Meet Zdravko Kuruzović
Where are you from, and where do you go to school?
I’ve moved around quite a bit, but I was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina (then Yugoslavia). I spent most of my life in South Africa, where I moved at the age of eight. I studied at various institutions in South Africa (Wits Business School) and abroad (Autonomy ES Expert Witness Program). I now live in Singapore.
What’s something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I speak five languages and have lived in six different countries. This international exposure has shaped my world view and professional approach.
Where do you work, or what are you studying in school?
I am based in Singapore and work as a delay expert in construction law and alternative dispute resolution.
What do you love most about your job or current school studies?
The diverse projects I work on span multiple jurisdictions and legal systems, constantly challenging me to adapt and learn. I also enjoy the forensic nature of the role – every matter is a puzzle waiting to be solved.
Do you have a project story to share?
One memorable case involved analyzing the impact of COVID-19-related lockdowns on a major wind farm project. It required detailed retrospective delay analysis and a nuanced understanding of changing legislation across multiple lockdown levels. It was a prime example of how dynamic and multifaceted our industry can be.
What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? Did someone inspire you to be on this career path?
I aim to continue developing as an expert witness and contribute to shaping better delay analysis practices in the industry. My path into this field wasn’t mapped out from the start, but I was fortunate to work under several remarkable mentors – initially in planning and project controls and later in the expert arena. One in particular stood out: they approached every issue with a calm insistence on logic, common sense, and factual evidence. That clarity of thought – and the integrity with which they presented their views – made a lasting impression and inspired me to follow a similar path.
What is the biggest career challenge you’ve had to overcome? What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career?
The biggest challenge was transitioning from live project planning to forensic delay analysis. One mentor told me – and I wholeheartedly agree – that everything you know about planning and project controls goes out the window when you step into the world of expert work. As forensic analysts, we operate under a completely different set of standards. Starting from zero to build a new career path was both exciting and daunting, but it has also been incredibly rewarding.
Why did you join AACE?
I joined AACE to connect with a global community of professionals committed to advancing best practices in my field – forensic delay analysis – and the broader capital project field. The resources provided by AACE are unmatched in the industry and are a sound guide for professionals.
What do you like most about being an AACE member?
The emphasis is on professional standards and ongoing education. AACE provides tools and a platform to benchmark oneself against industry leaders.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter the field?
Be curious, stay humble, and invest in learning both the technical and legal aspects of the job. Develop your writing skills – it’s often not just what you know, but how clearly and convincingly you can present it.

Goofing around on a construction site.
If you’re not having fun, you can’t grow to love what you do.

Relocating mining equipment on self-propelled modular transporters.

Working in an acidic environment on a mine in the desert.
Safety always comes first!
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