How did you begin working in the construction industry?
My journey into the construction industry began after my university education in Architecture and Engineering. I started with a small housing company, where I took on various roles, including selling houses, drawing plans, working with Councils and Building Inspectors, and managing projects. This early experience laid a solid foundation for my career. During my university holidays, I’d volunteer on building sites to learn directly from builders—no pay, just knowledge. I was determined not to be the stereotypical architect or engineer who lacked practical knowledge.
A pivotal moment in my career came when I joined a Frame & Truss company. I vividly recall arriving for the interview in a beige suit with a shiny black briefcase that had only a pen inside. The manager, dressed in safety boots, cargo pants, and a company t-shirt, gave me a look that clearly signalled this was going to be a different experience. I’m grateful for that opportunity, and it’s remarkable to see how my journey has evolved since then. That moment marked the end of what you might call a 'traditional interview' in my career.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work with exceptional people who have generously shared their knowledge and experience. But it's not just about what they taught me—it’s about how I’ve applied that knowledge to continually improve. My natural curiosity and problem-solving mindset have allowed me to turn guidance and experience into actionable improvements in my approach to work and leadership.
Integrity and relationships built on mutual respect have been the cornerstones of my life and career. I believe that a solutions-oriented mindset—listening carefully, understanding needs, and working collaboratively to find the best solution—is key to building trust and fostering strong partnerships. This approach has driven much of my success and shaped my career into a journey like no other.
What is your role at Ezequote?
As Technical Director for the Asia Pacific region at Ezequote, my role is multifaceted, encompassing oversight of operations, systems development, and strategic growth initiatives. I work closely with our team to enhance service delivery, particularly in areas such as estimating, Frame & Truss/Structural detailing, EWP Floor Systems, and providing comprehensive BOQ, Product/Material Take-offs, among others. My focus is on fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and every team member can contribute to our collective success and that of our customers.
A significant part of my role is about cultivating strong relationships with our partners, clients, and internal teams. I operate with a solutions-oriented mindset, always looking for ways to solve problems and improve processes. I believe that by listening carefully, understanding needs, and prioritising others, we can build trust and create an environment of respect. While not everyone may operate this way, that’s okay—we choose to work with those who share our values of openness and mutual respect.
Are you able to tell us a little bit more about the relationship between Ezequote and Utecture?
Ezequote's partnership with Utecture is built on our mutual commitment to driving innovation and efficiency within the construction industry. By integrating Utecture’s advanced digital tools into our workflows, we provide a dynamic estimating environment that offers clients real-time, consistent pricing control through a 'Digital Twin' approach. This partnership goes beyond simply using software; it’s about leveraging the right tools to address our clients' unique needs, all with a customer-centric focus.
Our collaboration with Utecture allows us to tackle a common challenge in the industry: the need for technology that genuinely serves its users. We often hear from industry professionals asking, "Why can’t the software do this?" or "I wish there was something that could do that." With Utecture, we've made significant strides toward a technology solution that is truly fit for purpose, streamlining processes across multiple platforms, and ultimately saving time and resources. This, combined with Utecture's proactive development team, ensures we continually advance to meet evolving industry demands.
In essence, Utecture provides the robust digital platform, while Ezequote brings the practical, hands-on expertise to implement these tools effectively. We transform Utecture’s capabilities into actionable solutions, ensuring innovation translates into real-world results for our clients.
What are your thoughts on the Utecture platform?
The Utecture platform is a game-changer, and I am a strong advocate for its capabilities. Its real-time 3D modelling and estimation tools make the platform incredibly efficient and user-friendly, allowing us to deliver accurate, on-the-spot quotes and adjust project parameters instantly. This agility is crucial in a fast-paced industry like ours, where responsiveness and precision are key.
What sets Utecture apart is its ability to involve clients directly in the estimation process. This interactive approach fosters a collaborative environment, leading to better project outcomes and higher client satisfaction. The platform’s features enable us to optimize efficiency and adapt to the unique demands of each project, aligning perfectly with our commitment to innovation and excellence.
Whether a project is at the concept stage requiring preliminary pricing or further along with consented or stamped plans that necessitate a detailed take-off, Utecture has this covered. Its flexibility ensures that we can provide accurate estimates and detailed breakdowns at any stage of the project, streamlining the workflow from initial proposal to final execution.
Moreover, Utecture addresses what once was a critical gap in our industry by offering technology tailored to the specific needs of construction professionals. It’s not just about advanced tools but about having intuitive, purpose-built solutions that support our workflow. Utecture aligns with industry standards and incorporates best practices and manufacturer recommendations, helping us maintain high quality and compliance across projects. This integration makes Utecture a valuable partner in our mission to deliver exceptional results.
Closing Thought
Reflecting on my journey, I am continually grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped my career. From my early days in small housing, through my time in Frame & Truss, Timber & EWP Solutions, Management, and Education, to leading innovative projects with Ezequote—every step has contributed to my growth and broadened my perspective. The blend of working with incredible people, tackling challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, and embracing cutting-edge technology has been instrumental in reaching where I am today.
My role at Ezequote, supported by our partnership with Utecture, exemplifies how a commitment to excellence and a customer-centric approach can transform the construction industry. By leveraging advanced tools and focusing on real-time, actionable insights, we are not just meeting industry needs—we’re setting new standards for what’s possible.
As we continue to innovate and adapt, my goal remains clear: to drive success through integrity, respect, and a relentless pursuit of better solutions. I am deeply committed to the ongoing education and training within our industry. “An industry that does not evolve alongside educating the next generation, is one not prepared for the future.” Together with our partners and clients, we will keep pushing boundaries, delivering exceptional results, and making a meaningful impact in the industry.