From independent architect to plan developer

Lilith worked as a project engineer at our subsidiary Heddes in Hoorn for four years. Since 2022, she has been a plan developer at Ballast Nedam West in Capelle aan den IJssel. We talked with Lilith about her career and her job as a plan developer.

You made quite a career switch. How did that happen?

"Architect is an incredibly beautiful profession, let me put that first. But gradually I discovered that my heart is with construction itself, that is, with implementation and realisation. I then started talking to all kinds of people in the construction industry. Also with Niels, the managing director of Ballast Nedam West and Heddes. That's how things started rolling."

In the end, you chose Heddes. Why?

"Niels offered me to become a project engineer at Heddes. The dynamics of the company and Niels' enthusiasm and professionalism felt right, so I decided to take the plunge. As work planner, I worked from the construction site and made a tour of the site every day. For instance, I would talk to the carpenter, the crane operator and the facade builder. Or I would discuss the best plan of action with the foreman. On the construction site, you learn the trade very quickly."

Why did you switch to plan development last year?

"As a project engineer, you are always working on one project. I wanted to work on a broader basis and do more with sustainability. I brought this up within the company. Together we looked at what the next step could be. So last year I started as a plan developer at Ballast Nedam West. And so far that suits me very well."

What exactly does a plan developer do?

"As a plan developer, I am the central figure in the tender and design phase. I manage the team and I am responsible for financing, planning and feasibility. I also maintain contact with the client. So I often sit in meetings and talk to a variety of people, from architect to procurement officer. Those conversations are about the choice of materials, costs and sustainability. It is great to be able to show clients that more sustainable alternatives with lower CO2 emissions are available."

Do you still sometimes miss being an architect?

"No. I find the work I do now incredibly fun and diverse. And the advantage of working for a big company like Ballast Nedam is that there are all kinds of opportunities to develop yourself and continue to grow. I also have a lot of freedom in my job, so in a way it's a bit like being your own boss."