How did you get your start in the construction business?

I started as an assistant to a property developer in West London 15 years ago and realised that I enjoyed working in the industry. I then took a job as a contracts administrator for the Westminster City Council in London working on the $500m Building Schools for the Future programme. On returning to Australia I started working for SHAPE as a Project Manager and am now the General Manager of the Northern Territory.

Have you always worked in this industry, or did you do something else previously?

Through my 20s I was living in London mainly working in hospitality or contract administrative work before getting the position with the property developer.

What projects have you worked on most recently?

We have just completed a project for the Anglicare Headspace programme and are currently working on a fitout for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Darwin.

What do you love about your job?

I enjoy watching projects evolve with all the different trades working together. Not coming from a trade background I am always learning new things on site. Being able to deliver projects and seeing client's reactions to their new environments gives a great sense of achievement.

What's your advice to a young woman looking at getting into the same work?

Never be afraid or embarrassed to ask questions and learn as much as you can.

Is it a difficult industry to work in as a woman? What would you like to see change in construction?

I don’t find it a difficult industry but I have thick skin and get along with most people. You will always find the odd dinosaur who has a bad attitude towards you but you find that in any industry. More and more women are working in construction these days and I think men's attitudes have changed.