'As a project manager, you are responsible for the execution and delivery of the project.'
Jill Akkerman is a Project Manager at Zwartwoud. What does that entail? Jill explains.
As a project manager, you are responsible for the execution and delivery of the project. Of course, that involves a lot: finances, planning, and the execution of construction work.
One day you're traveling across the Netherlands to various projects, and the next day you're in the office answering emails. It's very varied. That's what I like about it, that no two days are the same. And sometimes you think you know what to expect that day, and then the day takes a turn, and you suddenly find yourself doing completely different things. I really enjoy that.
We are both points of contact, we divide responsibilities, and we rely heavily on each other. I think we're a good team.
At Zwartwoud, we also handle complete turnkey projects. That means you take on an entire renovation, addressing not only custom interiors but also structural components. So, new walls, new flooring, painting.
I studied Civil Engineering. I actually graduated as a Civil Engineer. Before this, I had a job where I was in the office all day, just drawing. At Zwartwoud, you're out and about a lot and have a lot of contact with people, which is why I applied, as I missed that in my previous role. I also find interiors very enjoyable and interesting. I wasn't sure what to expect beforehand, but I really like it here.
I started here as an assistant with the idea of being trained as a project manager. Now I form a team with Herman. He knows a lot about interiors, and I know a lot about civil engineering, so we learn a great deal from each other. Together, we take on projects. We are both points of contact, we divide responsibilities, and we rely heavily on each other. I think we're a good team.
I found Schoonenberg to be one of the most enjoyable projects to work on, partly because it was my first independent civil engineering project. This year, we also completed an internal renovation: we refurbished the canteen and restrooms. That project might even be my number one. I really enjoyed it because we collaborated with the internal design department, production, and our own fitters. You get to know the entire company from the inside, and I learned a lot from that. I think we all learned a great deal from it. It has been very beneficial for my development here at the company.
We also did Jansen & Jansen Oogzorg in Ridderkerk, which I also really enjoyed. That was also a design from our own design studio, and we completely renovated the store. I found it really cool to experience: how you go from design to execution.
The first project I executed entirely on my own was Ausnutria. That only involved furniture, which was ideal for calmly exploring the work. I also had a very good collaboration with the client there.
I've just completed the Schoonenberg project in Amersfoort. That was the first structural renovation I did myself. I had already been able to observe a bit at previous branches, and now I got to do this branch myself. I enjoyed that.
More than half of my interior decor simply comes from thrift stores or online marketplaces!
I learn so much here! I actually learn something new every day. If it's not within the company, then I learn it from the external parties I collaborate with.
It's really a man's world. I haven't encountered a woman in this field yet. I actually find it a pleasant world to work in; people are straightforward. Of course, that varies by province, haha! Ultimately, things always go best with the down-to-earth northerners. I'm from Groningen myself, so that probably has something to do with it.
I think we have a really great team with very enthusiastic colleagues. Everyone is happy to help each other, and I notice that the company itself gives you a lot of freedom and opportunity to grow with the business, which is currently expanding rapidly.
Furthermore, I really like that we have our own design studio, our own production, and our own fitters here. You don't manage people from behind your computer; instead, you can observe, feel materials, and learn things yourself. I find that very pleasant, also for my development. I can ask questions. People here are happy to explain things to you. For example, if I ask in the factory: how does a Lamello work? They immediately say: come along, and they show me.
I often try to step into production, and I notice that it's appreciated. We have enthusiastic employees here who are happy to show what they're working on.
I think it's great that Zwartwoud is focused on circularity. I'm 26, so I grew up with the whole aspect of circularity, and it was also an important theme in my education. I really enjoy it, and I notice that I often initiate things myself regarding sustainability. For example, with the renovation of the canteen, where I thought about reusing certain components.
My way of thinking is already very circular. That's probably due to my generation. It's very important and interesting for the future to see what's possible nowadays. I do it at home too: if I have leftover material, I don't throw it away; instead, I come up with something fun to do with it. Plus, more than half of my interior decor simply comes from thrift stores or online marketplaces!
I'm very keen to learn more about interior construction itself, as I have little knowledge of it. So, in January, I'm starting a furniture-making course. Really fun. There I'll learn all the ins and outs of interior construction. I might not have to execute it here, but having the knowledge is very useful. So you can think in a solution-oriented way. If a fitter calls you with a small problem, I want to be able to offer a solution. I still find that difficult now. But I'm confident that will come!
We have a really great team. And we truly have projects to be proud of. Craftsmanship. I'm very proud of that. I always love showing photos of the projects we've completed to my friends and family.
And of course, we have the newly renovated canteen and restrooms. With hot chocolate! Why wouldn't you want to work here?!”
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