Synergy News & Blog: Bath Office
Inspire Inclusion, hear from Zali Kelly on International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The theme of the day is ‘To Inspire’ inclusion which celebrates diversity and empowerment on International Women’s Day and beyond.
On this pertinent day, we took the opportunity to catch up with talented Assistant Quantity Surveyor Zali Kelly to hear about her inspiring career in the construction industry so far.
Tell us about what you do at Synergy?
I am an Assistant Quantity Surveyor in the Bath office, dealing with predominantly heritage buildings at both pre and post contract stages.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Quantity Surveying?
Following on from a degree in Architecture, I wanted to delve more into the financial implications of construction. I have been fortunate to be surrounded by Quantity Surveyors for most of my life. My dad is a Quantity Surveyor and he worked on some amazing historic building projects in both Australia and New Zealand, so thought I’d give it a go!
How have you been supported to follow your career?
Through several University courses and working on a wide range of different types of projects. I am also enrolled on my APC and Synergy are fully supporting me with my training for this.
What excites you most about your job?
Being able to see and work on various historic buildings as well as seeing a project develop from paper to reality. I am currently working on Skinner’s Hall which is a Grade I Listed Building in central London. This incredible project includes extensive repair and renovation works, the project will also create improved event spaces, offices, staff accommodation and improved members areas. It is very exciting to be involved with such a technically challenging and transformational project!
What does ‘inspiring inclusion’ mean to you?
Inspiring inclusion means the acceptance and appreciation of all types of diversity out there. It means to hope that the world will provide equal and fair opportunities to everyone where people do not have to be ‘use’ to being disrespected. It is to inspire that no matter where you come from, what gender you are etc, you are respected, which in my opinion is highly important and can quite easily be neglected.
