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Unless someone particularly wants to become a vet or a doctor, a lawyer or an astronaut, it can be hard for young people to figure out what they want to be when they 鈥済row up鈥�. Many of us will find our passion for work much later in life. While working in one field, we may come across another role that is ultimately perfect for us, and look to make a move into that career as and when we can.

黑洞社区 has spoken with a number of people in construction who have made a move across built environment disciplines. The construction sector is so broad that even changing roles within the industry can involve a significant career change, with new challenges, skills and qualifications to take on. But it is certainly possible, as these individuals鈥� stories show.

From architect to site manager 

Vanessa Okeowo, 26, graduate construction manager, Redrow  

Background

Having won a design competition aged 13 for a building next to St Paul鈥檚 Cathedral, I had the opportunity to visit Land Securities鈥� offices. It was incredible to have the opportunity to speak to architects and see the drawings and models that were being produced. I knew right then that I wanted to study architecture. But I found that I was spending a lot of time doing drawings and it wasn鈥檛 testing me enough. I had opportunities to meet construction managers during my time at the practice and felt that this role would suit me as it incorporates logical thinking, leadership and managerial qualities with the skills I have from my architecture degree. Nine months ago, I switched.

What was the biggest culture shock or change?

The main difference between working in an office and an on-site environment is time. Working on a design in an office, a lot of time is spent contemplating design decisions and discussing the effect of these decisions on the end-user. Good design demands this level of attention and, as a result, a lot of time is given to the process. I soon found out that sometimes those designs do not function well technically on site. When this happens, due to build schedules and programmes, being able to think quickly and find solutions is vital to being productive. This process happens quickly: I discover a problem and I have to get on the phone or the keyboard as fast as possible to resolve it so it doesn鈥檛 have a negative impact on the build programme. Time on site is fast and relentless and this is one of the reasons I enjoy my job the most. 

What transferable skills have you deployed?

Designing architecture is a process that calls for attention to detail and organisation. During my years at university, and then in practice, I was made to question everything, every design decision, and make those decisions count towards making the user鈥檚 experience of the architecture a positive one.

What new skills have you picked up?

Working on this extensive portfolio in addition to my daily work has been a lesson in time management. I have become far more responsible in how I divide my time as it has been necessary for me to thrive in both those areas. I don鈥檛 know if confidence is a skill, but I鈥檝e gained plenty of that since the onset of this programme.

What are your future plans?

I see myself venturing into technical design. I feel my background and the skills I鈥檝e amassed on site will make an impressive combination in our technical design team.  鈥�

From stonemason to architect

Andrew Sanders, 32, senior architectural technologist, MSMR Architects

Background

I went straight into a stonemasonry apprenticeship after school. I worked on site in the stonemasonry industry for eight years until I decided I wanted to pursue a degree. Architecture was a natural choice as construction was all I knew. In the absence of A-levels, I joined as a mature student by submitting a portfolio.

What was the biggest culture shock or change?

The biggest realisation was the amount of knowledge an architect needs, whether that鈥檚 historical knowledge, planning, construction, regulations, design or detailing 鈥� the list goes on. Stonemasonry is an interesting subject and a beautiful craft but you鈥檙e only focused on one niche aspect of architecture.

What transferable skills have you deployed?

From working on site to becoming an architect has actually given me an understanding of the practicalities of how things fit together. I feel I have a good view of projects from both perspectives. As a stonemason on site, I had worked with architects and professionals for a long time 鈥� I understood the language and how each role fits into a project. I believe working on site gave me practical knowledge of how things are put together, along with the sequencing of details and construction. I feel confident communicating with site too. Day-to-day site queries are important for an architect; it鈥檚 important the delivery team has confidence in your drawings and details.

What new skills have you picked up?

Collaboration is key in architecture, both with your peers within the practice and also with external design teams, and on site with the contractor and engineers. More generally, there is a more formal level of professionalism or set of rules that you learn when you work in an office environment.

What are your future plans?

After working on new-build estate regeneration projects for a few years, the attraction of working on historical buildings again drew me to my current company, MSMR Architects. I鈥檓 now working on the Royal Norwegian Embassy building in Kensington, west London.