Head of Design
Name: Mona Chao
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: 2 units Maths and English, Ancient History, Business Studies, Art, Technology
Favourite: Art, because it combined history, religion, science and culture.
Further study: University University
where and what: Bachelor and Masters of Architecture
"Women are very detail focused and accountable which is an invaluable attribute to bring to large multi-million dollar projects."
the inside scoop…
What does a Head of Design actually do? Manage an in-house architecture consultancy firm within a property development firm.
What does a day in your life at work look like? The day can start on the construction site, I can then join consultant project coordination meetings, I then return to head office to prepare project and company finances and HR / resourcing needs, I meet with sales and marketing to go over plans and layouts to best suit build-to-rent and build-to-sell stock, I sometimes present to university/tafe/high school students on a career in design, construction and development, on top of that, I guide my high school work experience students on their daily tasks, my team and I then prepare site acquisition studies to assist with development feasibility studies, then the day may end with catching up with my various mentees through NAWIC / PCA.
What's the best part of your job? The very many roles I have to play throughout the day.
What made you realise construction could be for you? Going to construction sites with my father.
What's the best thing about working in construction? That the men don’t always have the answers and they are not always the most technical in the room. Women are very detail focused and accountable which is an invaluable attribute to bring to large multi-million dollar projects.
Who has inspired you in your career? Harry Triguboff of Meriton
What do your friends and family think about working in construction? That construction is still a male dominated profession and is unsuitable for women.
Mona is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school, taking a student for work experience, mentoring a student
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Mona Chao engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.