Petri Iloviita is a building project manager at Lakea. He runs and supervises building projects from start to finish, from buying the plot to a finished building.

What did you do before you came to Lakea?

I’m a master builder. I’ve been working in the building trade for about 20 years. I’ve been a supervisor and a site foreman on different kinds of building sites and for the past years, I’ve been a construction supervisor and a developer.

Has the work at Lakea brought along something that you have not done before?

The development of land use is something I haven’t done in my previous jobs. That means finding new building sites and developing them into projects.

What is your typical week like?

At Lakea, there are many projects going on at the same time and they are all at different phases, we always have one design project in progress and another building site. On a weekly basis, I have many different things to do because of the different schedules. Usually, I’m able to plan what I’m going to do the previous day but every day surprises also come along. Urgent requests and problems I need to solve. The work at building sites especially is pretty hectic but I’m used to that. It shows in my work too.

What sort of things do you find stressful in your work?

I don’t feel stressed out because changing situations are part of the building trade. I’m used to it. Every site is different and all of them are challenging in their own way.

Do you meet a lot of people during the day?

Every day, I’m in contact with up to 10 or 20 people. I have a lot of meetings that have to do with everything from land acquisition to design and building site operations. Here at Lakea, I’m mostly in contact with Oiva (Nyrhilä).

You have been working at Lakea for little over a year now. What do you think of Lakea as an employer and as a community?

The people here are really nice and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I like working for a company that is modern and moves along with the times. The people here also want to be at the sharp end of the development in the field. It motivates me.

What do you do on your spare time?

We have a new bichon frise puppy, Iivo, at home. When I play with the dog, time just flies. I like orienteering, running and cross-country skiing. In addition, I take part in different activities of my local sports club (Ylistaron Kilpa-Veljet). The Asemanseudun Kehittämisyhdistys village society in Ylistaro is building a sports hall, and I volunteer there as a builder. I’ve spent quite a lot of time at the hall.