He received the diploma of Technician Civil Engineer from the Higher Technical Institute. He then continued his studies at Cornell University (USA) from where he received a Batchelor of Science (BSc with distinction) and a Master of Engineering (Civil) in structural engineering, as well as a doctorate (PhD) with concentration in earthquake engineering. He was a lecturer for many years at the Higher Technical Institute. He worked as a scientific advisor for the Reconstruction and Resettlement Council and as a Research Associate at the State University of New York at Buffalo. His research interests include: structural dynamics, seismic design, performance-based design, retrofitting of existing structures, protection of monuments from earthquakes with innovative methods, computational mechanics, computer-aided design.