Written by: Dan Agbo
The construction industry, valued at $12.74 trillion globally in 2023 and projected to reach $1.8 trillion in the USA alone, is one of the most dynamic and challenging sectors, requiring a blend of strategic thinking and engineering expertise. Few individuals possess these qualities to the fullest extent, making success in the field particularly demanding. Vadim Endovitckii, a distinguished entrepreneur with over 16 years of experience in construction, engineering, and restoration, stands out as a specialist who has not only mastered these skills but has also contributed to redefining industry standards and introducing groundbreaking approaches to infrastructure development and restoration.
Early Career and Business Growth
Vadim’s journey in the construction and restoration industry began in 2008 when he took on the role of managing the Samolet Gallery at VDNH, one of Moscow's most prominent exhibition venues. He later co-founded Active Elements (AKTÉL), a company that quickly gained traction in the construction sector. Under his leadership, the company achieved an annual revenue of 120 million rubles, securing contracts with some of Russia’s leading developers, including MR Group and FSK Lider.
Vadim was instrumental in not only delivering high-quality engineering solutions but also in establishing operational and financial sustainability for the company. One of his most strategic moves was the creation of in-house maintenance services, which ensured a steady revenue stream beyond the initial construction phases. Between 2014 and 2015, under the leadership of Vadim Endovitckii, AKTÉL expanded into a new business model by acquiring and operating engineering infrastructure for residential developments. This innovative approach, which was Vadim’s idea, allowed the company to sell utility resources directly to residents, securing long-term profitability.
NEVOD: A Game-Changer in Private Water Infrastructure
Building on his extensive experience in construction and engineering, Vadim Endovitckii took on the challenge of transforming the water infrastructure landscape in Russia. As the General Director of NEVOD, he spearheaded a revolutionary approach to private water supply and wastewater management, redefining how residential developers accessed and maintained critical utilities.
NEVOD established itself as a leading private water utility, featuring a full-fledged generation and distribution infrastructure, thanks to the approach introduced by Vadim Endovitckii. The company provided cold water supply and wastewater services at its own tariff, allowing developers to bypass inefficient state-run utilities. By 2020, NEVOD’s operations encompassed all residential developments of major developers MORTON and PIK in New Moscow, as well as five districts in the Moscow region.
Recognizing the fragmentation and inefficiencies in the engineering of water infrastructure, Vadim took a bold step to standardize NEVOD’s approach. “When MORTON was acquired, I inherited an infrastructure that was vastly inconsistent. Facilities of the same purpose were designed differently, using equipment from various manufacturers. The same approach was applied to new construction, making it impossible to systematize emergency responses or optimize logistics for spare parts. That’s when I realized: if all water intake and treatment facilities were as standardized as McDonald’s burgers, I could significantly reduce resource expenditure, time, and costs.”
This vision led to the development of PIK’s Engineering Standard, a breakthrough in infrastructure management. By unifying engineering solutions across multiple developments, NEVOD drastically cut maintenance expenses, improved operational efficiency, and reduced the likelihood of system failures. This approach not only enhanced service reliability but also increased the long-term asset value for developers.
Managed by Vadim Endovitckii, NEVOD redefined its business model, evolving from a simple service provider to a private water utility operator—an unprecedented move in the Russian market. Noticing that developers often struggled with managing post-construction utility assets, Vadim devised a strategic solution: acquiring pumping stations and other critical infrastructure components from them.
“We realized that many developers preferred to offload utility assets rather than manage them post-construction. Pumping stations often remained on their balance sheets, deteriorating over time, and were eventually sold to municipal companies at a fraction of their value. By acquiring these assets, we not only relieved developers of a financial and operational burden but also established ourselves as an independent water provider.”
This business model proved to be a game-changer, allowing NEVOD to expand its control over essential infrastructure and secure long-term revenue streams. It also positioned the company as a trusted partner for major developers, with PIK and MR Group actively seeking collaborations.
NEVOD’s innovative strategy, driven by Vadim Endovitckii's leadership and expertise, translated into remarkable financial performance:
By 2020, the company’s total revenue from water supply services and technical infrastructure maintenance reached 1.2 billion rubles.
By the end of 2019, NEVOD had sold technical conditions for water and sewage network connections in new developments worth over 4.5 billion rubles, with projects extending through 2030.
Under Vadim’s management, the company employed around 500 specialists, ensuring seamless operations and service quality.
Before NEVOD introduced its standardized approach, the water infrastructure sector faced numerous challenges, including frequent failures caused by poorly designed facilities and outdated technologies. These issues were compounded by high maintenance costs, as different manufacturers' spare parts were required, making repairs both complicated and expensive. Additionally, the sector suffered from excessive operational expenses, with poorly constructed facilities necessitating constant repairs and upgrades to maintain functionality.
Addressing these pain points, Vadim implemented a comprehensive optimization strategy. “Water infrastructure was always a source of concern. Major pipeline failures and water shutdowns in Moscow’s suburbs frequently made headlines. My proposal wasn’t just about reducing accidents—it was about cutting operational expenses altogether.”
NEVOD’s approach was groundbreaking, merging private sector efficiency with the reliability of municipal-scale infrastructure. By transitioning from a contractor model to a full-service private utility provider, Vadim created a scalable business that ensured both operational control and financial sustainability.
His foresight in consolidating fragmented engineering processes, optimizing logistics, and acquiring key infrastructure assets set a new industry benchmark. “At some point, when large developers gain critical mass, they stop negotiating with smaller players and try to exert control instead. We saw this coming and pivoted early, securing our market position before external pressures could limit our growth.”
By revolutionizing private water supply and infrastructure management, NEVOD redefined industry norms. The company eliminated several outdated practices common in water supply and wastewater management, such as using different manufacturers for identical facilities, which created logistical challenges and maintenance difficulties. In contrast, NEVOD standardized its equipment and processes, significantly reducing operational expenses. By moving away from inefficient technologies, the company streamlined operations, improved service quality, and proved that even the most bureaucratically entrenched sectors could be disrupted with strategic vision and engineering excellence.
Blending Modern Architecture with Historical Preservation at Endovitckii Construction Company (former Smart City)
Smart City is Vadim Endovitckii’s latest innovative project in the field of architectural restoration and construction. In July 2024, the company Smart City underwent a rebranding and is now known as Endovitckii Construction Company. The company, led by Vadim, has swiftly emerged as a prestigious player in the field of architectural restoration and construction. Vadim is the founder and CEO of the company, and his vision has propelled the company to become recognized in the industry. In an interview, he revealed, “In 2022, I founded the restoration enterprise Smart City. I managed to bring back some of the best engineers from my previous project, acquire a license from the Ministry of Culture, and secure a solid portfolio of projects in under two years.”
The company’s history began during the difficult times of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the construction and restoration market was in decline. However, thanks to Vadim’s extensive experience from previous ventures, he was “a step ahead of his competitors,” which played a crucial role in the company’s rapid rise.
Since its inception, Endovitckii Construction Company has been involved in over 11 major restoration projects and has launched seven new construction initiatives. Thanks to Vadim, the company has developed a strong project portfolio valued at around 800 million rubles (over 8.9 million euros) for the next three years. The company’s annual revenue currently stands at 200 million rubles (over 2.2 million euros), with a dedicated team of 12 permanent engineers. In addition, the company maintains a small operational team that ensures the continued maintenance of restored properties after they are handed over to clients. Vadim reflects on this period, saying, “In two years, we have managed to assemble a project portfolio of considerable value. The process is now much more streamlined. The chaos is gone, and we are left with precision and a confident understanding of what we do.”
The first project undertaken by Vadim’s company was the restoration of the House of Prince Gagarin, which had been left unfinished by a bankrupt restorer. This was a pivotal moment for the company, as it laid the groundwork for what would become a highly successful portfolio. Vadim explains, “The restoration of this historic house was not just a technical achievement, it symbolized our commitment to preserving history while embracing modernity in our designs.”
Following this, the company worked on several notable projects, including the restoration of the 1780s building of the Sarepta Evangelical Society. Vadim transformed the flooded old chapel into a contemporary art gallery, while the ground-floor, three-story part of the building will be turned into the Museum of the Russian Navy this year. The attic will feature an interactive exhibition by the transportation group Fesco. Last year, the company completed a restoration project for the refectory of the female monastery in Vyazhishchi, near Veliky Novgorod, and they have also preserved six historical buildings in Leningrad and Novgorod regions, including 15th- and 16th-century churches and temples.
Vadim’s company has taken on projects that many of its competitors would shy away from, specifically the complex task of blending modern architecture within historically significant buildings. “What we do is incredibly difficult—integrating cutting-edge functionality into structures that have been standing for centuries. Yet, this is precisely what sets us apart from others in the field,” Vadim states. This ability to balance modern design with historic preservation is a direct result of Vadim’s talent and expertise, and it is thanks to his leadership that the company consistently succeeds in this field. This combination of innovation and respect for history has earned the company a reputation for excellence.
Vadim has ambitious plans to expand Endovitckii Construction Company into the international market, positioning it as a global leader in the field of architectural restoration and construction. His work has already gained significant recognition within the industry, culminating in his recent acceptance into the prestigious American Institute of Architects (AIA). This acceptance is a mark of professional excellence, as membership in the AIA is highly selective, with only the top experts in the construction industry being chosen for their exceptional contributions and leadership.
In reflecting on this achievement, Vadim notes, “Being invited to join the AIA is not only a personal honor but also a recognition of the work I’ve done at Endovitckii Construction Company. It validates our commitment to high standards of professionalism and innovation.”
Recognized as one of the leading experts in the field, Vadim Endovitckii continues to drive innovation, bridging the gap between historical preservation and modern design. His ongoing efforts to expand internationally reflect his growing influence and the recognition of his expertise on a global scale. Vadim Endovitckii stands as one of the foremost representatives of the industry, successfully advancing and enhancing its future.
