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18 February 2026

From construction to his own company: Jiří Pech shows that BUT opens up much broader opportunities than it may seem

Jiří Pech is one of the main representatives of the candidate campaign. | Autor: Václav Široký

An alumnus who turned his technical education into a real business. This is Jiří Pech – a former student of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at Brno University of Technology, founder of the consulting company PKV which ranks among respected players in the field of building energy, and this year also one of the main faces of the university’s admissions campaign. He tells high school graduates that technical education is not just about calculations and scripts, but above all about a way of thinking and the ability to succeed in the real world.

Jiří Pech has always been close to the construction industry. He graduated from a secondary technical school of civil engineering, and it was natural for him to continue in a technical field. Although he originally planned to attend university in Prague, Brno ultimately won, and BUT became an important milestone in his life. “The university didn’t just give me technical knowledge, but above all responsibility, independence, and the ability to handle complex situations. These are things I use today not only in business but also in everyday life,” he says. Looking back, he considers the ability to see connections and understand problems in a broader context to be one of the greatest values of his studies at Brno University of Technology.

BUT as a Springboard

Jiří’s first day at BUT was full of surprises. “I was shocked by how many people were there,” he laughs, describing the moment when the corridors filled with students after the first lecture. Among his strongest memories are mainly working on team projects, great relationships with classmates, and student life. “While in high school I was used to working mostly on my own, at university I encountered teamwork. You had to learn how to assert your opinion, communicate, and at the same time take responsibility for the outcome of the whole team. These are experiences no textbook can give you,” he emphasizes.

It was the friendly environment and cooperation among classmates that often helped him get through challenging periods such as exams or submitting extensive projects. Even he himself, however, doubted several times whether he would manage the studies. “I remember thinking about it during the very first math class, when they started explaining what we were expected to master in a single semester. At that moment, I wondered whether I was in the right place,” Jiří recalls.

In the end, it helped him to accept that he did not have to understand everything immediately. “Students have the whole semester to work on a given problem and catch up on topics they didn’t understand during the lecture,” he explains, adding that the most important thing is the willingness to learn. The smaller group within his specialized study program also allowed for a more personal approach from lecturers, which ultimately reassured Jiří that he had chosen the right path.

Construction management was the obvious choice for him. | Author: Václav Široký

Jiří deliberately chose Civil Engineering with a specialization in Management. More than the technical side of construction itself, he was interested in what happens behind the scenes. “Construction subjects were very craft-oriented, and I wanted to expand the technical aspects with the human factor. I liked that the faculty offered such an option,” he says with a smile. The specialization in Construction Management provided him with a broader professional perspective, combining technical thinking with economics and management, and revealing connections between numbers, decision-making, and the real functioning of construction companies. Jiří particularly appreciated the practically oriented courses that worked with real data and specific company case studies.

Work That Still Makes Sense Years Later

Jiří laid the foundations of his professional career while still at the Faculty of Civil Engineering. During his studies, he realized that his strength was not detailed technical design, but rather the ability to see the bigger picture and think in a broader context. From an early age, he knew he wanted to become a successful entrepreneur, naturally influenced by his family background, and so he decided to connect his technical education with business thinking and, together with his classmate Ondřej Vaněk, founded the company PKV.

“BUT gave me a solid technical foundation that I could continue to build on. At the same time, it opened my eyes to how broad the field of construction really is. It doesn’t automatically mean working on a construction site; there are many more possibilities. Our company focuses on energy and sustainable solutions in the construction sector,” he explains, adding that PKV currently ranks among leading consulting companies in the field of energy.

In its early days, the company significantly benefited from university connections. Jiří and Ondřej collaborated mainly with students and graduates who worked as external technicians, many of whom played a key role in launching the company. Students from BUT are still welcome at PKV today. Based on his own experience, Jiří knows they come well prepared, familiar with technical thinking, and able to quickly integrate into work processes. Long-term cooperation with students has proven to be an effective way for the company to acquire high-quality talent. “Students are considered full-fledged team members from the very beginning, regardless of their type of contract, which supports their motivation and loyalty. Thanks to our connection with the faculty, they also naturally spread the good name of both the company and the university,” he explains.

He runs PKV, a company he founded with his classmate. | Author: Václav Široký

As the company gradually grew, Jiří’s role evolved as well. As CEO, he currently focuses primarily on company strategy and development, market analysis, relationships with key partners, and external representation. An important part of his work remains care for the company culture. He personally meets new colleagues, gathers feedback on recruitment, and is interested in their first impressions. He considers contact with people and an emphasis on healthy company functioning to be one of the key reasons why the company, which currently has around 140 employees, continues to grow organically and sustainably.

“Even after thirteen years, I still enjoy my work. I enjoy the freedom in decision-making, which allows me to push through solutions that would often not pass in a traditional corporate environment. I enjoy developing people. And I enjoy shaping the company’s mindset and culture,” Jiří describes, adding that what PKV looks like today is the best version he himself could have created.

The Easiest Path Is Not the Best – Passion Matters

As one of the successful alumni of Brno University of Technology, Jiří Pech has become one of the main faces of this year’s admissions campaign. “I thought it was a great idea and was happy to be approached. I like that the university works with real alumni and presents their stories and how they have progressed since graduation,” he says with a smile.

By participating in the admissions campaign, he wants to encourage high school students not to be afraid of technical fields and not to be discouraged by their difficulty. When he looks back on his studies today, he remembers not only the workload, but even more the personal growth and euphoria.

Thanks to his studies at BUT, he gained a wealth of experience that he still benefits from today. | Author: Václav Široký

And why should prospective students choose BUT? According to Jiří Pech, there are several reasons – from high-quality technical education with a long-standing tradition, through the connection between studies and practice, to Brno as an ideal student city. “You don’t live only for school here, but at the same time you receive top innovative education that stands up even on an international level,” he summarizes.

“BUT is not an easy university, but that’s precisely what gives it a strong name and value. And that always pays off in life. University is the most important element of the educational system that influences people, so I would choose carefully,” concludes the proud alumnus of BUT.

Whether you are attracted to modern technologies, cutting-edge science, or creative work, don’t hesitate and submit your application to BUT!

Details about studying can be found on the website Here You Can Start, and the application can be submitted in the E-Application section. #HereYouCanStart

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Author: Lenka Hubáčková

Themes

Faculty of Civil Engineering uchazečská kampaň graduates