Where has life taken you since graduating from Balwyn High School?

Life has been great—though it certainly didn’t start off that way. Looking back now, I wouldn’t change a thing.

After graduating from Balwyn High School, I didn’t achieve the ATAR score I had hoped for. At the time, I felt like a failure compared to my peers and the expectations they had for me. I had aspired to become a fighter pilot in the Australian Defence Force (ADF), inspired by my time in the Australian Air Force Cadets (AAFC) 401 Squadron in Surrey Hills and my participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. However, I ultimately chose not to pursue that path, as it involved a 12-year training commitment in Canberra—meaning years away from friends and family.

Instead, I took a step back and really reflected on what I enjoyed. I realised I liked a balance of indoor and outdoor activities. I was drawn to Business Management and a subject called “Money & Me” (which I believe is now known as Economics). I loved sports, having served as House Captain and coached badminton at Balwyn High, and I thrived in team settings and competitive environments. I also enjoyed camping—working with whatever tools and materials were available. I began to realise that I was drawn to things that were tangible and hands-on.

That’s when I discovered the Diploma of Building & Construction at RMIT. Yes, it was a TAFE course, and yes, at the time I was one of only two girls in the program. But that didn’t faze me—I had grown up playing sports, spending time outdoors, and learning to hold my own. In construction, everyone has to work together toward a common goal, regardless of gender or age.

I quickly found where my strengths lay: codes and standards, procurement methods, buildability, forms of contracts, policies and procedures, and estimating. I genuinely fell in love with the course. Being able to learn in the classroom and then go on-site to see it all come to life—theory and practice working hand-in-hand—was incredibly rewarding.

What further education or training did you pursue after graduating from Balwyn High?

After graduating from Balwyn High School, I pursued a Diploma of Building and Construction through TAFE. Upon completion, I was granted exemptions which allowed me to continue directly into the Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management) (Honours) degree at RMIT University.

Can you please tell us about your current job and what drew you to it?

Currently, I’m an Associate Quantity Surveyor (QS) at Project Cost Management Group (PCMG). Quantity Surveying is a specialised profession focused on estimating and monitoring the costs associated with the construction and maintenance of buildings and infrastructure—including sports stadiums, roads, community facilities, universities, residential developments, and hospitals. We’re typically involved throughout the entire project lifecycle, from feasibility and concept design through to completion. In addition to traditional cost planning, Quantity Surveyors may also be involved in tax depreciation, insurance valuations, mediation, and arbitration.

The profession has its origins in the United Kingdom and has since expanded globally to regions such as the UAE, Canada, the United States, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Australia. In Australia, the role is sometimes referred to as Cost Manager, Cost Planner, Estimator, Cost Engineer, Commercial Manager, or Contract Administrator—depending on the context and sector.

Interestingly, I discovered Quantity Surveying quite by chance in my third year at university when I saw a cadet position advertised. Curious, I began researching the profession and was instantly intrigued—particularly by the idea of being involved at the very start of a project, even before any drawings are produced. I’ve always had a strong interest in understanding the budget side of things—how money shapes decisions and drives outcomes—so it felt like the perfect fit.

Can you walk us through a typical work day? What are your main responsibilities?

A typical workday can vary depending on the stage of the project, but generally, my role involves close collaboration with the wider project team—including architects, engineers (civil, structural, services, etc.), the client, project managers, and other key stakeholders. My main responsibilities include estimating construction costs, managing project budgets, preparing tender documentation, reviewing contractor submissions, and monitoring costs throughout the project’s lifecycle to ensure financial control.

My work is a balance of both office and site-based tasks. Some days are spent in the office preparing cost plans, reports, or contract documents, while others involve site visits to review progress, assess variations, or meet with clients and consultants. The dynamic nature of the role—combining technical knowledge with communication and problem-solving—keeps things interesting and rewarding.

What do you enjoy most about your job, and what do you find most challenging?

What I enjoy most about my job is the people—and interestingly, that’s also one of the most challenging aspects. I genuinely enjoy working with diverse teams and stakeholders, and there’s a real sense of reward in seeing a project come to life. Whether it’s students learning in a new school, patients receiving care in a new hospital, or families moving into a new home, knowing that the work we do contributes to real communities is incredibly fulfilling.

At the same time, managing people—each with different priorities, personalities, and communication styles—can be challenging. Every stakeholder brings their own goals, pressures, and perspectives to a project. When it comes to budgets—essentially, money—it can be a particularly sensitive and emotional topic. Balancing those dynamics while keeping the project on track requires strong interpersonal skills, patience, and empathy.

What educational background and skills are necessary for someone to succeed in your role?

To succeed in Quantity Surveying, a solid foundation in English and mathematics is essential, along with a basic understanding of economics and physics. These subjects help build the analytical and communication skills needed to interpret data, understand technical drawings, and engage with various stakeholders.

However, beyond academic knowledge, it’s the core skills—or rather, attributes—that truly make a difference. I often refer to the “6 Cs”. While there’s no formal course to learn these, I found they were best developed through experiences like sports, camping, group projects, and real-world practice.

For me, the three most crucial attributes in Quantity Surveying are:

• Critical Thinking – Every project is unique, and we must investigate, interpret, and apply information from past projects or data to current contexts. It’s about making informed, forward-thinking decisions.

• Teamwork / Collaboration – Construction is never a solo effort. It takes a team of professionals, each with their own expertise, working together towards a common goal.

• Communication – This is key in any team setting. As a Quantity Surveyor, how you communicate changes depending on who you’re speaking to—whether it’s the client, design consultants, or contractors. Understanding others’ perspectives and tailoring your message accordingly is vital.

These soft skills are just as important as technical knowledge in navigating the complexity of projects and building strong working relationships.

Can you share a significant project or accomplishment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?

One of the most significant projects I’ve recently been involved in was the successful delivery of an Incident Control Centre for the Department of Energy, Environment & Climate Action. The facility was completed just in time to support emergency response efforts during the December 2024 Grampians Bushfire. This centre plays a critical

role in coordinating responses to floods, bushfires, storms, and other emergencies across the northwestern regions of Victoria. It brings together key agencies such as Forest Fire Management Victoria, the Country Fire Authority, Fire Rescue Victoria, Victoria Police, the State Emergency Service, local councils, and other emergency support teams. Being part of a project that directly contributes to community resilience and safety is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Another milestone in my career was being named one of the Top Ten Finalists for the ‘Emerging Achiever Award’ in Australia. This national recognition celebrates rising professionals who demonstrate excellence, professionalism, and leadership across the built environment, including fields like project management, property valuation, construction management, building surveying, and quantity surveying. My showcase project for this award involved overseeing the cost management of 1,000 Homes across the State of Victoria, a project that reflects both complexity and significant community impact.

In 2020, I was part of the team that received the ‘Quantity Surveyor Team of the Year’ Award from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for our work on the Melbourne East Police Station. Delivered during the period following the Bourke Street incident, this project symbolised a renewed sense of safety and stability in the Melbourne CBD during a time of uncertainty.

Academically, I was proud to graduate as dux of my class during my Diploma and Degree studies, and to be recognised with the Australian Institute of Building (AIB) Victoria Chapter Award in 2016. Since then, I’ve continued to give back by contributing as a guest lecturer, industry panellist, and award presenter at institutions such as The University of Melbourne, RMIT University, and Deakin University, supporting the next generation of construction and property professionals.

What advice would you give to someone who’s interested in pursuing a similar career?

If you’re considering a career in Quantity Surveying, I say go for it! Even if you later find that QS isn’t the perfect fit for you, the skills you develop are highly transferable. Professions like Project Management, Property Development, Design Management, and Construction all require an understanding of cost, procurement, and the financial implications of every design and decision made. The knowledge you gain as a QS is valuable in many other areas.

One of the great things about Quantity Surveying is the flexibility it offers. You can tailor your role to fit your preferences, whether you enjoy working more indoors in the office or prefer being outdoors on-site. As a QS, you’re involved in a project from start to finish, and you have the opportunity to focus on either the pre-contract or post-contract phases, depending on where your interests lie.

The skills are also applicable beyond work. Whether you’re buying your own home, undertaking a personal development project, or managing your finances, the principles of budgeting, cost management, and strategic planning in QS can help in many aspects of personal life too.

If you could go back & give advice to your school aged teenage self, what would that be?

If I could go back and give advice to my teenage self, it would be: don’t give up. Where there’s a will, there’s always a way. It’s okay to make mistakes or face setbacks—failure is just part of the learning process. No one is perfect, and every challenge is an opportunity to grow. The key is to pick yourself up, learn from the experience, and keep trying. Over time, these moments of resilience will build your character and strength.