Shane Annabell

Studying the software and technologies of Architecture paved the way for Shane’s career trajectory through several positions in analytics and optimisation.

I have made several side steps from my original study plans, building on skills I learnt along the way, to career paths I had never considered. I studied Architecture because I enjoyed design and the building process, however as I progressed through the degree I found myself more interested in the programs and technologies used and the processes employed rather than the outcomes themselves. I discovered that there were many facets to creating built environments and it was the financial side of projects that interested me most. I had always been interested in computers, which started to show as I began asking more of the programs we used, both in the classroom and at work.

After speaking to a guest lecturer, I secured a summer job for some work experience at Rawlinsons quantity surveyors. After seeing real projects in the workplace, I decided that after finishing my Bachelor of Architectural Studies I would begin full-time work as a quantity surveyor with the company. As a quantity surveyor, your role is to help all those involved understand the realistic costs which will be incurred during the construction project. Also, a few people skills help smooth the way when negotiating agreements between the contracting parties and clients. While in that role I specialised in large-scale housing projects and began working closely with the technology the firm used, predominantly databases to keep, manage, and utilise accurate costing information.

I was later offered a position with Transpower in their estimating department. The role supported asset-planning decisions and expenditure forecasts, ensured consistency across project budgets, and ensured the construction rates were defendable and traceable when scrutinised. We also provided business-wide tools and reporting to assist in decision making. In some ways, it was a long way from Architecture, but actually used many of the transferable skills I had learnt. The company was after someone skilled in a mix of quantity surveying and database management, so the fit was perfect.

During my time with Transpower I transitioned into roles more focused on analytics and optimisation, which is where I found my real calling. Over several roles in various teams at Transpower, each focusing on various aspects of delivering large multi-year programmes of work, I seized an opportunity to move to Hawke’s Bay and join Unison Networks. Here I’ve pushed myself further into higher level strategic thinking. Though further still from the discipline of Architecture, the skills I learnt whilst studying continue to open doors for me, enabling me to continue to grow and ultimately do what I love.

My advice for those beginning to study would be: don’t think that studying Architecture can only lead to a career as an Architect, never pass up a chance to learn a new skill set, and don’t ignore opportunities that arise along the way as you’ll never know where they may lead.