What inspired you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

I've always been fascinated by the process of creating something tangible from raw materials. Construction, to me, represents the perfect blend of creativity, engineering, and problem-solving. Witnessing the transformation of an idea on paper into a physical structure that impacts communities is what inspired me to pursue a career in this dynamic industry.

Describe your career journey at Higgins in three words? 

Collaboration, Growth, Leadership 

How would you describe the culture at Higgins and where do you fit in?

Higgins’ culture is all about being inclusive. Teamwork is super important here. I fit in by being a leader who works well with others whilst always being willing to lead from the front. I'm always ready to learn and help our projects and teams succeed.

What do you enjoy most about working at Higgins?

The sense of camaraderie among colleagues. We tackle challenges together, celebrate successes as a team, and continuously learn from each other's diverse experiences.

Describe a day life in the life as part of Higgins construction delivery team?

A typical day revolves around overseeing project progress. This can involve tasks from coordinating with subcontractors, to ensuring quality standards are met, and of course addressing any issues that may arise. It's a very dynamic role that requires strong communication skills and the ability to adapt to evolving project needs.

What’s a secret talent of yours that people don’t really know about?

I have a knack for detailed woodworking and have enjoyed creating furniture in my spare time. It's a creative outlet that allows me to apply construction principles in a different context.

In your opinion, what makes a project successful?

Communication. Communication. Communication. 

You guessed it… I believe a successful project hinges on effective communication. This goes hand in hand with meticulous planning, collaboration amongst the wider stakeholders, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. It's about delivering quality results on time and within budget while maintaining client satisfaction. 

What keeps you motivated during the tougher projects?
Reminding myself that overcoming the challenges at hand will lead to a personal and professional satisfaction which results in growth. It’s very satisfying to see a project come to together despite the obstacles, especially when you’ve been involved from the beginning. The ones that present more challenges tend to be even more rewarding. 

What’s been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on and why?

Aura Vision Centre stands out. This involved the creation of a visitors precinct within a developing urban community for our long-term client Stockland. The project not only delivered an excellent result for Stockland, serving as a central base for their operations which bolstered their capacity and engagement with the community but the outcome for the end-user was also quite incredible. Seeing how our work positively impacted the lives of young families and new residents by providing a safe and vibrant space for them, was truly fulfilling. To cap this off, the quality of the project was also recognised by industry peers through a Master Builders award. 

What’s the toughest challenge you’ve encountered and how did you overcome it?

There have been many throughout my time in the industry but more recently we were tasked to manage a project with unforeseen budget constraints. By fostering open communication with stakeholders, understanding and closely managing our contractual obligations, and finding creative solutions without compromising quality, we were able to deliver the project successfully. 

Career highlights: what accomplishments are you most proud of?

For me there’s no singular accomplishment, it’s about being consistent in what you deliver for your client. I'm proud to be part of a smaller team that continues to complete multiple, concurrent complex projects on schedule and under budget. Because of our approach, we receive ongoing recognition from our clients for exceeding expectations and this is the driver behind my sense of accomplishment. 

Think back to your first day at Higgins and compare it to where you are today… what’s the biggest difference?

The biggest difference is my growth in confidence and input within the business model. From being new to the company to now leading outcomes, I've developed a deeper understanding of the business, its people and the intricacies of achieving outcomes unexpected by the business.

How do you see your career evolving over the next 5 years?

I aim to take on a deeper leadership role focusing on mentoring our younger team members whilst collaboratively strengthening our business processes and procedures. Personally, I plan to continue expanding my knowledge and skills through more advanced training, but also with continued reflection on past outcomes to derive a continued advancement of technical skills helping to strengthen the business delivery of projects - focusing on quality outcomes and strengthening industry relationships.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone starting a career in construction?

Be open to learning from every experience, whether it's a success or a challenge. The construction industry is constantly evolving, so staying adaptable and proactive will set you up for success.