“We’re interested in actions, not words”. Hence Daniel Löhr launched his project directly with a colleague, instead of trying to convince not-for-profits. | Fotowelti.ch

Why an Engineer’s Day?

We want to give a face to the people who make the objects that surround us. Some professionals, doctors or pilots, for example, come readily to mind, but what about the people who build hospitals and manufacture planes...? In other words, it’s not ‘the profession’ we’re focusing on, but the diverse individuals within it. Although some activities already exist, such as school visits, their scope is not broad enough.

What’s on the agenda?

Get-togethers in universities and companies. But we also hope that the men and women of engineering will enter into informal discussions with the population. That’s why we’re asking them to wear something of a sky-blue colour on 15 March: a pocket square, a scarf, a pair of socks. It’s to say: “Ask me a question, let’s discuss what I do, let’s exchange ideas”. It also serves to strengthen our community for a day.

You and your co-founder both work for a private company. Isn’t that surprising?

This is a completely individual and voluntary initiative, launched with my colleague Christian Vils. I’ve been involved with not-for-profits for some time, so I know how long a process it can be to lead projects for funding and organisation. But we’re interested in actions, not words.

What’s your budget?

We’re aiming to stay under CHF 10,000. The aim has never been a huge organisation that would slow down decision-making. We are developing a bottom-up movement where people and institutions decide for themselves how to contribute.

“Journée des ingénieurs”... Haven’t you left women out of the French title?

Au contraire! We consulted four professionals for their opinions on the French title, and all of them said they still felt included. One of them is my future daughter-in-law - she told me: “Male engineers, female engineers? I couldn’t give a damn!”.

15 March: that’s the day after Pi Day. Engineering after maths?

Pure luck. Just a happy coincidence, I think!