Our Movers and Shakers series is spotlighting Aotearoa's leading sustainability professionals transforming the way we design, build and operate our buildings and homes. These are the people leading the charge for a more sustainable built environment throughout Aotearoa.
Sarah Wootton
Waikato-based Sarah Wootton is a senior project manager with Pragmatix and has nine years experience working in construction and project management across industrial, commercial and residential sectors. As a former elite rower, she is results-driven and committed to high-performance sustainable building outcomes.
What inspired your decision to study architecture?
I initially wanted to be a veterinarian as many kids do but after a stint as a teenage volunteer in a vet clinic, I decided it wasn’t for me! I looked at the school subjects and hobbies I enjoyed and wanted something that combined maths with art – that also led to a job which could be done in service to others rather than just for my own interests. That’s where the idea of studying architecture was born. I rapidly fell in love with the built environment and how it connects people.
Why a career in project management?
After graduating from Victoria University of Wellington I considered both architecture and project management - the deciding factor was as a project manager I’d be a leader who could drive change from day one but as an architect I’d need to work for 10 to 15 years before being in a leadership position. I definitely miss the creativity of architecture but the more established my career becomes the more certain I am that I made the right decision. I also optimistically thought the work/life balance was better, but I think the jury is still out on that!
You’re a former high-performance athlete – an international-level rower – how has this impacted your career?
The biggest measurable impact was relocating from Wellington to Hamilton to pursue my rowing career. I was a late starter in rowing, so I’d already begun my work career before moving north. It was an interesting balance working part-time for a few years whilst also being a full-time athlete, but I was fortunate to do both. Although it may have slowed me down a little back then, rowing has had such a positive impact on my career across the board. The diversity of experience has given my work a depth it didn’t have before. I’ve also been very fortunate to work with Pragmatix – they’ve supported me year on year and are a huge part of why I love my work.
What learnings have you transferred from elite sport to your workplace?
I could talk about the learning and evolution I’ve been through in the last few years for hours on end... I think the most valuable lessons are the importance of communication and confidence.
I’m a strong advocate for there being a place for confidence and self-belief but in a team environment where you want the best project outcome for all parties, your ego needs to be left at the door. In communication a combination of both positive and constructive feedback is critical for development and success.
Even negative feedback can have great value. Go out and seek feedback from peers and mentors, give it to other people and always take your opportunity to learn from it. It’s the fastest way to grow. Do your lessons learned!
As a Green Star professional what shaped your interest in sustainability and care of the environment?
I grew up following my Mom around the garden helping out and growing my own tomatoes. We also spent lots of holiday's tramping or camping at lakes and rivers. I’ve always respected and loved the environment and through studying architecture I came to respect how the environment shapes our buildings and our day-to-day lives. Industry-wise sustainability has been growing into a great shaper of innovation and growth, and I can see it being a driving factor in the next evolution of building styles.
Is our construction industry up to speed with sustainable building processes and high-performance building outcomes?
Pockets of it are and there are some people doing great work, but I think ‘mainstream’ sustainability still gets a bit of a bad reputation - so integration has been quite slow. A large part of the industry still sees sustainability as an add-on or something that’s just for branding purposes rather than being good for the planet and the bottom line.
There’s definitely push back against the capex cost of some sustainable items and it’s still hard to convince teams you can apply sustainable practices in a way that makes good business sense with great pay-back periods or very little upfront cost. We take a lot of our learnings and processes from overseas and apply them here - rather than being a leader ourselves which always means we’ll be a bit behind.
How do you grow a greener conversation in the projects you’re leading?
I try to nudge the needle in that direction through everything I do. By just including sustainable decisions as part of everyday processes it becomes very natural to choose a more sustainable option when you get a choice where it makes sense. Pointing out the business or design sense behind the sustainable choices helps get even those who’re on the fence – on side!
What’s the biggest buzz of your job?
Definitely seeing a project handed over to an excited tenant and when people enjoy working in my project teams. If people enjoy working on the project and everyone’s moving in the same direction it makes collaborating as a team effortless and without fail gives excellent results.
What is your favourite green building?
I have a huge soft spot for older buildings and those designed to take advantage of the natural world. Casa Batlló in Barcelona, designed by Antoni Gaudi, is one of my favourite examples. Gaudi refurbished an existing building rather than constructing a new one 120 years ago and his design allowed natural daylight and passive ventilation to create a place which is still comfortable a century later.
It’s such a benefit to operational costs and decarbonisation to use passive design elements. I’d love to see more of that in modern buildings.