With a background and experienced career in the architecture sector, moving to a construction role at the Land Development Agency (LDA) might not seem like an apparent next career step. But that’s exactly what Janine Kennedy did over two years ago when she joined the Agency as a construction manager.
Janine describes why a move to the LDA was the natural next step in her career journey and what working within the Agency is like.
Making the move and moving the dial
Before making the move to the LDA, Janine had built up a wealth of industry knowledge and project management skills working as an architect. When the construction manager position became available at the LDA, the move made sense. For Janine the role offered her a chance to work on transformative residential projects across the country through the entire development lifecycle
“I had gained experience working on both residential and commercial developments and had become a member of Royal Institute of Architects Ireland (RIAI) too, via route F. I enjoyed my work but the chance to work on large scale residential projects from the very beginning to occupation was a big opportunity.”
It was also the societal role of the LDA in delivering affordable housing in a sustainably informed way that attracted Janine to apply for the position in 2023.
“I wanted to do work with a deep social value in the provision of affordable housing and I was also keen to do work with an organisation where sustainability played a key role across planning, design and the construction phase. I felt that the LDA was a good fit for me in this regard.”
A mix of disciplines under one roof
The LDA has continued to grow its organisation out with dynamic and ambitious professionals with different background and skillsets. For Janine that has been a big benefit to working with the LDA.
“As an architect, I really enjoy the experience of having so many disciplines under one roof in our main office, and the dynamic working environment this creates.”
“There are people from engineering, architecture, building services and construction backgrounds on my team. So, we can work off one another to solve problems and find the right answer by using our mix of professional knowledge.”
This has fed into a collaborative and open workplace culture with a shared drive, work ethic and adaptability to respond to the organisation’s ambitious objectives.
“Everyone is very approachable, and I have learned a lot through collaboration with other teams during my time here.”
The varied day to day
With the LDA offices on Tara Street being a hive of activity, no two days are the same. Working with and across different teams, Janine brings a construction lens to each project.
“My days are busy and varied, working across the development process with my focus being on the construction phase.”
This multi-faceted, cross-departmental approach makes working at the LDA interesting and rewarding. However, Janine points out that, for her, it’s the opportunity to see affordable housing projects come to life at each stage that is a working highlight.
“I particularly enjoy the regular site visits, witnessing the projects coming out of the ground and the variety of construction techniques and innovations being implemented.”
A diversity of projects
With the LDA building an ambitious pipeline of affordable housing projects, Janine enjoys the diversity this brings to her role with each development delivering new learnings.
“I really enjoy working on a diverse range of projects and the differing experience this presents. For example, working across different teams to appropriately adapt building design that best fit the needs, context and environment of each development has been really interesting.”
“Also, the experience of working on the Project Tosaigh (Homebuilder Partnership) delivery mechanism has been very beneficial and it is rewarding to see the delivery of these homes.”