When shaping and delivering large development projects often cemented in complex scenarios, the orchestration of a panel of the best experts is required. At Colliers, an inspiring role model enhancing change within the Construction Industry sector has built herself a strong reputation throughout the past 20 years of her career.

Her name is Phillipa Aiken, the National Director of Colliers Project Leaders. She thrives as an advocate for excellence, emphasising purpose-driven projects that redefine Sydney’s landscape through culture, habits, and sustainable usages.

Phillipa joined Colliers Project Leaders in 2015 as Associate Director and has been involved in the leadership and management of large commercial developments from concept to completion. Since she champions mentoring the next wave of female talent.

Colliers’ global ESG strategy includes diversity and inclusion targets of achieving 40% female share of total employees globally by 2025 and in manager and above roles by 2030. This aim has already been achieved in Australia, and Phillipa fits right into that category.

In 2023, Phillipa was honoured with the prestigious ‘Women of the Built Environment’ award at the RICS Awards Australia. This reward confirms her endless advocacy for diversity and how more diverse thought in project management is helping shape successful outcomes.

"Ever since I started working with Phillipa, she has been nothing short of supportive, caring and at the same time possessing amazing leadership skills. She has been my constant mentor, teaching me the tricks of the trait, namely, how to succeed as a woman in construction", says Gabrielle Chidiac, Senior Project Engineer at Colliers.

Understanding her commitment to gender equality, Phillipa is part of the NAWIC NSW Mentorship Program and the 500 Women in Construction Program. According to the NAWIC 2025 Goal, the organism wants to achieve a 25% minimum female participation across the construction industry.

“At Colliers, we identify and promote clear pathways for women to have successful careers in the construction industry. We work alongside those companies that actively promote female participation in our projects. Recently completing a project where the Contractor's Site Manager was female, the lead Architect was female, and the Project Manager was female”, comments Phillipa Aiken, National Director of Colliers Project Leaders.

During her career, she has led the delivery of significant projects, to name a few, including the $300 million development of the Schools of the Meadowbank Education and Employment Precinct (SMEEP), $250 million development for Sterling Estates at City Quarter Camperdown, $100 million Judith Neilson Institute of Journalism & Ideas and the Private Art Gallery Phoenix Central Park, which was awarded as the Winner for Project Management in the Australian Business Awards in 2021.

As buildings are impacting the landscape and generations to come, the urgency to incorporate sustainability, environmental solutions and social value is palpable. Inclusivity and resilience within the built can foster measurable positive generational impacts. The case of the SMEEP is a leading example of achieving a continuum of environmental sustainability and operational efficiency for future school-building initiatives.

“The SMEEP project provided a new primary school, secondary school, and TAFE NSW Technology

Hub in one location to better connect students to training and employment opportunities. The new facilities are shared with local communities to promote sport and recreation,” Phillipa Aiken concludes.

Whether it is retaining a heritage building façade, resolving risks and conflicts, navigating through a global pandemic, maintaining a strict budget, or managing various stakeholders, Phillipa consistently applies integrity and competence as her core leading strategy, thanks to a deep understanding of the project’s context and its governance.

Through her leadership, Phillipa not only brings new perspectives into delivering buildings with a purpose, but she also creates a clear pathway for young females to rise in the construction industry.