5 minutes with Neil Barr
Atlas’ key representative in New Zealand talks about the challenges facing the New Zealand construction industry: lack of skilled builders, architects and technicians skilled in seismic design, accessibility laws and water tightness.
New Zealand’s challenges seem quite unique Neil.
They are. Other countries and regions have to deal with earthquakes – such as Japan, Canada and California; Vancouver, Canada also has to deal with water-tightness; but I believe New Zealand is the only region which has such stringent accessibility laws. We are required to design and build to higher standards of accessibility, water-tightness and seismic resilience. We also use different materials for housing – we use more timber as it’s plentiful and earthquake-resistant.
So how does Atlas help the industry to respond to these challenges?
A good example is the work we have done on Christchurch Town Hall which was badly affected by an earthquake in 2019. It’s locally 1 deposit casino uk.com regarded as an architecturally significant building, designed by New Zealand practice Warren and Mahoney so it was important to restore it carefully – including the soundproofing panels, all of which moved significantly during the earthquakes.
Following the earthquake, our team conducted a cloud point survey and built a Revit model in conjunction with Warren and Mahoney Technologies. We took the original as built drawings and overlaid them with a new Revit model plans. This allowed us to understand building movement and how to restore the Interior back to Its original positions
What else are clients talking to you about?
They’re actually asking about the team they’ll be working with. They know we work well in the cloud but they still want to know that they’ll be working with good people – who deliver on the unique challenges in New Zealand. Kiwis tend to be quite direct and they like having honest relationships. This can be a challenge for us when dealing with other business cultures.
And what technology is impressing the industry?
They’re interested in what we are doing internationally – and the fact that we’ve done so much of it remotely, using an in-country team backed by the skilled team in our Vietnam operation centre. This was the case with our work with Hong Kong International Airport and with the baggage facilities in Changi Airport. It was complex, yet accurately delivered. All these projects show how our skilled team can supplement those of our clients – even when we’re not close by!
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us Neil!
Related news :
Continuing the previous companion activities, on July 29th, 2022, HCMC University of Technology – Faculty of Civil Engineering and Atlas jointly held a signing ceremony of the cooperation agreement.
This signing ceremony witnesses the cooperation between two parties and brings more opportunities to HCMUTE’s students after their graduation. In particular, the Board of Directors is interested in developing the human resource, selecting and training young talents to support them in achieving essential skills for their career path afterwards.
Let's take a look at the recap photos below:
Following the previously successful signing ceremony, last Friday morning, on July 15, 2022, Mr. Sam Houston – CEO of Atlas and Assoc. Prof. PhD. Tran Thi My Dieu – Principal of VLU co-chaired the MOU signing ceremony between Atlas and VLU.
During the ceremony, VLU’s representatives was expressing their pleasure and honor to have a cooperating relationship with Atlas, whilst Atlas’ representatives shared deeply about our human resource strategy and new technology applied in architecture, engineering, and construction industry. After the ceremony, Atlas was invited to take a tour around the main campus to see the dynamic and modern educational environment for all students in line with international standards. We were very impressed by the monumental investment of VLU not only in facilities but also educational quality.
This event took place at VLU Campus 3, HCMC, and would set the basis for the cooperation between both sides to improve academic and cultural links with each other by offering programs and collaboration.
Let's see some recap pictures below:
This Thursday, July 7th, 22, the representatives of Atlas and UAH came to a cooperation agreement, in which, Atlas will supports students - future human resources to access the real working environment through the internship programme and working-skill training in the period of 2022 - 2027.
The signing of the agreement was conducted with the witness of both parties, documentation signed by Mr. Sam Houston – CEO of Atlas and Assoc. Prof. PhD. Arch. Le Van Thuong – Principal of UAH.
During the ceremony, Atlas’ representatives introduced and shared our business models, new technologies, and human resource strategy, whilst UAH’s representatives were proud to be a big institution producing highly qualified professionals and a center of scientific – technologic research in the South of Viet Nam. In addition, both parties had in-depth discussions about the career opportunities for the young generation and upcoming cooperation plans.
This event took place at UAH Pasteur Campus, HCMC in an atmosphere of joy and excitement and marks an important milestone in the collaboration relationship between Atlas and UAH in the future.
Let's see some recap pictures below:
Juan Carlos (JC) joined Atlas in 2021. He is RICS qualified Chartered Surveyor with a professional background in Project Management, Quantity Surveying, with a focus on Contracts & Claims management with 30 years professional experience.
Hi JC, Tell us what brings you to Atlas?
After 4 years working for another consultant firm in Vietnam, I decided it was time for a change and to seek a new opportunity.After many years working in commercial management at the senior level, I wanted to engage in a new challenge and to progress my career by moving up to a director level position where my commercial management experience and contract expertise would be in demand.I was in the right place at the right time when I found Atlas to be the right fit for me!
What makes you excited about this Industry?
I have around 30 years’ experience in the commercial management of the construction industry. In that time, I have worked for developers, contractors and consultants in Quantity Surveying, Contract Advisory, and Project Management roles, which has given me a unique insight into all aspects of this industry.I have always worked closely with Architects and Engineers, and one of the most exciting things about this industry is to witness and contribute to the creation and transformation of spaces for people, from the initial concept design to the construction process.This is a complex industry with high commercial risk, and I am passionate about providing contract solutions to everyday design and construction issues and avoiding disputes with sound, fair and reasonable commercial arrangements.
Let describe the type of environments in which your leadership style is most effective!
My leadership style is open, democratic and diplomatic, based on the principles of communication, empowering people, confidence, integrity, mutual respect, adaptability, flexibility and professional values.My leadership style fits well into Atlas because the company has a positive and comfortable working environment, which is able to maximize human potential through professionalism, teamwork and a deep foundation of trust and confidence between the leaders of the business and with all employees at all levels.
What would your best friend say they like the least about you?
If I’m passionate about something, I have a tendency to talk too much about it!
Thank you for taking the time to speak with us JC!