The story of how I became a builder is one that is probably the most unexpected.

My first exposure to building and construction was from the backend of things as I first completed my Bachelor of Science in Civil / Structural Engineering in 1987 in Shenyang, China.

I started first working as an estimator in China but quickly found an opportunity to travel and work in Tokyo, Japan. My two years working in Japan taught me what it meant to have attention to detail. Before, all the engineering documentation was done by hand in physical print formats.

Shortly afterwards, I moved my family with me to Singapore, where I was working as a quantity surveyor/contract administrator for arguably Singapore’s largest construction company at that time called Sembawang Constructions.

Several years later, I had the opportunity to visit Sydney in 2000 and immediately fell in love with the city.

My family moved with me to Singapore in 2001 after I helped establish a developer and construction company. At that time, there were only a handful of Chinese builders here in Sydney.

Shortly afterwards in 2006, I founded Magico Constructions as its sole managing Director.

What I have always loved about construction is the sense of bringing a project to life.

I often use the metaphor of an orchestra for construction works. The building plans are the musical score, the architect is the composer, the tradies are the musicians, and that the builder is the conductor.

As the builder/conductor, it is our responsibility to interpret the drawings/music and to bring the art to life.

Just like any conductor, you may know how to play most of the instruments (in this case, you may know how all the trades work), but you may not necessarily be the best. Instead, your job is to bring together everyone and to ensure that the architect/composer’s vision is brought to life.

I see myself as a problem solver when it comes to building difficult projects.

Over the years, I’ve encountered different projects involving:

• Disgruntled neighbours
• Sloping sites
• Narrow
• Limited site access
• Sites with no storage spaceEven after working in construction for 35 years, I am a big believer in continued self-development and embracing the new advancements in technology and construction methodology.

That is part of the reason why we are always active within the construction industry and attending webinars, events and training to upskill our team.

Unlike traditional builders, I am willing to embrace technology and take advantage of the convenience and efficiency that this brings to building projects.

I have an amazing family of four consisting of one son and one daughter. I am proud of them both for having accomplished everything they set out to achieve and feel very lucky in that both are willing to help with the company.

I am grateful for all the amazing clients over the years and the countless friendships over the years.

And that is pretty much a summary of my background story.