Introduction
This month, we are back with another interview for our In The Spotlight series; we are talking to Carla Sanchez, who is in charge of administration at HAC Arquitectura.
Can you tell us a little about your background and how you became the head of administration at HAC Arquitectura?
My career at HAC Arquitectura began several years ago when I joined the firm as a receptionist. From day one, I was very attracted to the dynamic environment and innovative projects handled here. I took every opportunity to learn and grow within the company, starting with familiarizing myself with all aspects of the daily operation.
Thanks to the support of my colleagues and superiors, I took on more responsibilities and became involved in different areas, from project management to event coordination. My curiosity and desire to continuously improve led me to train in administration and finance, skills that were key to my professional development.
Over time, my knowledge and experience in the industry grew, and I was promoted to positions of greater responsibility, such as administrative assistant and operations manager. Each step in my career provided me with a broader view of the company and the construction and architecture industry.
Eventually, I became the administrative manager, a position in which I have been able to apply all of my experience and skills to contribute to the success of HAC Architecture. My journey has been a combination of hard work, constant learning, and invaluable colleague mentoring. I am very proud to be part of this company and to continue contributing to its growth and development.
How has working at HAC Arquitectura influenced your professional growth and management skills?
Working at HAC Arquitectura has been fundamental to my professional growth and the development of my administrative skills. From the beginning of my career as a receptionist, the firm has provided me with an environment conducive to learning and continuous improvement. One of the most influential aspects has been the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
Collaborating with architects, engineers, and other industry professionals has allowed me to understand the various aspects of architecture and construction. This has broadened my perspective and enhanced my ability to manage complex projects. In addition, HAC Architecture has fostered a culture of training and professional development.
Over the years, I have had access to training and courses that have honed my skills in financial management, strategic planning, and leadership. This knowledge has made me more efficient in my administrative tasks and prepared me to make informed and strategic decisions.
The company has also been a great example of innovation and adaptation. Learning to handle modern project management technologies and tools has been key to improving operational efficiency and internal organization. This experience taught me the importance of keeping up with industry trends and practices. Finally, the support and mentoring from my superiors and colleagues have been invaluable.
Their trust in me has allowed me to take on greater challenges and responsibilities, strengthening my confidence and leadership skills. In summary, working at HAC Architecture has been a transformative experience that has enriched my professional development and equipped me with the skills necessary to efficiently manage a firm in the competitive world of architecture and construction.
You oversee various aspects of the company’s operations in your role. What has been the most challenging aspect of managing the administrative side, and what valuable lessons have you learned from these challenges?
Overseeing the various aspects of HAC Arquitectura’s operations has been an enriching and challenging experience. However, the most challenging aspect of managing the administrative side has been coordinating and harmonizing the different departments and teams to ensure everyone cooperates towards our common goals.
One of the main challenges has been managing effective communication and coordination between the construction, finance, and human resources teams. Each department has its dynamics, priorities, and deadlines, and ensuring everyone is aligned and working efficiently requires considerable effort.
One valuable lesson from these challenges is establishing clear and effective communication channels. Implementing regular meetings at the interdepartmental and general levels has been crucial to keeping everyone informed and resolving any issues that may arise promptly. Fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration has also been essential to achieving a harmonious working environment.
Another important lesson is the need to be adaptable and proactive. In the construction and architecture industry, projects can change rapidly due to various circumstances, such as design modifications, changes in client requirements, or unforeseen problems at the construction site. Learning to anticipate these changes and developing strategies to address them efficiently has been critical to maintaining the continuity and success of our projects.
In addition, efficient time management and resource management are key skills I have developed. Prioritizing tasks, delegating responsibilities, and using project management tools have allowed me to optimize daily operations and ensure that deadlines are met without compromising quality.
In short, the challenges of managing the administrative side of HAC Architecture have taught me the importance of effective communication, adaptability, and efficient time and resource management. These lessons have improved my performance as an administrator and contributed to the firm’s continued growth and success.
You have managed projects in both Guadalajara and Los Cabos. What are the main administrative differences in managing projects in these two cities, and how do the logistical and operational demands differ?
Managing projects in Guadalajara and Los Cabos has been a diverse and enriching experience, as each city has its own administrative, logistical, and operational particularities. Below, I detail the main differences and how we have addressed these demands in each location.
Guadalajara
1. Infrastructure and Suppliers:
- Advantage: Guadalajara, a larger and more developed city, has a more robust infrastructure and a wide network of suppliers and contractors.
- Challenge: Competition is high, requiring more precise cost and time management to remain competitive.
- Lesson: The key has been establishing strong relationships with local suppliers and ensuring that contracts and agreements are clear and detailed.
2. Regulations and Permits:
- Advantage: Regulations and administrative processes are well established.
- Challenge: Processes can be bureaucratic and slow, requiring constant and proactive management.
- Lesson: Staying informed and having an efficient legal or permit management team has been crucial to avoid delays.
3. Labor:
- Advantage: Increased availability of skilled labor.
- Challenge: Staff turnover can be high due to competition.
- Lesson: Investing in training and maintaining a good working environment has been essential to retain talent.
Los Cabos
1. Logistics and Suppliers:
- Advantage: Projects tend to have a more exclusive and customized approach.
- Challenge: Logistics are more complex due to the geographic location, which can result in higher transportation costs and limitations in the availability of materials.
- Lesson: Planning and establishing partnerships with local and international suppliers has been critical to ensure continuous materials supply.
2. Regulations and Permits:
- Advantage: Less bureaucracy compared to a large city.
- Challenge: Regulations can be less clear and vary more frequently.
- Lesson: Maintaining a close relationship with local authorities and an adaptable legal team is key to navigating regulatory changes.
3. Manpower:
- Advantage: These are people on our team.
- Challenge: Increased reliance on foreign workers.
- Lesson: Investing in local training and offering attractive incentives to attract and retain talent from other regions is crucial.
In short, managing projects in Guadalajara and Los Cabos has required adapting our administrative and logistical strategies to address the particularities of each city. While Guadalajara offers advantages in infrastructure and resource availability, Los Cabos presents unique challenges in logistics and labor that we have overcome through planning, strong relationships, and adaptability. These experiences have enriched our ability to handle diversified projects efficiently and successfully.
What advice would you give someone starting in an administrative role in the architecture industry?
For someone just starting in an administrative role in the architecture industry, here are some key tips that can help you navigate and thrive in this dynamic environment:
1. Continuously Learn: Architecture is a constantly evolving industry. Stay up to date with the latest trends, technologies, and regulations. Participate in courses, seminars, and conferences to expand your knowledge and skills.
2. Develop Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential to coordinate between different teams and departments. Ensure your messages are clear and accurate and foster a culture of transparency and collaboration.
3. Organization and Time Management: Management in architecture involves handling multiple projects and tasks simultaneously. Develop organization and prioritization systems that allow you to manage your time effectively and meet deadlines.
4. Build Strong Relationships: Establish strong relationships with colleagues, suppliers, contractors, and customers. These connections can facilitate workflow, solve problems quickly, and open up opportunities for future projects.
5. Be Proactive and Adaptable: Architecture projects can change quickly due to unforeseen factors. Anticipate potential problems and develop solutions before they arise. The ability to adapt to new circumstances is crucial.
6. Know the Financial Aspects: Understanding budgets, costs, and financial management is critical. Make sure you have a good understanding of how to manage financial resources and maximize efficiency.
7. Foster a Positive Work Environment: A positive and motivating work environment can improve productivity and team well-being. Promote teamwork, recognition, and mutual support.
8. Use Technological Tools: Familiarize yourself with project management software and other technology tools that can help you improve efficiency and accuracy in your work.
9. Attention to Detail: Accuracy is crucial in architecture. Pay attention to detail in all aspects of your work, from documentation to project management.
10. Seek Mentors and Support Networks: A mentor or network of experienced professionals can provide valuable guidance and support. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice and learn from the experience of others.
Starting an administrative role in the architecture industry can be challenging, but with dedication, continuous learning, and the right strategies, you can build a successful and rewarding career.
