I always had a passion for construction, which is why I chose to be an Architect in the first place. It has been proven, that a well-designed spaces can have a great psychological impact on people and i wanted to contribute to making this happen. Coordinating the designs of large scale projects with an architectural background have made things easier for me to become a successful Design Manager.
How did you get to where you are now?
I always had a passion for construction, which is why I chose to be an Architect in the first place. Now, coordinating the designs of large scale project with an architectural background have made things easier for me to become a successful design manager. Throughout my academic years, I undertook two internships as junior architect in two architectural firms, where I acquired skills in designing and developing high end residential projects, organizing job tasks, and communicating with a diverse group of people which led me to establish my own firm in 2013.
End of 2015, I moved to Muscat-Oman, seeking a new challenge in my architectural design and project management career where I spent 3 years during which I had the ability to interact with different varieties of residential, commercial and mixed-use projects. My work varied from design, to execution, management and supervision phases.
In 2018 I moved to the UK and started working as a design coordinator with Sub-contractor companies such as Yonaka Lt. Then after passing my CITB managers and professional HS&E test alongside receiving my white CSCS card for an academically qualified person I was able to work as a design manager with Ashfield group. I am currently working as design Manager with Mclaren construction group, one of the UK's most successful tier 1 contractors, on a £150m value re-cladding project of 4 towers for Camden council.
As a Design Manager, what does a typical day at work look like for you?
Everyday is literally different. Luckily, I get to work with a range of other industry specialists such as Planners, Project Directors, Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Estimators, Engineers, Sustainability Co-ordinators, M&E Building Services Managers and many more! My tasks range and frequently includes things like:
-
Monitoring design progression and completion in line with the project program.
-
Reviewing consultant Information Release Schedules for drawings.
-
Reviewing main consultant & sub-consultant design drawings to ensure they match the clients requirements and industry regulations.
-
Attending Design related meetings and ensuring there is clear co-ordination of information.
-
Identifying issues with the design and co-ordinated resolution solutions for it.
-
Preparing scope documents and contract documentation.
-
Reviewing CPs (Contractor Proposals) and making sure it meets the ERs (Employer Requirements).
-
Identifying all the required surveys for the project progress.
"Being a woman in the construction field especially if you work on site Is very challenging and requires a very strong personality to be able to thrive in a industry dominated by men."
I would encourage each and every woman that has a passion for this industry, to challenge the gender bias that is still profound in the industry with her dedication and, hard work and prove to the world that a women can be successful in any industry despite all the discrimination that they face.
What are some of the most exciting project’s you’ve been involved in so far?
During my career so far, I've worked on many exciting project's such as:
-
Marble Arch Project - Main contractor: Multiplex
-
Peninsula - Main contractor: Sir Robert McAlpine
-
1 Grosvenor Square - Main contractor: Mace
-
Regent House: Main contractor: Osborne
-
Wood Wharf A2 & A3: Main contractor: Canary Wharf Group
-
185 Park Street - Main contractor: Sons&Co
-
Lancer Square Apartments - Main contractor: Mace
-
Stephensons House - Main contractor: 8Build
-
2 Gresham Street - Main contractor: Willmott Dixon Interiors
-
Chalcots Estate – Main contractor: Mclaren Construction Group
"The main skills I've picked up during my career so have been design management, Leading teams, problem solving and delivering on time!"
Lea Fadel
@Lea Fadel
Challenge the gender bias that is still found in the industry with your dedication & hard work. Prove to the world that a women can be successful in any industry despite all the discrimination that they face.”
Hey, my name is Lea Fadel, I'm 32 years old. I am currently a Design Manager at Mclaren Construction Group and have been working within the industry for 10 years now! I graduated as an Architect from the Lebanese University IBA2 in 2013 and joined the Order of Engineers & Architects Lebanon in 2013.
I have more than 10 years of Design/Construction experience in multiple countries and varying sectors (Residential, Commercial, Education, and Health Care) on projects ranging from £5m to £150m.