Linzi White

Linzi is a Senior Project Manager working in the commercial office private sector consultancy team. Joining Mace in 2014, she very quickly built strong relationships both inside the business and with client teams, helping to position Mace as an integral part of any successful and collaborative delivery team.

How did you get into what you do?

I completed my BA in Interior Architecture and Design in 2008, and I always wanted to work in the construction industry. Because of the recession it was difficult to find a job straight out of university, so I worked in other sectors before making my move into the industry when I started a Master's degree in Construction Project Management.

I applied to the Mace Graduate Development Programme partway through my degree, but at the assessment centre I was told that I had too much experience, and that I was being put forward for an assistant project manager role - and the rest is history!

What do you enjoy most about your role at Mace?

The variety of work we do is great - every day is different. There's always a new challenge and people to talk to and discuss ideas with. I really like the fact that I'm working across multiple projects and teams, with very different clients so there's always lots going on.

What’s your proudest achievement at Mace?

There's so much I've done that I'm really proud of. This spring I completed the Women of the Future programme as one of the first cohort, and I've recently completed the Developing Success programme which Mace runs in conjunction with Imperial College. I'm really proud of what I've achieved on both these development programmes.

I am also proud of the work I initially did with Deutsche Bank which led to Mace getting a place on their global framework, which shows the full confidence they have in our abilities. Both at Deutsche Bank and with our clients at Colt, I've built strong working relationships that have not only led to more projects for us, but the delivery of better projects as a result.

What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?

I would encourage people to get as much experience as they can and to take an interest in the technical side of projects, even if it isn't your area of specialism, as it's an important part of our work. I would also say that it's important to show honesty, credibility and humility - always ask questions when you don't understand as it will help you with your work, and probably others as well, and it might be too late to ask later!

What do you see as the big trend for your specialism in the next five years?

The result of the EU referendum is likely to have a big impact on confidence in spending on projects. If we do head towards another recession, I think the commercial fit out market will thrive compared to the residential sector, as there are always lease breaks and lease ends approaching which force companies to consider their position and working environment.

We're also seeing a move towards more collaborative spaces in offices and 'wow' elements to schemes, as companies want different things from their office spaces, such as tech bars, sofa areas, think tanks, as well as open plan layouts. I also think we'll be seeing more companies putting their people first when they're planning their next refurbishment, and planning around what they want out of their offices.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

Like many people, I guess, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, as well as making sure I get away on some much needed holidays! My partner and I love to travel and experience the sights and sounds of different cultures, and to sample the culinary delights - I'm a bit of a foodie at heart.