Meet Larissa, a dynamic force within Unita, who has stepped into the role of Commercial and Strategic Partnerships Manager after recently relocating to Sydney. With a passion for creating seamless client experiences and driving strategic business growth, Larissa plays a pivotal role in shaping Unita’s success. From securing key projects to ensuring a smooth handover to the delivery team, Larissa brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to excellence. In this feature, we dive into Larissa’s journey, their insights into the industry, and what makes them a standout professional at Unita.

What do you do at Unita?

As Commercial and Partnerships Manager, I oversee the front end of the business, setting the foundation before our delivery team steps in. My role is incredibly diverse, but at its core, I focus on ensuring a seamless experience for our clients, from initial engagement to project kick-off.

What are your key responsibilities?

From day one, clients will see me guiding them through the early stages of their journey. I bring together the right team of designers and consultants, streamline the documentation and approvals process, and lead our estimation team to ensure projects are set up for success. My goal is to make the entire experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Beyond project coordination, I also work on securing new business opportunities. At Unita, we’re fortunate to have a highly skilled team across multiple sectors, and I focus on targeting projects where we can deliver exceptional value. Being a national company, we manage large-scale rollouts, remote-location works, and client expansions. Strong industry relationships with consultants, engineers, suppliers, and subcontractors are crucial to our success, and I ensure that we foster and grow these partnerships. Equally, I prioritise delivering outstanding service to our clients, ensuring they become long-term partners in our journey.

What led you to the construction industry, and how did you join Unita?

I found my way into the industry unexpectedly! I had friends pursuing a Quantity Surveying degree, and it sparked my interest. My first role was client-side for a large-format retailer—it was a contract position and a steep learning curve, but I loved every minute of it.

When my contract ended, I explored new opportunities and was drawn to Unita’s impressive work. A former colleague introduced me to Rob (Rowe, Founder), and I was fortunate to interview and start my journey as a junior CA/Estimator. Fast-forward eight years, and I’ve had the opportunity to grow into various roles. Unita truly supports career development and internal promotions, and I’m grateful to be part of that culture.

What’s your favourite part of your job?

There are a few things that stand out!

I love a challenge—whether it’s a design constraint, budget limitation, tight lead times, or landlord requirements, finding creative solutions for clients is incredibly rewarding.

I’m especially passionate about design and construct projects. They come with unique challenges, but seeing a vision come to life on-site and witnessing clients step into their new space makes it all worthwhile.

And of course, the people. I work alongside an incredible team of talented and generous colleagues who make every project a success. When you work with Unita, you’re in great hands.

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

It’s hard to choose just one—every client is unique, and every project has its own set of rewarding challenges.

One standout was a racecourse project just shy of $3 million, completed in an ambitious six-week timeline right before Christmas. It was intense, but it demonstrated the power of a dedicated team.

On the other end of the spectrum, I love working on smaller retail and hospitality fit-outs. The clients are often deeply involved in every step, and their excitement builds as they see progress week by week. Guiding them through what can be an overwhelming process and delivering a space they’ve dreamed of is incredibly fulfilling.

What do you love to do outside of work?

I’ve recently relocated to Sydney, so I’m making the most of exploring everything the city has to offer. Weekends usually involve checking out new restaurants or taking my puppy on adventures!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

On my very first day at Unita, our office manager told me, “Never be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.” People love sharing their knowledge, and I’ve found that to be true throughout my career. The industry is full of generous professionals who are willing to teach, and I take every opportunity to learn something new.

What advice would you give to someone planning a new fit-out?

Start early—it’s never too soon to begin the process. Getting ahead gives you more flexibility in design, procurement, and scheduling. Lean on your builder for guidance; we’re here to add value and find the best solutions for your project. Most importantly, communicate! The more we understand your business, the more tailored and creative we can be in delivering a space that meets your needs perfectly.

Ready to take the next step? Connect with our wonderful team and discover how Unita can help bring your vision to life.