In our fourth instalment of our “Built Better with Her” series, we talk to Contract Administrator, Farah Shahrin. Based in our Sydney office, Farah is a beloved and highly skilled member of the team who truly embodies our “Built Better Together” mantra.

Penny Fraser – National Business Manager

What is your job title? 

Contracts Administrator

What are your role responsibilities? 

I am involved in all aspects of a project from pre-start, delivery to post-delivery. I primarily assist the site team and project managers but also work hard to maintain communication between stakeholders, consultants, suppliers and trades to ensure everyone is kept up-to-date (from safety, contractual to financial).

What led you to construction? 

A fellow co-worker saw my willingness to take on challenges and gave me an opportunity of a lifetime, to trial my project management skills – and here I am! I studied architecture (and I love it), however being hands-on in the construction industry has been the most rewarding as I get to witness and play a vital role in transforming drawings and ideas into reality.

What is your favourite part of your job? 

Being able to see parts of the drawings come to life.

What’s been the highlight of your career so far? 

One of the highlights would be working on the Bank of Sydney project in the middle of a lockdown. For the team and everyone involved it was a momentous achievement to see it completed despite all the challenges a pandemic brings.

What are the barriers of being a women in construction? 

Traditional barriers associated with women’s credibility and physical strength for laborious tasks are not uncommon however this is changing, thanks to many hardworking, strong-minded women and their supportive colleagues paving the way. There will always be barriers for women in construction and they will keep evolving. Just have the right attitude, always stand up for yourself.

What do you think is the solution to attracting more women into the construction industry?

It’s surprisingly but there are actual more women than ever in the industry, which is massive positive. I believe we need to encourage women to work on site, be more involved in the construction details. Schools also play a major role in influencing careers for women, it all starts here and at home!

If there was one piece of advice that you could pass onto a woman starting in construction, what would it be?  

Just do it. There will be people who make you doubt your own capabilities. Just believe in yourself, keep learning, grow, contribute and repeat!