Describe your job role and its purpose?
Neoscape is a client-side project and development management company operating in the property and construction sectors. As a client-side project manager, our focus is acting in the best interests of our client and their project, from concept design to completion, as opposed to working for a head contractor on-site, providing hands-on delivery during construction. In other words, we make decisions on behalf of the client, liaise with them when necessary, and always act in their best interest. Our job is to apply the client’s interests and perspectives to the project, keep it on track from a budget and time perspective, and work to address any issues that arise during the project lifecycle. As representatives of the client, we also focus on maintaining and building relationships with consultants and stakeholders across the entirety of the project journey.
As a Project Coordinator, my job is to assist the project manager on the job with various admin tasks from coordinating between different stakeholders and consultants to liaising with clients to identify and define project requirements, scope, and objectives. Core tasks include managing invoices from various consultants, preparing PCG (Project Control Group) reports, handling progress claims from contractors and builders, tracking the various project variations, superintendent instructions and other administrative tasks associated with the progress of the project.
Why did you decide to join the Construction Industry?
The genesis of my perspective on the construction industry can be attributed to my passion for architecture. As a former architecture student, I learned the essence of visualisation, concept-building, and design development. During the final year of my Architecture degree and my master’s degree in Project Management, we were introduced to Construction Project Management and how it can be a key factor in design in terms of approach, methodology, infusion of technology, and innovation in implementation. This is when I witnessed a spark of interest and my preconceived notion about design gradually transformed into ‘Design is not the only masthead for a project, rather it’s the practicality and implementation moderated by time and cost which regulate the entire design process.’
Why did you choose the Neoscape Graduate Programme?
My primary reason for opting for the Neoscape Graduate Program is based on three key factors. Firstly, during my research for construction project management companies in Melbourne, I came across Neoscape as a renowned client-side project management company that deals with various sectors of construction ranging from mixed-use commercial projects to residential towers. This gives an opportunity to work with and gain exposure to different areas of the construction industry. Secondly, as a final year student who was about to start a career in construction, the Graduate Program offered an on-site learning experience with industry professionals which I highly value as I understand the essence of learning about the construction process from a first-hand experience rather than just sitting and working behind the desk. Moreover, connecting with wide-ranging industry professionals at an early stage of my career would be highly beneficial. Thirdly, Neoscape seemed like a company that undertook meaningful work in a supportive environment and provided the potential opportunity of developing both technical and behavioural skills while rotating through various professional disciplines. I also happened to be in the covid graduate batch, and at a time when all other employers were mostly focusing on local students, Neoscape was among the very few giving out opportunities to international students such as myself.
For the above-mentioned reasons, I chose Neoscape as my company of research for my university project and got a great vibe from the place. I immediately knew that I had to try applying for a position here!
How would you say your time as an Undergraduate architect has helped you in the transition to a Graduate Project Coordinator?
I developed an ability to read and interpret project drawings in my degree (architectural and structural) and some of the common terminologies are not alien to me when conversations or email threads go on about certain building parts or construction details. I did my undergraduate architecture degree overseas, so some elements of the construction process were confusing at the start, but my background has enabled me to create a link between what I already knew and the new teachings or methodologies, which in turn facilitates me picking things up quicker on the job.
What’s the coolest thing in your work / What has been the most interesting thing about your job?
The coolest / most interesting thing about my work definitely has to be going out to the site to see the project you’re working on coming together. Seeing a project come to life and being able to say that you were part of that journey or had something to contribute to the building/structure coming to life is a feeling beyond words. The other cool thing about going to the site is being able to absorb the real construction details and services that were part of the paper drawings. Understanding the technical design drawings and then being able to see the real deal is an exciting moment and this reaffirms that I chose the right career path. I believe that real learning comes through exposure to the site activities and overcoming various challenges that the construction process throws at you.
How has your experience been so far working at Neoscape?
My overall experience at Neoscape has been fantastic. In my 7-month journey since I joined, no two days have been the same! Every day has been a learning day to this day. That’s the most interesting part of starting as a graduate, there’s so much to learn so it’s never monotonous. I’ve had the opportunity to learn a lot from co-workers and superiors. Neoscape has a very warm and welcoming team, they don’t expect you to know everything before joining. The team here is more than happy to train you from the ground up. There is a good balance between work and play here at Neoscape, we like to go for lunches and there are mini celebrations throughout the year which in my experience makes the organisation environment better and improves team bonding.
Can you describe some of the key things that you have learned since you joined the company?
I can say that I have started to take in some of the key elements of client-side project management for the construction sector, like:
Aside from technical experiences, I have also started to pick up a few aspects of the ‘Neoscape way of things, such as:
The culture at Neoscape is about teamwork and collaboration, looking after one another and those around us, support through team bonding and mentoring, and empowering one another to thrive.