AIQS interview - Stella Lee

Stella joined Donald Cant Watts Corke in 2017. Hear her insights on working in the construction industry and as a Quantity Surveyor.

"I enjoy engaging in conversations regarding the business and finance sector. The construction industry thrives in providing the country with the growth that it needs. The industry rides on the highs and falls with the lows of the economy, whilst different areas of the country see rising needs in different sectors; there will never be a dull moment."

What is the most exciting job you have worked on?

"All projects have their own surprise element to it. Overall, I find the post contract stage of a project to be the most challenging and interesting at this point in my career. Despite similar methodologies of construction adapted to suit projects of different character, not one project (in this case, variation), has left me on auto-pilot. Personally, I find the post contract stage of a project to be overflowing with lessons of do's and don’ts which offer the enrichment I need."

At what point did you know you wanted to be a Quantity Surveyor?

"When I was completing my industry experience back in Malaysia. I undertook Quantity Surveying training programs for a few weeks during my summer holidays in 2012 and 2013. Being adventurous, I decided to wander into a project management training program in 2014, only to find myself drawn back to Quantity Surveying – I enjoyed the relationship that quantities and rates have with one another and how they build up into an estimate, much like how the construction of a building works."

“A QS has the ability to estimate the value of projects from an initial design stage through to the  construction stage.”

What does an average day / week as a QS look like to you?

"A typical week would require my attendance to variations which at times require constant reference to the contracts, the issue of financial reports, and the estimation of schematic designs. However, when we are required to produce a Bill of Quantities, there is a great chance that it would be a day-today task of measuring the quantities of varying trades to great detail over the next four weeks."

What are some of the challenges you faced during your pathway to QS? How did you overcome them?

"The phrase "failure is the mother of success" has always been repeated to me every now and then. When I started the Construction Management course in Curtin University, I had no knowledge of building and construction, and as a young QS, there were times when I would question my own abilities. It was during times like these where I would need to pause, refocus and keep my chin up – because there is only one way to go and that is onwards and upwards."

What advice would you give to someone who is considering Quantity Surveying as a career?

"In my opinion, the QS sector is a great place to get your feet into the construction industry. It provides an excellent foundation to grow further because you gain involvement throughout the different stages of the project. That way, you have the option to stay or venture out."

Read the full article... which also features two of our current and past cadets. 
Source: AIQS - The Building Economist - March 2018.

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