Dedicated workforce of PH property sector

They make us stop in our tracks in awe and admiration—impressively designed skyscrapers, gorgeous-looking houses and efficiently laid out complexes. What we, of course, do not see is the group of people who toiled hard to bring us all these awe-inspiring structures that we have in our cities.

It takes a village to raise a child, says the African proverb. And the same goes for when putting up a high-rise, a house, or a masterplanned community. As a tribute to members of the workforce this approaching Labor Day, Inquirer Property looks at the various roles involved in the process of creating buildings.

Architect

From designing the structure, planning and developing, to ensuring the building’s safety and sustainability, architects have a lot on their plate when it comes to construction. The architect also sees to it that client’s vision, budget and all other requirements are met.

illustrations by steph bravo

Carpenter

With a hammer in one hand, a power tool in the other and a measuring tape in his or her pocket, a carpenter is responsible for constructing and repairing building structures and frameworks. He or she may also be tasked to build and install cabinetry as well as drywall, doors and windows, among others.

Construction equipment operators

It may look like a giant toy claw machine but operating those heavy machinery at construction sites is no walk in the (amusement) park. Admit it, watching a 400-lb construction beam being lifted by a crane 25 stories up gives you the chills. Never fear because construction equipment operators are trained to drive, maneuver and control the heavy machinery used to build and repair roads, buildings and other structures.

Construction laborers and helpers

Whatever physical work that needs to be done at the job site, they got it covered. From digging and building, painting and installing ceiling tiles, to assisting the craftspeople, the construction laborers and helpers are your people for the job.

Electrician

Those bulbs do not magically light up with a simple flick of a switch. You have electricians and their apprentices to thank for.

Engineer

Various types of engineers are involved when it comes to putting up a structure. The civil or structural engineer makes sure that the design is executed right and that the structure, especially its inner framework, is indeed substantial and sturdy. The geotechnical engineer is responsible for the structure’s foundations, while the building services engineer plans, designs, monitors and inspects the structure’s systems to ensure that it is comfortable, functional, efficient and safe.

Interior designer

Beyond making a house or a building’s interiors pretty and Instagrammable, an interior designer’s job is far more complex than that. He or she must make sure that the spaces inside the structure are utilized well and that the occupants can move efficiently throughout the building. The interior designer specifies which materials and furnishings are well suited for the structure, from the lighting and plumbing fixtures, wall finishes, flooring and furniture. He or she also creates a timeline and an estimate of the project costs and ensures that the client’s requirements are met.

Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters

These three have distinct specializations but their responsibilities are usually similar: to install the pipes and fixtures. We have the plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters to thank for our building’s water and gas supply which we use for cooking, and the pipe systems which cool the building, among a lot of other conveniences.

In addition to these people, there are of course the property developers, agents, masonry workers, roofers, elevator installers, welders, construction foremen, site managers, project assistants, coordinators, as well as an entire army of workers who each have a significant role in building an entire structure from the ground up.

The next time we marvel at a high-rise, a piece of architecture or a landmark, let us keep in mind and say a quiet thank you to all these people who have toiled day in and day out so we can have these sustainable structures we live, work and play in.

Sources:

thebalancecareers.com, targetcareers.co.uk, hierarchystructure.com, designingbuildings.co.uk