fbpx Meet Dean Christie | LEARNZ

Meet Dean Christie

Job: 

Property Projects Manager

Job description: 

The design management, procurement and project management of commercial buildings and projects.

Work background: 

I started out as an apprentice carpenter in the New Zealand Army. After completing my apprenticeship I worked in the construction industry on housing and light commercial project for a number of years before moving into a Facilities Management role. I worked as an Operation Manager for a large government facility. From there I have been with the Christchurch International Airport for nearly 12 years in a number of roles, most recently and currently as a Project Manager for the Property and Commercial team.

Favourite part of job: 

I really enjoy being involved in a project from the initial concept and seeing it through to realisation, where a long term asset is established for the benefit of CIAL and their customers. To work with a diverse number of people such as planners, engineers, architects, contractors to develop the ideas and needs of the end client is very exciting and challenging.

Least favourite part of job: 

Sometimes we have to work with our clients to adjust their expectations when they want a number of outcomes from a project that their budget does not extend to. While the challenge of creating alternative solutions is exciting it can sometimes be disappointing that we cannot provide the ultimate solution for our customer.

What I am working on now: 

Currently I have a large industrial facility under construction, which as been in development for the past 10 months. It is great to see this building, which is a specialised facility, coming to fruition. We also have a new subdivision being built which will provide a number of development opportunities for CIAL and our clients. The first development in this subdivision has just completed design and is with Christchurch City Council for consent.

We also have two retail developments underway at present. The first is an extension to the passenger terminal, to provide an increase in the retail area along with a cinema, which is very exciting for the airport. The second is Spitfire Square, a large retail center that will consist of a supermarket, a tavern, a number of food and beverage outlets and specialty retail store. Again, this is a project that has been in design for a while and it is great to have the construction underway.

A quick story about a job well done: 

Recently we completed a large logistics warehouse and office facility. It has provided an existing customer with a purpose-built facility that has enabled them to consolidate two operations onto one site. This development has been enabled by a high level of co-operation and openness from both parties. Through this relationship, we have achieved a relationship which means we have a strong advocate for Christchurch Airport as a great place to develop business opportunities.

Qualifications: 
  • Advanced trade certificate – Carpentry and Joinery
  • National Certificate in Construction Site Safety (Site Safe)
  • National Diploma Quantity Surveying (by end of 2014)
Interests outside work: 
  • Family and supporting my children in sport
  • Tramping
  • Appreciation of craft beer

Dean Christie is the Property Projects Manager at Christchurch International Airport. Image: CIAL.

Read Now