Take five with Kirk Brough

Kirk is our in-house construction project manager. He's our quiet overachiever and loves to see something getting done right.

A question worth asking:

What does a Project Manager’s role entail? Hi my name is Kirk, my role is a construction project manager at Emma Brown Design. I have over 25 years of building experience on the tools and managing teams in residential new builds and renovations. I enjoy any opportunity to be involved in commercial shop/restaurant projects that showcase our innovative designs. Bringing together the design concepts from the Emma Brown team and helping to bring them to life is a privilege. 

Qualifications: Trade-qualified carpenter, qualified BCITO site supervisor, site-safe gold card holder.

Construction is forever evolving and a fast-paced industry. My typical day is spent visiting sites, liaising with construction teams and clients, and building schedules to ensure a smooth project delivery.

A concept worth understanding:

The sequence of events - having trades arrive on time and at the correct times can save you significant amounts of money and ultimately impact the delivery of your project. I strive to ensure the smoothest transition of these events to provide our clients with a stress-free and enjoyable experience. 

A book worth reading:

To be honest I'm more of a podcast guy and often listen to these while I actively relax, doing projects around my own home.

Although I'm not a big book reader, I enjoy reading the Cut Golf magazine, which covers some of the finest golf courses, resorts and fine dining experiences NZ offers. I am slowly ticking off my bucket list of NZ's top golf course destinations.

Your career path

I never thought project managing the fit out of one of Palmerston North's finest and award-winning restaurants would one day lead to working in an inner city design studio with such a professional, friendly team around me. A far cry from the 19-year-old apprentice that started in Lower Hutt. In recent years a move off the tools to focus on project management was outside my comfort zone but I'm glad to have said "yes" to this challenge and believe that my time served doing the hands-on work gives me an advantage in this project management role.

A quote worth repeating:

"Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion." – Michael Jordan.

Your bragging rights 

My never-give-up attitude has served me well, whether it's been completing my apprenticeship and going on higher learning as a construction project manager or in my sporting achievements representing Manawatū Golf Club at the highest club level.