Meet the team
Meet members of the Lendlease team working on the Powerhouse Parramatta project and learn what it's like to work in construction from those already working in the industry.
Meet Mel
Mel is a Senior Project Engineer at Lendlease, working on the Powerhouse Parramatta project. Mel has been with Lendlease for over a decade, having joined in 2014 as an undergraduate while studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Engineering.
The day to day varies depending on the stage of the project. Typical activities include reviewing and resolving design with consultants, tendering and procurement, planning and coordinating site works, programming, engaging with different stakeholders and resolving problems along the way.
Construction offers the opportunity to work together in team environment to build something tangible which has an impact to the community. The overall process allows me to collaborate with different people from multiple fields to create an end product which brings people together, brings positive impact to the community and be part of something which is bigger than myself.
Go for it! The construction industry is constantly growing, integrating new technologies and offers opportunity to collaborate across multiple disciplines to solve technically complex problems to create meaningful change. It is a fantastic career option to continually grow and learn while changing the world around us.
Meet Aman
Aman is a Senior Project Engineer at Lendlease, working on the Powerhouse Parramatta project. After studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Structures) she joined Lendlease in 2016 through the graduate program, seeking practical on-the-job experience.
A typical day starts off with a site walk to coordinate the day’s site works with the site supervisors and the Subcontract teams, then its back to the office to work on programming, planning, and resolving any site / design issues. The most crucial part of our role is the ability to resolve any site, design and procurement items in a timely manner to limit impacts to site works.
I enjoy the challenges that come with working in construction, as each project presents unique problem-solving opportunities. You are also able to work in a collaborative team environment to overcome obstacles and achieve a common goal. The ability to be involved in a physical structure coming to life is highly rewarding and fulfilling.
Just do it! The construction industry is booming. It is an ever changing industry with limitless opportunities for growth and development.
Meet Olivia
Olivia joined Lendlease as a Sustainability Graduate in 2022 and, after successfully completing the Graduate program, stayed on as Sustainability Coordinator working on Powerhouse Parramatta. Having completed a Business Degree majoring in Marketing and Management, she decided to pursue her passion for sustainability and interest in construction. Having worked alongside her father on construction sites, she knew she enjoyed being outdoors on-site and the satisfaction of creating something from nothing.
Every day is different which makes it very interesting. It's hard to fit it into a 'day in the life' as one day I could be on site, the next could be doing sustainability reporting. Sometimes I work on project specific sustainability and Green Star requirements, but sometimes I'm in discussions about Lendlease-wide sustainability goals.
For the most part, the day-to-day involves communication and educating the team about sustainability, as well as different relevant stakeholders and subcontractors, to ensure everyone is across the requirements and what they need to do. This is vital in ensuring we work towards achieving a common goal.
I had heard about Lendlease's elevated Reconciliation Action Plan, their passion for sustainability and their desire to make real change, whilst constructing awesome buildings. I loved the idea of being on site, working together as a team to work towards a common goal, all whilst trying to do things better in a more sustainable and efficient way.
Give it a go! I remember wanting to undertake a construction degree and some people around me had talked me out of it. But the industry is changing, and there are so many opportunities for everyone, including women.
Don't be nervous, it is an exciting and high-paced environment that keeps every day interesting. It is awesome to see the impact you can have on the environment and positive changes you can make.
Meet Gordon
Gordon is Senior Design Manager and has been with Lendlease since 2006. He practiced as an architect for close to 20 years in Scotland, Zimbabwe and New Zealand before making the move into construction as a design manager. Before joining the Powerhouse Parramatta project in 2022, Gordon worked on many large-scale Lendlease projects in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and around Australia including Darwin Convention Centre, Sydney's International Convention Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital Acute Services Building and renewal of Circular Quay.
It really depends on the phase of the project.
Two years ago, it was very much about understanding the project brief to realise the client’s vision. Knowing what the requirements meant, getting to know the client, ensuring the developing drawings aligned with the bid process, and establishing design programs for the process of sign off.
Moving forward a year, the drawings had developed and other consultants started to input their expertise into the design. By this l mean coordinating acoustic, structural, AV, fire and unique consultants such as water feature consultants and kitchen designers. This was a particularly busy period having to juggle multiple disciplines. My role was to consider all aspects of the design to ensure that it still aligned with the general aspirations of the project brief.
Moving to the present, with the design virtually complete, my role is focused on ensuring that documents are ready to be issued for tendering purposes. Once contractors have been engaged, then shop drawings need to be checked and approved. At this point in time, there is much less involvement with the client and much more involvement with the site team.
My very first job out of school was as apprentice plumber but I quickly realised that wasn’t something l wanted to pursue. I liked drawing, which led me to take a role at a small local architectural firm. I attended technical college on a part time basis and qualified as an Architectural Technician. I then moved to Glasgow where I gained my Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) at the University of Glasgow, and then gained my Honors Degree in Architecture at Dundee University.
Having completed university, I entered the business world just as the UK was going into recession. There were no jobs, but I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to participate in the design competition for a new International Airport in Zimbabwe. I took the opportunity and promptly fell in love with the country, deciding to stay and eventually opening my own architectural practice.
About 20 years ago, I made the jump to the ‘dark side’ and took on the role of Design Manager in a construction company. At the time this role was neither recognised or appreciated, and I found myself constantly questioned about what contribution an architect could make in a construction company. It was difficult at the time, but design managers now play a key role managing the relationship between client and design consultants. Companies such as Lendlease have been at the forefront of promoting this role, embracing the positive impact it brings to the dynamics of the construction team.
Projects take on all forms of shapes and sizes. I have always been attracted to big spaces combined with movement of people – I enjoy the challenge of complex structures whether they be, train stations, shopping centers, convention centers or museums – as long as the project is challenging!
The most important bit advice I would give is understand your client, and understand the project brief intimately. With this knowledge, it will always put you in a position of strength when it comes to decisions and debates.
There’s a couple of ways people come through to this role either through consultancy, project management or from site trade. It is my opinion that architects have the advantage because they are instinctively trained to understand the creative vision.
You must also communicate clearly. The process of building means multiple levels of communications – whether by email, CAD or BIM – but construction will always remain a face-to-face industry.
But an awareness that the environment is changing is also important, because artificial intelligence is going to impact us very soon. Architecture I suspect will be in the firing line. I see this as a big concern, designers will be required to undertake more up-front concept work and less tail-end documentation. It is critical that the process retains a humanistic touch.
Meet Darren
Darren is a Social Impact Manager and has been with Lendlease since 2009 after completing a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and Communications at UTS. He joined Lendlease as a Community Relations Administrator and went on to work in the social sustainability space across 13 projects at Lendlease, from master planning through to construction and practical completion.
Every single day is different in my type of role, which does make working here quite dynamic. Due to the differing needs of a project, whether there are construction issues escalating, partnerships to manage or workforce reporting due, my priorities can shift quite quickly.
A typical week may involve working with the local community from a communications lens, informing them about upcoming construction activities and managing issues that may arise due to our construction works. I work closely with our construction teams to ensure that the project and community has a 'no surprises' approach to activity on our sites.
Other days may involve collaborating with our trade partners – such as the subcontractor workforce – to seek data on their employees to enable the project to track and report against targets associated with workforce participation. This includes understanding the numbers of apprentices, women in trade related roles, workers aged under 25 and more.
My role also involves work with local schools and encouraging the next generation to consider careers within this industry, as well as exploring First Nations initiatives that align with our overarching Lendlease Elevate Reconciliation Action Plan.
My dad worked as a mechanical engineer and used to take me around the city pointing at buildings telling me with pride that he had a part in constructing the city skyline. I had never considered this type of role or industry whilst at university, but was eager to start my career and thought the opportunity with Lendlease would at least give me insight into the professional world.
I found that the construction industry caters to so many more roles than I had ever considered – from engineering to project and design management, sustainability, marketing, communications and government affairs to name a few.
Needless to say, whenever I have the opportunity, I’ve followed in my dad’s footsteps and point out buildings and precincts that I’ve worked on to my partner and friends!
Be curious, allow the passion of others in this space to drive your focus.
Say yes to opportunities within reason as you never know where this simple “yes” may take you.
Be passionate and empathetic, and don’t be afraid to fail, as there will always be someone there to back you and pick you up.
And finally, even if you decide that this type of career path isn’t for you – you’ve tried it and then at least you’ll know where you don’t want to go. I consider myself so lucky to have found a role that aligns with my personal values. Think about what your passion is, what you believe in and let that shape your career path. Dream big!