Senior Design Manager
Name: Annika Field
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Art, English, Physics and IT
Favourite: Art - A good creative outlet to balance out the maths and science subjects!
Further study: University
where and what: Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Property and Construction Management, Master of Architecture - All University of Melbourne
"Getting to see drawings become a reality and knowing I helped get there is what really drives me day to day"
the inside scoop…
What does a Senior Design Manager actually do? To best explain it, while I work for the Builder, I’m the bridge between the design team and the Client and manage the process of getting the drawings ready to be built from!
What does a day in your life at work look like? I'm based on site day to day. I run meetings to work through the design of the building with the Consultants and my own team, review drawings to make sure we are happy with these and assist with any queries. I go on site a couple of times a week if the team needs help with a detail or a question on the drawings and we work together to get the best outcome. I'm lucky because most days I get to see the design on paper but also see what I have worked on in previous weeks getting built!
What's the best part of your job? Getting to see drawings become a reality and knowing I helped get there is what really drives me day to day. I also love working with the Team - our small team but also the wider Consultant Team! We have fun even if we are working through difficult problems.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I worked as an Architect and Town Planner - one was too detailed in the drawings for me, and the other not detailed enough! My friends were studying Construction so I thought I'd give it a try. After my first lecture, I knew this was my fit!
Tell us about balancing work with your other interests, or family I think it's important to know what your goals are outside of work and making sure you stick to that even when you do get busy. If you want to go to gym 3 times a week, book in the classes and make sure you work around that clear goal!
What do your friends and family think about working in construction? My friends and family thinks it's pretty cool and they are very proud! I have taken them on site before and they can't believe the size of the buildings I have worked on or how things come together.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? As much as you can, make sure it's something that fills you with energy. Not every day will be good or easy, but overall, if your work keeps you inspired and getting out of bed each day, then it's the right job for you!
Annika is open to engaging further via: Mentoring a student
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Annika Field" and we'll pass your message on.
