Adrian Ababei's name is synonymous with expertise in web development and Drupal architecture. With over two decades of experience, he has quietly but confidently made his mark in the industry. As the Senior Drupal Architect and CEO at OPTASY, Adrian leads with precision and innovation, consistently delivering solutions that exceed expectations.

In an interview with Kazima Abbas, sub-editor of The Drop Times, Adrian shares his extensive experience in web development and Drupal architecture. He discusses overseeing full-cycle project management, conducting technology research, and leading a team of developers at OPTASY

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With a passion for enhancing user experiences and driving business growth, Adrian oversees every aspect of project management, technology research, and development at OPTASY. His leadership extends beyond the confines of his company, as he actively contributes to the Drupal Project as a developer and serves as a technical reviewer for industry-leading publications. 

Now, let's delve into the interview,

TDT [1]: Can you share more details about your 21 years of experience in web development and Drupal architecture? What motivated you to specialize in this field?

Adrian Ababei: I have a rich history spanning over 21 years in web development, with a specific focus on Drupal architecture. My journey with Drupal began at my manager's request, albeit with initial challenges when I started with Drupal 4.7. However, witnessing the transformative power of Drupal with the release of version 5, I became captivated by its capabilities and found joy in working with it ever since.

TDT [2]: As a Senior Drupal Architect, what are some key projects or achievements you're particularly proud of at OPTASY?

Adrian Ababei: At OPTASY, I take pride in several key projects, particularly those that push the boundaries of innovation and address complex client needs. One notable achievement is leading our team in architecting and implementing scalable solutions for enterprise-level clients, enhancing their digital presence, and driving business growth through cutting-edge technologies.

TDT [3]: How do you balance overseeing full-cycle project management, technology research, and leading a team of developers at OPTASY?

Adrian Ababei: Balancing the different parts of my job at OPTASY—like managing projects from start to finish, staying updated with new technologies, and leading a team of developers—is a bit tricky but also fulfilling. To make it work, I focus on talking with my team openly, sharing responsibilities fairly, and making sure everyone feels included. For example, when we have a big project, I'll split tasks among team members based on what they're best at. This way, everyone gets to contribute their strengths, and we can get the job done well together.

TDT [4]: Can you provide more details about your active involvement and contributions to the Drupal community as a developer? What specific projects or initiatives have you been a part of?

Adrian Ababei: At OPTASY, our commitment to the Drupal community goes beyond conventional participation; it's deeply rooted in our core values. With 56 projects, 10 supported contributor roles on Drupal.org, and a track record of fixing 116 issues in the past 3 months alone, we actively contribute to the continual improvement of the Drupal ecosystem. Our profile serves as a testament to our dedication, showcasing the impactful projects we've undertaken and the issues we've addressed. Additionally, we've proudly sponsored significant events such as Drupalcamp, facilitating collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the community. Our active involvement shows our strong support for Drupal's growth, confirming our status as a Gold Certified Partner of Drupal.

TDT [5]: As a technical reviewer for Packt, how do you stay updated with the latest trends and advancements in the IT and Drupal space?

Adrian Ababei: To stay updated with the latest trends in IT and Drupal, I immerse myself in various learning avenues, including attending Drupal events, reading industry literature, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within OPTASY. This proactive approach ensures that we remain at the forefront of technological advancements and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.

TDT [6]: Could you provide an overview of OPTASY, including its mission and values in delivering customized web solutions?

Adrian Ababei: OPTASY is committed to delivering customized web solutions that empower our clients to achieve their digital objectives efficiently and effectively. Our mission is to leverage cutting-edge technologies and industry best practices to create seamless and scalable digital experiences that drive business growth and exceed client expectations. At OPTASY, our services cover a wide spectrum of expertise, including:

• Developing websites and mobile applications from scratch
• Revamping and modernizing outdated websites, ensuring improved functionality and security
• Integrating new features and functionalities into existing websites and apps
• Providing comprehensive support and ongoing maintenance services
• Integrating existing websites with third-party e-commerce systems
• Performing seamless API integrations
• Migrating websites from other CMS technologies to Drupal
• Migrating websites from older versions to newer versions of Drupal

TDT [7]: How has OPTASY evolved from providing Drupal development to diversifying services like custom module development, theming, maintenance, and e-commerce solutions?

Adrian Ababei: Over the years, OPTASY has evolved from solely providing Drupal development to offering a comprehensive suite of services, including custom module development, theming, maintenance, and e-commerce solutions. This diversification aligns with our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our clients and staying at the forefront of technological innovation.

TDT [8]: How do you mentor and lead your team of developers at OPTASY? What qualities do you look for when hiring new team members?

Adrian Ababei: As a leader at OPTASY, I prioritize mentorship and team development. When hiring new team members, I value qualities such as a strong desire to learn, adaptability, and motivation to excel. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, we ensure that our team remains equipped to tackle diverse challenges and deliver exceptional results for our clients.

TDT [9]: Given your extensive experience in Drupal, how do you anticipate the future trajectory of Drupal in the ongoing evolution of web development? What trends or advancements do you expect to play a significant role in shaping the platform's future?

Adrian Ababei: The future trajectory of Drupal is promising. I think Dries and the rest of the team who decided to implement the major changes in Drupal 8 were brilliant and very bold at the same time. This made Drupal a very modern framework/CMS. The platform's modern framework and CMS capabilities position it well for continued relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of web development. I anticipate further advancements and innovations that will cement Drupal's position as a leading choice for building robust and scalable digital experiences.

TDT [11]: For someone aspiring to become a Drupal architect, what advice would you give in terms of skill development, certification, and staying competitive in the field?

Adrian Ababei: For those aspiring to become Drupal architects, I recommend immersing yourself in all aspects of Drupal, from backend development to frontend design and performance optimization. Pursuing relevant certifications, such as Acquia certifications, and actively participating in the Drupal community will further enhance your skills and credibility in the field.

TDT [12]: Lastly, what excites you the most about the current projects at OPTASY, and what goals do you have for the company in the near future?

Adrian Ababei: I am particularly excited about the current projects at OPTASY, where we are leveraging AI capabilities to create immersive digital experiences for our clients. Looking ahead, our goal is to further expand our market presence globally, establish ourselves as leaders in web and app development, and continue delivering innovative solutions that drive business growth and exceed client expectations.