Kamal Kassis – Construction Manager
Our mission at Binah is to be industry leaders in quality delivery. What does that mean to you as a construction manager?
Quality in construction is paramount, especially in the delivery process. When we take a building design from paper to reality, it’s about bringing our client’s vision to life. This involves meticulous planning, programming, and ensuring that the result is aesthetically pleasing but also long-lasting, functional, and safe. Quality means maintaining the highest standards when considering factors like buildability, life expectancy of materials, weatherproofing, sustainability, and soundproofing. It’s not just about the product; it’s about how we get there safely and efficiently.
How do you manage a high-performing construction business and still build a quality but affordable building?
Planning is essential, from the initial groundwork to the final handover of keys. It involves comprehending the specific requirements of the building and appropriately allocating resources. This includes anticipating potential issues and unforeseen expenses.
When we have a well-defined scope of work, we assemble a team where every member understands their responsibilities. This alignment within the team enhances the project’s efficiency and effectiveness, regardless of its scale. Prioritising safety and future maintenance in the design phase is crucial. Placing the end user at the forefront during the planning stage helps us prevent future complications, which could otherwise result in escalated costs.
During the design phase, do you focus on identifying and addressing potential risks that may occur during the construction process?
Yes, we try to identify and address potential problems in the design stage. We work closely with architects and consultants to iron out any issues before they go through the approval process. This allows us to eliminate or mitigate risks early on. We aim to anticipate and address any problems that could arise, such as clashes between services or constructability issues. It’s in this space that our Dynamic Triangle finds its strength..
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Can you explain to us how the Dynamic Triangle works?
The Dynamic Triangle refers to the three key roles in a construction project: the Project Manager, the Site Manager, and the Contracts Administrator.
The connection and collaboration among these three roles are essential for the success of a project. If these three roles aren’t aligned, conflicts, communication issues, or mistakes could occur. When we reflect on our most successful projects, we find that alignment among these roles is the key strength. Together, we undertake workshops, have open discussions, and have regular communication to help build rapport and establish a strong team dynamic.
What is the Emerging Leaders Program?
Our Emerging Leaders Program is a unique opportunity for our up-and-coming leaders. It’s a journey of growth, learning, and collaboration that aims to build a culture of excellence, innovation, and teamwork.
By investing in our team, we reinforce our commitment to creating opportunities where we all work together, learn together, and share successful outcomes. This program will have a significant impact on the careers and aspirations of those involved.
A strong team with a great alignment means we can continue to deliver high-quality homes that we can all take pride in for years to come.
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What qualities do you think make a great leader or manager?
To be a successful leader or manager, it’s crucial to remain receptive to learning as we can constantly improve our processes. Being approachable and being a great listener. Creating a fair and respectful environment where our teams, consultants and subcontractors feel valued for their expertise is key. Plus, maintaining a positive and enjoyable atmosphere where we can have a good time and share some laughs.
Getting to know your team and understanding their strengths is important. Providing opportunities for professional growth is also vital. Effective leadership involves more than just giving orders; it requires a deep understanding of team dynamics and using effective communication methods to convey messages successfully.
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How important are quality interactions between the teams you manage?
Quality extends to how our teams interact with others on the construction site. We emphasize positive communication and building relationships.
It’s about creating a supportive environment where everyone works towards a common goal.
Why has ICIRT become such an important tool for purchasers?
When prospective first-time homebuyers set their sights on purchasing an off-the-plan apartment, they now have the option to search for builders with an ICIRT rating. These builders have undergone a rigorous and comprehensive audit spanning several months. This thorough evaluation assesses the business’s capabilities and provides the assurance that their chosen builder will deliver exceptional results.
We recently received a gold star ICIRT rating; what does this rating mean for Binah?
The ICIRT rating provides clear insight and assurance that Binah is a reliable and preferred builder. Our commitment has always been to prioritise the end user and build homes to last, and now we hold the certification to reinforce this commitment.
“The Dynamic Triangle refers to the three key roles in a construction project:
The Project Manager, the Site Manager, and the Contracts Administrator.
The connection and collaboration among these three roles are essential for the success of a project.”
