By Seung Hyuk Choi

Ever wondered what questions enable the transition from an Architect to a client-side project manager? Seung Hyuk Choi’s career trajectory commences with studying abroad, military service mid-university, returning to Australia to complete his double majors and then, whilst successfully delivering as an Architect, invests in core development to discover being a ‘professional client.’ 

My journey started at 13 years of age, where I went on an adventure and studied at Auckland Grammar School in New Zealand. I came to Melbourne, to complete my double majors in Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Property and Construction at the University of Melbourne. By adding the Bachelor of Property and Construction major, it extended my completion at university by a year, however, to this date it is one of the best decisions I have made in discovering my career path. It not only broadened my industry knowledge but presented additional career pathways coming out of university.

I was an International Student that didn’t hesitate to get actively involved and joined SONA (Student Organised Network for Architecture) and the Australian Institute of Architects. Engaging with the industry outside of the university environment gave me a great head start in building my network and securing a great job. Whilst completing my Masters, I was a tutor for Visual Communications and Construction Design at the University of Melbourne and worked as a technician at the Fabrication Workshop. 

Between 2013 – 2014, I decided to complete my compulsory military service in South Korea. The forced break from Architecture turned out to be a very healthy opportunity for me. Stepping away from the Architecture circle and being in a completely different environment re-affirmed my perspective in continuing to seek a career path that will help me learn but also grow as a person.

I returned to Australia and successfully completed my final year of Master of Architecture and my thesis whilst working for the boutique architectural firm, Peter Ryan Architects. I graduated and achieved my professional registration whilst working with this team. Caribbean Park was the firm’s main client where I took on the delivery of Stage 2 and 3 of their commercial development and masterplan for the future development as their Project Architect.

On reflection, my most challenging yet fondest memory of working in an architectural practice was during my time at McBride Charles Ryan, where my experiences further ignited my passion for good design. I was enabled to think big and challenge the norm under the guidance of Rob McBride, Debbie Ryan and a workforce to be reckoned with.

During my career as an Architect, one of my mentors said, there are:

· 1 in 100 Architects is a ‘visionary talent

· 4 in 100 Architects who can ‘orchestrate a team to run successful projects’ and

· 95 in 100 Architects who are good at ‘making sure their assigned tasks are completed to the best of their ability.’

The advice meant, that all 100 Architects are critical for the success of an architectural business and therefore, should take pride in being one.

I had always endeavoured to become the 4 in 100 Architect - I call them the ‘conductor type’ in a team. In developing this concept I wondered, ‘what if I want to be involved in built environment projects before the 100 Architects get involved?’ and ‘what if I want to orchestrate an even larger group of intellectuals and professionals?’ which then led to ‘what do I need to become?’ These series of questions steered my path to a client-side project manager. Whenever someone asks, “what does a client-side project manager do?” I say I am a “professional client.” This development exposed my world to strategic planning, project brief development, cost management, progress reporting and being the conductor in bridging the gap between the client and the relevant project professionals.

My first project as a client-side project manager journey started at Monto Projects where I saw the delivery of JB Hi-Fi Group’s new support office which involved the fit out of 9,500m2 in the existing IBM tower located in Southbank within 16 weeks onsite. Coordinating the teams during the design and construction phases had its challenges with inter-tenancy stairways that ran from the ground floor to level 6 and part of level 8 and level 19 with limited vertical transportation within a short timeframe. The most exciting part for me was understanding and assisting the client’s organisation to successfully bring together two companies into one premise and accommodate the migration of approximately 1000 staff within the given timeframe. 

Concurrently, I was involved in the redevelopment of renown events venue, Carousel located in Albert Park where Monto Projects successfully navigated the complex process to submit and pass through gazetting at state parliament regarding the new 21-year leasing of the Crown Land. We are currently in the process of designing a ‘world class’ venue with a great team whilst continuously engaging with Parks Victoria, the City of Port Phillip and the State Government. Most recently, I had the opportunity to deliver the new headquarters for MYOB, working with a fantastic team and collaborative processes. With great communication, proactive problem solving and taking guardianship of the process with a fun and enjoyable perspective, the project commenced onsite with COVID-19 lockdown at the end of March 2020. We safely and successfully reached Practical Completion in mid-July 2020 amidst COVID-19 lockdown 2. This project allowed me to continue my ongoing interest and research into the future of work and workplace.

As a client-side project manager, I have also been involved in multi-residential and education projects. I am currently facilitating a masterplan process for a school. I know becoming a client-side project manager is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly suits me. I am also very lucky to be surrounded by an extremely creative wife and friends who keep my creative side activated. Monto Projects team and the directors, David Castro and Albert Hsieh have been the best I could ask for to help me grow, as a professional and as a person.

Whether you’re looking to be an architect or project manager, ask yourself the questions provided here. See where it will take you.

This piece was curated by Sandra Lin for The Construction Coach blog.


Seung Hyuk Choi 

Associate at Monto Projects

Client-side Project Manager and a registered Architect

Master of Architecture

Bachelor of Property and Construction

I am a strong advocate for quality design that meets the client brief, budget and programme. With this focus, I strive to bring out the best out of project teams.

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