Design Manager
Name: Christina Travers-Jones
Career stage: Mid-level - 5-10 years' experience
Working: On site, Office
High School Subjects: Mathematics Ext 2, Physics, Geography, English Advanced, Music 1
Favourite: Maths, I've always enjoyed problem solving.
Further study: University
where and what: UNSW, Bachelor of Civil Engineering
"whilst sites are still very male dominated, there are more and more women working in the industry and the male workforce are actually very respectful and kind"
the inside scoop…
What does a Design Manager actually do? As a Design Manager, I manage the coordination and issuance of the design documents to meet the Project's programme. I also review the design to ensure it aligns with the project's budget, is in compliance with the BCA, in coordination with the BCA consultant, and ensure buildability and that the design aligns with the desired construction sequence.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I am typically based in a site office, my days vary a lot however would usually consist of multiple site walks/inspections to ensure quality assurance and adherance to the design documents, alongside design coordination meetings, client meetings and workshops.
What's the best part of your job? My favourite part about working as a Design Manager is getting to see the project from early concept/schematic design through to construction and completion.
What made you realise construction could be for you? It was really by chance. I had seen Multiplex banners all over UNSW as they were doing quite a few projects there at time so I applied for the a Graduate role not really understanding what the job would entail. Once I was in I never looked back.
What's something that surprised you about working in construction? I had always thought construction sites were scary, male dominated places and that I would be susceptible to harrassment (wolf whistling etc) as a young female. I was pleasantly suprised to find that this is not the case at all, whilst sites are still very male dominated there are more and more women working in the industry and the male workforce are actually very respectful and kind.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? My advice would be don't be afraid to try a few different things until you find what you want to do. There's nothing wrong with changing jobs/careers if what you are doing doesn't suit you. Often we feel pressured to know exactly what we want to do as a career from such a young age without any real idea as to what that career is actually like day to day.
What are you excited about doing in the future, working in construction? I am excited to continue working in this wonderful industry and mentoring as many young women as I can along the way.
Christina is open to engaging further via: Taking a student for work experience, Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Christina Travers-Jones" and we'll pass your message on.