 when he joined VEL. Smith became a partner three years later.

Outside work he plays soccer and is active with The Executive Committee, an international organization of CEOs that cluster into small groups where they coach and learn from each other.

He has also taken many personal development programs at Landmark Education and volunteered at Landmark Forum events.

Profession you would like to try: Fortune 500 company CEO

Where do you feel most comfortable? Boardroom

Favourite movie: One flew over the Cuckoo's Nest

Currently reading: How to be a billionaire by Donald Trump

Toughest decision: Leave my job in London

Car: Mercedes Benz 500Sl

Would most like to meet: Not that I admire him, but I'd like to sit down with Osama Bin Laden to understand his perspective; second choice, Hilary Clinton

Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland

Last CD bought: Trampoline by the Mavericks

Education: Bachelors of engineering (honours) from the University of Strathclyde

What's left to do: Travel to Asia