Juha Sallmén, Specialist Building Services

Who do you consult during the projects?

“Mostly I conduct discussions with real estate maintenance companies and condominiums. For example, I am involved in planning pipe repair and replacement projects. The planning phase is important: during this phase project guidelines and policies, as well as quality levels, are defined.

Furthermore, I act in a monitoring and supervising role in many projects, which is totally different from the planning tasks. In this context, monitoring includes overseeing and making sure that different technical systems in buildings are properly built or renovated. I visit construction sites as a representative of the developer and see to it that the contractor is working according to the contract. I also prepare meetings between the contractor and the developer, as well as take part of them in the role of an expert. At first it felt a bit awkward to approach these issues from the opposite perspective than I was used to in my previous position, but now I’m used to this new role.”

When people’s homes are in question, surely stirs up a lot of feelings? How do you deal with those?

“That is true, and that is why it is important to keep the best interests of the project in mind at all times. Decisions and suggestions need to be carefully considered as they affect the building for decades to come.

Psychological intuition can also be of use, as I often resolve conflicts between the different parties. However, I feel this is an important part of my work: each project is unique, and I have the opportunity to work with a variety of different people in order to solve the varying issues encountered. As a consultant I have a broad view of the project and meet people with different expertises. I can learn a lot from these encounters.”