Victory Samuel’s Post

I didn’t realise when I first started working in construction how crucial the soft skills would be. But the more I learn about the industry the more I understand… Communication skills lie at the heart of industry success. When we were researching and discussing out latest episode on the challenges of being Project Coordinator I realised something… While anyone can become a Project Manager in construction if they have the right skills and attitude, the Project Coordinator is uniquely well placed to take on this challenge. It’s a role that demands high levels of knowledge of buildability and good practice on site. It requires problem solving and independent thinking. And it finely hones your communication skills until you can communicate the good, the bad and the ugly to a wide variety of stakeholders. Project Coordinators take heart – your everyday challenges will stand you in good stead for your career goals in the future.

Project management is hard! Being a project manager is one of the toughest jobs to do in the construction industry. You have so many things stacked against you that if you sit and break each one down, you question why you even do it. - Materials cost more and more and are actually worse quality than they used to be. -The labor force is laughable on how incompetent they are. Very few know what a hard days work actually looks like anymore. -Subcontracorts want more and more money and cut out so much scope that you have to constantly read contracts to see if something is included. That being said, there are many many good quality subcontractors who do amazing work. -Drawings have more and more general notes and items in the specifications that are snuck in to cover designers butts but are so hard to find that many times they are overlooked. Not to mention they do not add things that are “assumed” which is diffucult to navigate. -Clients want shorter and shorter schedules and expect the same high quality. However, they want to pay less and less. -Material procurement is difficult (especially electrical) and suppliers essentially hold jobs hostage and supply who they want (this is just an opinion). - Municipalities and state agencies can’t keep up and make life extremely difficult and can extend projects substantially. Unrealistic expectations and hidden requirements are common practice. -Inspections can take days or weeks to get scheduled and performed. Codes are changing constantly and fighting an AHJ isn’t worth the headache it will cause if you challenge them. Saying all of that, I love being a project manager. I enjoy the challenge of overcoming all odds and giving the client a great project and within budget. It keeps you on your toes learning and developing constantly, keeping up with codes, costs, state and city regulations, software, and many other things. You gotta just keep plugging away and doing the best you can. Pivot, scramble, and do what you have to and get the job done.

IN MY relatively ‘long’ years of managing projects, here is one key lesson I have learnt as a Project Manager; NO PROJECT PLAN SURVIVES CONTACT WITH CONSTRUCTION. Something will always, inevitably, throw the plan off. That is just how it is. Don’t get me wrong, project plans are useful, in the strict sense that they are a proof that planning took place. Project planning forces the team to think through the right issues. But most plans rarely survives contact with the real work - construction. First week after ground breaking and boom! Your plan is gone. The stand out Project Manager today is hence one who can easily adopt to emerging, unpredictable, situations that will exceedingly disrupt the plans to steer a project to its timely conclusion. Diligent monitoring of project plans is therefore one of the most critical activities during construction, from day one. Your plans are going to change, so must you if you’re to finish on time. Make peace with that.

Meet Our Project Manager: Iryna Voitiushenko  Q: What inspired you to become a project manager in the construction industry? A: I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate process of bringing blueprints to life. Being part of the construction industry allows me to blend my passion for problem-solving with creating tangible structures that impact communities. Q: What’s the most rewarding aspect of your role? A: Seeing a project evolve from concept to completion is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that our team’s hard work will stand the test of time and serve its purpose brings immense satisfaction. Q: How do you ensure projects stay on track amidst challenges? A: Communication and adaptability are key. By fostering open dialogue among team members and being prepared to pivot when obstacles arise, we maintain momentum and overcome hurdles effectively. Q: What advice do you have for aspiring project managers? A: Embrace every opportunity to learn and grow, both professionally and personally. Building strong relationships, staying organized, and staying adaptable are crucial skills that will serve you well in this dynamic field. Q: What’s a project you’re particularly proud of leading? A: Atlantis The Royal. It was a complex undertaking that demanded innovative solutions and close collaboration. Seeing the project come together flawlessly was a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise. Q: How do you unwind after a demanding day on the job? A: Engaging in my evening routine, tackling simple household chores, or diving into light fiction literature helps me unwind. Switching up activities and ensuring a good night’s sleep allow me to recharge, returning to work with refreshed concentration and energy. Q: What’s your vision for the future of our company? A: I envision continued growth and innovation, with a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional results while prioritizing sustainability and community engagement. Together, we’ll build a brighter future, one project at a time.

There are lots of people who just want to work a “job”. But they probably don’t work in construction. Especially not as a Project Manager. While it may not seem fair to ask for “extreme ownership” from Project Managers, when the stakes and the risks are as high as they are in our industry, it’s hard to just be working from 9 – 5. Construction demands a greater investment than that. It demands attention to programs, budgets and especially to a health and safety culture. And the best Project Managers love the level of challenge that this brings – and would not be doing anything else.

There are lots of people who just want to work a “job”. But they probably don’t work in construction. Especially not as a Project Manager. While it may not seem fair to ask for “extreme ownership” from Project Managers, when the stakes and the risks are as high as they are in our industry, it’s hard to just be working from 9 – 5. Construction demands a greater investment than that. It demands attention to programs, budgets and especially to a health and safety culture. And the best Project Managers love the level of challenge that this brings – and would not be doing anything else.

As a project manager, you should never assume that a contractor irrespective of their grade knows what they are doing, don’t assume figures during the planning and execution stage, don’t assume that issues have been sorted out, don’t assume that action plans are being executed as instructed. You should always follow up, confirm the details and ensure that everything is done correctly. Assumptions will only make you with more disappointed and frustrated in the job.

Talking a bit about the different challenges: Project control is the backbone of any successful construction. From commercial projects to luxury residential builds, every detail matters. Keeping a close eye on contractors, subcontractors, budgets, and finishes ensures that each project flows with precision and quality. There are unique and significant challenges. When it comes to luxury homes, in particular, the expected level of detail and quality rises. Every decision and material chosen reflects the vision of something extraordinary. And here in Florida, where clients seek a unique and personalized experience, impeccable control is what truly makes the difference. Effective project management is where vision and reality meet.