David Sterling

Experience

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  M.W Prier

  Jan 1989 - Jan 1992

  Apprentice Carpenter

  Began my career in the residential construction industry, gaining comprehensive hands-on experience. This foundational role covered all phases of building homes, from greenfield site preparation to the final key handover, providing me with a thorough understanding of the construction process.

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  Martinsen Building Design

  Jan 1994 - Jan 1996

  Architectural Draftsman

  Supported Architects in creating architectural drawings and plans, gaining foundational skills in construction design and documentation.

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  J.I.L Enterprise

  Jan 1995 - Jan 1996

  Project Manager

  Managed high-end construction projects, from initial planning stages through to handover, focusing on efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.

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  Quick Draw Designers

  Jan 1997 - Jan 1998

  Architectural Draftsman

  Focused on producing high-quality architectural drawings for a variety of construction projects, leveraging advanced CAD software and design principles.

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  Gecko Design

  Jan 1998 - Jan 2000

  SENIOR DRAFTSPERSON, SITE MANAGER

  In this dual role, I combined my technical drafting expertise with site management responsibilities, overseeing residential and commercial projects from conceptual design through to construction completion.

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  Holiday Villa Hotels & Resorts

  Apr 2000 - Dec 2003

  Finishing Project Manager

  Oversaw the finishing stages of a 20-storey apartment suite hotel, focusing on high-quality standards and timely delivery. This role demanded meticulous attention to detail and strong leadership to coordinate multiple finishing trades.Responsibilities ◼ Supervised all finishing trades to ensure compliance with international quality standards.◼ Managed timelines and coordinated with the client to adjust expectations and deliverables as the project progressed.Achievements ◼ Achieved a significant turnaround for the project, which was previously challenged by delays and quality issues, resulting in high client satisfaction.◼ Established a robust quality assurance process that became a model for future projects within the company. Show less

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  Tropical Life Architects

  Jan 2004 - Nov 2005

  Client-Side Design Coordinator

  In this pivotal role at Tropical Life Architects, I was instrumental in bridging the gap between the client's vision and the practical execution of a high-end residential development project around a private golf course. My responsibilities encompassed not only the coordination of design efforts but also the cultural and technical translation of design concepts into actionable plans for the local design and construction teams. Directed recovery efforts and restoration of buildings damaged by the Tsunami in Phuket, coordinating with local and international teams to restore housing, demonstrating cross-cultural leadership and project management under crisis conditions.Responsibilities ◼ Acted as the primary liaison between the client and the local design team, ensuring clear communication and understanding of the design requirements and expectations.◼ Coordinated the design process for a luxury residential development, translating complex design wishes into practical, achievable plans.◼ Worked closely with local architects to develop working drawings and models, adapting innovative design solutions to meet local construction practices and materials.Achievements ◼ Successfully delivered uniquely designed buildings within a highly ambitious 4-month timeframe, significantly exceeding client expectations and setting a new standard for luxury residential developments in the region.◼ Demonstrated exceptional ability to navigate cultural and technical challenges, ensuring the project's success despite initial concerns about the feasibility of achieving such high design standards with local staffing and resources. Show less

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  The Blue Acre (Project Management)

  Nov 2005 - Feb 2007

  Client-Side Project Manager

  Led the development of a high-end hotel resort project, showcasing my ability to manage complex construction projects in international settings. This role involved extensive coordination with local contractors and adapting project management practices to local standards and workforce capabilities.Responsibilities ◼ Managed the entire lifecycle of a distressed hotel resort project, including design coordination, construction, and quality assurance.◼ Coordinated with local contractors, ensuring the project's vision was accurately executed while navigating cultural and language barriers.Achievements ◼ Successfully delivered a US$55 million hotel resort project, featuring private villas that exceeded client expectations and set a new standard for luxury in the region.◼ Developed and implemented communication strategies that effectively bridged language barriers, ensuring project specifications were met. Show less

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  Wylie and Skene

  Mar 2007 - Jun 2008

  Site Manager / Quality Assurance

  Managed a 30-dwelling housing development project, emphasizing quality control and adherence to safety regulations. This role involved significant interaction with Rio Tinto, requiring the ability to meet stringent corporate and safety standards.Responsibilities ◼ Oversaw the construction process, ensuring all activities complied with safety and quality standards.◼ Managed subcontractor agreements and conducted performance reviews to maintain high work standards.◼ Oversaw the restoration of buildings and infrastructure following cyclone damage, ensuring all projects met stringent safety and quality standards. Implemented robust quality assurance processes to address and mitigate future cyclone risks.Achievements ◼ Delivered the project with an exemplary safety record and high-quality standards, resulting in positive feedback from Rio Tinto.◼ Implemented innovative management strategies that improved efficiency and quality control for the project. Show less

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  North West Project Management

  Jun 2008 - Feb 2009

  Client-Side Project Officer/ Quality Assurance

  In this role, I was responsible for overseeing the quality and progress of a 90-dwelling housing development, ensuring all aspects of the project met the agreed-upon standards and timelines. This position required close collaboration with one of the world's largest metals and mining corporations, Rio Tinto Iron Ore (RTIO).Responsibilities ◼ Managed and signed-off on a 90-dwelling housing development, ensuring compliance with plans, engineering specifications, and deadlines.◼ Conducted business case analysis and feasibility studies to support future project planning and execution.Achievements ◼ Successfully delivered the project within the set timeline and budget, meeting all quality standards and specifications.◼ Recognized for outstanding project management skills, leading to being headhunted for exceptional work performance. Show less

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  Arrow International (NZ) Limited

  Jun 2011 - Jul 2016

  Project Manager

  Integral to the post-earthquake rebuild efforts in Christchurch, managing the assessment, demolition, and construction of multi-unit buildings in areas devastated by earthquakes, and rapidly advancing to a leadership position.Responsibilities ◼ Led detailed assessments of earthquake-damaged properties, coordinating with insurance companies for efficient repair and reconstruction.◼ Managed the design and construction of multi-unit buildings, ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards and client expectations.Achievements ◼ Promoted to 2IC, recognizing leadership and negotiation skills in high-stakes insurance negotiations.◼ Developed new protocols for multi-unit residential builds, streamlining construction processes and improving project delivery times. Show less

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  Eagle Eye Inspections Ltd

  Aug 2016 - Oct 2021

  Client Side - Project Manager / Building Inspector

  Founded and led Eagle Eye Inspections, a company specializing in construction management and building inspections, demonstrating entrepreneurial acumen and a comprehensive understanding of the construction industry. This role required not only technical expertise in construction and inspections but also business management skills, including marketing, client relations, and financial management.Responsibilities ◼ Established and grew the business from the ground up, identifying market needs and positioning the company to meet those needs effectively.◼ Conducted business case analyses and feasibility studies for future projects, including a notable $30M Aged Care facility and a $38M project for local Iwi (tribe), showcasing the ability to manage large-scale and high-value projects.◼ Led a team in providing comprehensive building inspections, ensuring all constructions met or exceeded NZ building codes and standards.◼ Managed all aspects of client engagement, from initial consultation through to project completion, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and repeat business.Achievements ◼ Successfully navigated the company through the initial startup phase to become a recognized name in Auckland's construction inspection industry, with a strong client base and excellent reputation for quality and reliability.◼ Implemented innovative software solutions for project tracking and reporting, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and client communication.◼ Spearheaded the company's efforts in adopting the Kaizen approach for continuous improvement, resulting in streamlined operations and increased profitability. Show less

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  Kāinga Ora - Homes and Communities

  Oct 2021 - Apr 2024

  Client side - Project Manager

  In this pivotal role, I lead the strategic planning and execution of residential construction projects, introducing innovative methodologies to enhance efficiency and productivity within New Zealand's leading Tier 1, housing development agency. Played a pivotal role in assessing water-damaged homes following significant flooding and cyclone events.Responsibilities ◼ Revolutionized construction management practices by integrating the LEAN method, significantly optimizing operational workflows.◼ Spearheaded the development of over 160 new homes, managing end-to-end project lifecycles from initial planning through to successful completion. ◼ Implemented a Management Operating System (MOS), enhancing daily task tracking and project transparency.Achievements ◼ Successfully negotiated key procurement agreements, ensuring cost-effective service delivery and high-quality outcomes.◼ Directed the comprehensive infrastructure development for a large subdivision, including 22 sites and 200 houses, under stringent timelines and budget constraints.◼ Innovated project management processes by introducing advanced software solutions, improving tracking, reporting, and overall project management efficiency. Show less

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  IslandBuilds.com

  Apr 2024 - now

  Project Director

  ◼ Strategic Leadership: Spearhead the development and execution of high-value construction and outsourcing projects, ensuring alignment with international best practices and South East Asian market standards. ◼ Project Management: Oversee the full project lifecycle from inception to delivery, managing schedules, budgets, risk mitigation, and stakeholder expectations to drive efficiency and profitability. ◼ Business Development: Identify and capitalize on growth opportunities in the Middle East, forming key partnerships with investors, developers, and government entities to expand IslandBuilds.com’s presence. ◼ Operational Excellence: Implement streamlined workflows and digital transformation strategies to enhance project execution, leveraging technology to optimize construction processes. ◼ Team Leadership & Vendor Management: Direct multidisciplinary teams, fostering collaboration between architects, engineers, and contractors while negotiating contracts with local and international suppliers. ◼ Compliance & Quality Control: Ensure adherence to local and international building codes, sustainability standards, and safety regulations, maintaining the highest quality benchmarks in all projects. Key Projects & Achievements: ◼ Successfully launched IslandBuilds.com, focusing on construction project outsourcing and architecture services. ◼ Initiated market expansion strategies targeting South East Asia and the Middle East to align with Vision 2030 infrastructure initiatives. ◼ Led the implementation of cost-effective, scalable construction solutions tailored to the region’s demand for high-quality residential and commercial developments. Show less