Bea served as the construction site manager for the Schwamendingen enclosure project — an innovative and unique initiative aimed at enhancing residential and living quality in Zurich. We asked her about her experiences during this time.
Mathias, who are you and what is your role at WALO?
I serve as a construction site manager and project leader, currently overseeing a concrete rehabilitation project on the urban highway in Basel. This entails managing the on-site construction, conducting comprehensive work preparation (AVOR) for three foremen and their teams, planning resources such as personnel, materials, inventory, and subcontractors, coordinating schedules, and optimizing processes in collaboration with the client and project designers to ensure efficient and timely execution. Additionally, I handle construction administration, including financial aspects, site controlling, billing with measurements, time and material accounting, and change order management. The work is highly diverse, and no two days are the same—that's what I enjoy about it.
How did you enter the construction industry?
I have always been active in sports, which initially led me to consider the sporting goods industry. However, I missed the hands-on aspect and physical work in the open air. I then decided to pursue an apprenticeship as a mason, where the results of daily work are tangible.
Why did you choose masonry specifically? There are other trades as well.
That's true. I briefly considered becoming a carpenter but couldn't envision working in a workshop every day. As a mason, I worked with various materials and on different construction sites.
What happened after your apprenticeship?
During my apprenticeship, I quickly realized that I didn't want to work as a mason indefinitely but wanted to further my education within the construction industry. An accident in my second year, where I injured my back, accelerated my decision to become a construction manager. After completing my apprenticeship, I passed an entrance exam to directly enter the construction management program at the Aarau Construction School.
Did that work out?
Yes. After finishing my apprenticeship, I worked for several months as a mason/foreman before starting the three-year full-time study program in Aarau. In the first internship semester, I gained valuable practical experience in building construction as a foreman. In the second semester, I supported a construction manager in office tasks and managed my first own construction sites in both building and civil engineering. This experience sparked my interest in civil engineering—though I didn't want to abandon concrete construction. I found my niche in civil engineering. It was the right path for me, and I would choose it again.
"No day is like the other."
What makes civil engineering special for you?
Each project is unique. Unlike building construction, where processes often repeat, civil engineering—especially work on highways or for the SBB—requires extensive advance planning, including obtaining permits for short closure periods, night shifts, and weekend work. Infrastructure projects are not entirely plannable, and one must adapt to short-term changes. That makes my work exciting.
What particularly excites you about your job?
The variety—every day is different. I interact with many different people and collaborate with various trades at different locations and projects. I'm also fascinated by developing new solutions and actively shaping progress. For example, UHPC (Ultra-High-Performance Concrete), which WALO was among the first companies in Switzerland to use extensively on bridges.
Were there projects that particularly influenced you?
Yes, the border bridge. There, I was able to take on responsibility not only as a construction manager but also as the site manager—including a significant UHPC installation. It was technically demanding, exhausting, but very instructive.
Sounds exciting but also very intense! What motivates you during challenging phases?
The joy in the profession and ambition. It's motivating to drive past a completed structure and say: I was part of that project. And, of course, teamwork—achieving something together provides immense strength and energy.
Would you say your work-life balance is in order?
For me, it is. I know that after intense phases, even in large projects, I can recover. I greatly appreciate this flexibility at WALO.
How did you come to WALO?
During my internship in the construction management program, I was most fascinated by concrete construction and wanted to establish myself in civil engineering. A friend working as a construction manager in this field was part of a joint venture with WALO on the cross-city line in Zurich-Oerlikon. I gained insights into working with massive concrete walls in the track area and was immediately enthusiastic.
Initially, I chose another company from this joint venture that was working at the airport. There, I was involved in installing large concrete surfaces for aircraft stands, which was also very exciting. After some time, I decided to take an extended trip abroad and therefore resigned. Upon my return, someone from WALO approached me immediately. The timing was perfect—and I've been here ever since.
Why did you stay?
The development opportunities and the variety of projects made possible by the company's size are appealing. Despite its size, WALO maintains flat hierarchies and emphasizes teamwork. Regulations and freedom are balanced at WALO, which is not a given.
What does it take to be a good construction manager?
Teamwork, good people skills, and perseverance. Of course, economic and practical thinking are also important—but interpersonal skills are central.
Did you have role models?
Definitely. At WALO, there's the "godparent" principle. My first project manager, who guided me at the beginning of this job, positively influenced me with his working style and demeanor. Our department head is also a role model—his calmness and composure impress me. Not reacting immediately but first observing and then deciding—that's something I've taken to heart.
What do you still want to achieve professionally?
In the coming years, I want to further solidify my role as overall project manager at WALO. Everything else will develop in due course.
Final question: Was there a moment when you thought: This is my profession?
It's not a single moment. It's many small moments—when a project runs smoothly, when the team is motivated, when the client expresses gratitude, and when a construction project is completed without accidents.
Thank you for the engaging conversation!
