Ruchika Pandey (she/her) is a Manager of Construction Administration (CA) at Turner Fleischer Architects (TF), Toronto, Canada.
Construction administration comprises leadership and administration of projects to ensure contracts are adhered to amongst collaborating disciplines and clients, while also ensuring designs of construction projects are realized in built form. Construction administrators are skilled communicators, problem-solvers, and project managers.
Her interest in architecture began with a visit to a prestigious School of Architecture during a summer vacation. She was struck by the vibrant and creative atmosphere, filled with aspiring architects, studios equipped with drafting tables, walls adorned with artwork, and intricate building models. It was during this visit that she realized “it is architecture or nothing!”
Six years later, she completed her B. Arch from Bangalore University, marking the official start of her architectural career, which now comprises of professional experience in two countries: India and Canada.
On the very first day of her job, Ruchika was sent to site. Witnessing the drawings take shape, trades coordinating with one another, interpreting the design intent, re-evaluating details, real-time problem solving as they progressed sparked her interest in construction. She realized that architecture is not just about designing, but also about getting it built. The fact that she loved being part of the construction phases still shapes her career today.
Working in India for over eight years provided her with a solid foundation in architectural practice. While in India, she took on the additional responsibility of Project Auditor, focusing on process development and ensuring compliance across construction projects. This experience taught her valuable skills useful for construction administration, and fostered attributes such as agility and a learning mindset.
Ruchika reflects that…
“Finding a career that does not feel like a job has been the most powerful source of motivation. Every project is unique with its own respective challenges. It’s extremely fulfilling and rewarding to find solutions and realize the design intent into built environment.”
Proud Career Achievements
One of Ruchika’s proudest achievements is earning her role as Manager, Construction Administration at Turner Fleischer (TF). In this role, she leads a dynamic team of 13 skilled individuals in supporting both internal project teams and external stakeholders during the construction phase. The trust placed in her has been a driving force and she takes immense pride in leading and supporting a robust construction administration team.
With over 23 years of industry experience, Ruchika’s expertise spans various facets of construction administration. Her experience includes working on a diverse range of projects, from mixed-use high-rise residential developments to institutional, commercial, and retail. Over the past three years as a Manager at Turner Fleischer, she has gained experience managing people and developing talent.
Within TF, Ruchika actively participates in the TF Academy, an internal educational program that promotes learning and teaching opportunities for all studio members. For the past two semesters, she has co-taught a unique course called “Long and Short of CA.” In this course, she shares real-life experiences, breaks down complex construction administration challenges, and imparts valuable lessons to colleagues.
Respected Leadership Attributes
Courage is a leadership attribute that Ruchika deeply respects and values. Courageous leaders, in her view, drive positive change, take measured risks to achieve their vision, navigate challenging situations with finesse, and embrace failure as inevitable to progress. This attribute has been a constant source of inspiration in both her personal and professional life.
One of the most significant changes in Ruchika’s career was the decision to leave India and move to Canada in February 2010. The transition wasn’t easy, as she faced months of job applications and rejections. However, her determination and resourceful nature paid off when she secured her first job in Canada, marking a new chapter in her career.
Ruchika reflects on her experience as a newcomer professional with international experience:
“I did not anticipate the struggle I would have to go through to find my first job here. After applying online for four months in vain, one Friday morning of July 2010, I shortlisted fifteen firms located on Spadina Avenue between Queen Street & Front Street. I printed my resumes and portfolio and started knocking doors. A few firms were not welcoming at all, while others allowed me to leave my resume at reception.
Walking into offices without appointment required me to step outside of my comfort zone. I was confident in my professional abilities and skills gained from eight years of working in India. With every rejection, I was rethinking my strategy and improvising on how present myself even better the next time. All I needed was one opportunity to present its self.
The only person that welcomed me into their studio and interviewed me was Dan Teh from CXT Architects Inc. I walked out of CXT office with assurance from Dan that I will be hired. He stayed true to his words, and I started working full time with CXT in August 2010. The rest is history.”
Mentorship has played a profound role in shaping Ruchika’s career. Through mentorship, she gained invaluable knowledge, practical skills, and crucial insights beyond formal education. Effective mentorship, in her opinion, hinges on a combination of interpersonal skills and professional experience, built on trust and mutual respect.
“Just knowing that someone believes in you is such a powerful motivator.”
Perspectives on Changes in the Profession
Ruchika believes that the architectural profession and industry must prioritize sustainability and take immediate actions to address environmental challenges. Furthermore, fostering an inclusive environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion is imperative.
Ruchika observes a significant positive change in the architectural landscape—increased awareness of climate change and environmental concerns. Sustainability has become a focal point of architecture. She reflects the policies and strategies implemented by the City of Toronto to reduce emissions as a commendable step in this shift.
For Ruchika, architecture is more than just design; it’s a reflection of societal values and priorities. She cites the example of Mumbai’s first public toilet exclusively for transgender people, emphasizing how architecture has the power to shape not only the physical world, but also improve the quality of life for individuals and entire communities.
Recently, Ruchika participated as a mentor in the Toronto Society of Architects’ event that featured successful internationally-trained architects. It reinforced the need to support newcomer talent to benefit both the internationally-trained professionals and our profession, which benefits so much as a collection of people with expertise gained from around the world.
Leadership Considerations
Ruchika stresses the importance of representation in industry efforts of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). Breaking gender stereotypes and creating environments that nurture diverse talents and viewpoints are essential. In her view, true innovation and inclusivity occur when individuals from diverse backgrounds collaborate in a safe space, fostering creativity and comprehensive solutions.
Ruchika is a respected architectural professional and people-manager. Reflecting on her initial exposure to architecture during grade school emphasizes the importance of outreach to young people. Her journey since has benefited from leadership and mentorship and now she offers these to support of others’ own careers.
To those considering or starting their careers in architecture, Ruchika imparts valuable advice.
“Build a diverse skill set, embrace lifelong learning, adaptability, and adopt a willingness to seize new opportunities are crucial. Architecture is an ever-evolving field, and staying agile and open to change is key to success.”
