How I Work

I am your devoted partner in achieving project management excellence, offering a wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to your success. My customised services cover all your project management needs, whether you’re launching new initiatives, enhancing existing processes, or seeking expert guidance to drive your projects to triumph.

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.

– John Ruskin

Certification

The certification process for building approval is a crucial step in ensuring that your project complies with all relevant building codes, regulations, and standards. It involves a series of assessments, inspections, and approvals to confirm that the building design and construction meet the required safety and quality standards.

Here is an overview of the certification process for building approval:

Planning and Design: Before applying for building approval, architects and engineers create detailed plans and designs for the proposed building. These plans should comply with local building codes and regulations. WTSP has relationships with designers and engineers that we work alongside to ensure a smooth process for all.

✔ WTSP then engage a Private Certifier to ask for advice around the build.

Submission: Once the PC (Private Certifier) has been engaged,  I complete an application which is submitted to the PC.

✔ The application typically includes detailed plans, engineering calculations, and other necessary documents.

Review: The PC reviews the application to ensure it complies with zoning regulations, building codes, and other relevant laws. This may involve multiple rounds of revisions and clarifications.

Assessment: Once the application is deemed complete, it undergoes a thorough assessment. This assessment includes reviewing structural designs, fire safety measures, accessibility, environmental impact, and more.

 Approval: If the PC is satisfied that the proposed construction meets all requirements, they grant building approval. This approval may be conditional, with specific requirements that must be met during construction.

Inspections: Throughout the construction process, building inspectors from the local authority or a private certifier visit the site at various stages to inspect and verify that the work aligns with the approved plans and meets safety standards.

Compliance: Contractors and builders must make any necessary adjustments to ensure compliance with the approved plans and any additional conditions set forth during the approval process.

 

Final Inspection: After construction is complete, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that the building fully complies with all approved plans and regulations.

Occupancy Certificate: If the building passes the final inspection and meets all requirements, an occupancy certificate or final certificate of approval is issued. This certificate allows the building to be occupied or used.

Post-Approval Obligations: Property owners are typically responsible for maintaining the building in compliance with building codes and regulations throughout its life.

Records: All documentation related to the building approval process, including plans, inspections, and certificates, should be properly archived and kept for future reference.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and requirements for building approval certification can vary by location and project type. Additionally, some projects may require additional permits and approvals, such as environmental permits or zoning variances, depending on the local regulations and the nature of the construction. Therefore, it’s crucial to work closely with the local building authority or a qualified private certifier to navigate the certification process successfully.

Engineers and Centre Management

Prior to the completion of design work and the subsequent granting of certification, it is essential to engage in a comprehensive and collaborative process with various professionals and stakeholders. This involvement includes consultations with engineers and discussions with centre management, covering a wide spectrum of approvals, with a particular focus on Hydraulics, Mechanical, and Fire Services.
Here's why this preliminary engagement and approval-seeking process is so critical:
Different building components, such as hydraulics, mechanical systems, and fire services, are subject to specific regulations and codes. Engaging engineers and seeking their approvals ensures that your project aligns with these requirements, guaranteeing the safety, functionality, and efficiency of these crucial systems.
Engineers bring specialised knowledge to the table. Collaborating with them early in the process allows for the integration of their expertise into the design phase, helping to identify and address potential challenges, optimise system performance, and minimise future issues.
Early consultations and approvals help identify and mitigate risks associated with non-compliance or suboptimal system designs. This proactive approach can save time and resources in the long run by preventing costly revisions or retrofits during construction or after occupancy.

By engaging centre management and various engineers simultaneously, you ensure alignment and coordination among different aspects of the project. This minimises conflicts, discrepancies, or delays that might arise if approvals were sought separately or sequentially.

Obtaining approvals early in the process streamlines the overall project timeline. Delays caused by revisions or retrofits due to overlooked approvals can be costly and disruptive. A well-coordinated approach helps maintain project efficiency.
Approvals are not limited to structural aspects; they encompass critical elements that impact the overall functionality of the building. Addressing hydraulics, mechanical, and fire services approvals comprehensively during the design phase contributes to a more holistic and well-rounded project plan.
The safety and performance of a building’s systems, particularly fire safety and utilities like hydraulics, are paramount. Early engagement ensures that these systems are designed and implemented to meet or exceed safety standards, safeguarding occupants and property.
In summary, the process of engaging with engineers and seeking approvals, including those related to hydraulics, mechanical systems, and fire services, is a proactive and crucial step in any construction or renovation project. It ensures compliance with regulations, minimises risks, fosters coordination, and ultimately contributes to the overall success, safety, and efficiency of the project.

Scope of Works & Tendering

By preparing a comprehensive Scope of Works document, you set the stage for a well-organised and transparent procurement process. This document serves as the cornerstone of your project, offering several key advantages:
  1. Clarity and Understanding: A well-drafted Scope of Works leaves no room for ambiguity. It outlines the project’s objectives, tasks, and requirements in detail, ensuring that potential contractors have a crystal-clear understanding of what is expected.
  2. Consistency: It creates a level playing field for all tenderers. When all contractors have access to the same information and specifications, they can submit proposals based on the same set of expectations, preventing any unfair advantages or misunderstandings.
  3. Accurate Cost Comparisons: With a clear scope, contractors can more accurately estimate the costs associated with the project. They can align their pricing with the defined requirements, reducing the likelihood of unexpected expenses arising during the project.
  4. Efficiency: A structured Scope of Works streamlines the tendering process. Contractors can focus on preparing competitive proposals rather than seeking clarification on project details, which can lead to faster responses and quicker decision-making.
  5. Risk Mitigation: By specifying technical requirements, quality standards, and timelines, the document helps mitigate risks associated with misinterpretation or non-compliance. Contractors are incentivised to meet these standards, minimising the chances of disputes or delays.
  6. Quality Assurance: The scope serves as a benchmark for quality. It ensures that contractors understand the desired level of workmanship, materials, and performance, which is essential for delivering a project that meets or exceeds expectations.
  7. Competitive Tender: When contractors are confident in their understanding of the project, they can prepare more competitive pricing. This competitive environment benefits the project owner, as it can result in better pricing and value-added proposals.
  8. Alignment of Expectations: The document brings all stakeholders onto the same page regarding project objectives, timelines, and outcomes. This alignment fosters a collaborative atmosphere, where everyone works toward a common goal.

 

In essence, a comprehensive Scope of Works is the cornerstone of a successful project procurement process. It empowers potential contractors with the information they need to prepare competitive, informed proposals, and it provides project owners with a framework for selecting the most suitable contractor. By promoting clarity, fairness, and efficiency, it contributes to the overall success of the project, from inception to completion.

Budget Management

In my capacity as a Project Manager, I hold a pivotal role in the oversight and management of the project budget from inception to completion. Proficient budget management is vital to maintain financial alignment and allocate resources efficiently.


From budget initiation and cost estimation to continuous financial monitoring and prudent cost control measures, I work diligently to safeguard the project’s financial integrity while upholding transparency and accountability and keeping all parties across any variations.

Procurement

The Project Manager’s role in the procurement of client-supplied items for a retail fit-out is multifaceted.

It involves careful planning, coordination, quality control, and effective communication to ensure that these items are seamlessly integrated into the project, contributing to its success while maximizing cost-efficiency.

I work within the clients and designers plans to procure certain items and then work with the Shopfitter and there schedule, to ensure items arrive on time but also, that they don’t arrive too early giving potential for the items to get damaged or lost.

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