Sumitra Wong’s two-decade career with RLB is testament to her unwavering dedication, technical prowess and commitment to nurturing future talent in construction.
Sumitra joined RLB in Auckland in 2004, working on some of Auckland’s most iconic projects before her promotion to Associate Director in early 2023.
Sumitra’s cheerful nature, mana and professionalism have made her a popular fixture at RLB with colleagues, consultants and clients alike. We are proud of our long tenure trends, and 20 years is a fantastic milestone.
Getting started: From classroom to construction site
Sumitra aspired to become a teacher when the construction industry piqued her interest.
“My neighbour happened to be a draughtsman – he and his partner were the coolest couple in the neighbourhood, and I hung out with them a lot. They told me I could study architecture. So, I went to architecture school, but quickly learned I am a left-brained person. I shifted to construction and ended up with a civil engineering degree from Thailand and a master’s degree in construction management in Australia. Back then, I thought it would be hard to front up to male-dominated construction sites, so I looked for other opportunities in the construction industry.”
Next came an unexpected move into quantity surveying.
“I was waiting for the bus one day, which didn’t turn up, and I realised there was a local company looking for a senior estimator – so instead of wasting the morning waiting for the bus I thought I’d ring the company (although I hadn’t yet graduated). They said ‘Well, we’re just around the corner, why don’t you pop in?’ There was no QS school in Thailand at the time, so they resourced their team from engineering backgrounds. I ended up having an interview and job offer on the spot.”
Later, Sumitra switched it up to work with a well-known main contractor. She was curious to see what quantity surveying was like from that side to inform her practice.
“It gave me a useful understanding of how the main contractor side functions.”
Joining RLB: A chance meeting changes everything
Sumitra joined RLB after meeting with renowned then-director of RLB in Auckland, the late and highly esteemed Bob Buskin. Sumitra was starting to think about moving abroad, prioritising English-speaking countries like Aotearoa New Zealand. “I had only worked for international companies and was keen to build on that by moving to a primarily English-speaking country – I love speaking English!” Bob – known for his talent for hiring exceptional people – was on a stopover in Bangkok on his way to the FIFA World Cup. He took the opportunity to meet Sumitra in person for her job interview, and the rest is history.
Sumitra’s first job was post-contract work on the Sylvia Park development and later scheduling for the new Sylvia Park flyover bridge.
“Bob meant a lot to me. He is my role model in committing in everything you are doing and in adapting to new technologies.”
Getting busy at RLB: Integrity and quality in action
Sumitra is particularly interested in contributing to bespoke, project-by-project methodologies. “The diversity of my experience has helped me understand procurement well, and my engineering background helps with construction methodology. And understanding complex programming has been helped by my degree in construction management.”
As well as having developed an impressive skill base, Sumitra is a people person and sets high standards for herself.
“When you’re working with main contractors and a large team of consultants and stakeholders, your integrity is the most important thing. My goal is to create a good relationship, work as a team for the good of the project, and keep it fair and reasonable.”
Sumitra is adamant about this.
“I want quality in my work – it’s very important to me as it has my name on it. I spend a fair amount of time on quality assurance and double-checking. But if you make a mistake, you hold yourself accountable and learn from it.”
Sharing experience: Laying the foundation for future leaders
That early dream of being a teacher is coming true, in a way. Sumitra’s position as a team leader and Associate Director offers the opportunity to take on a mentoring role at RLB. She loves to guide new quantity surveyors and help develop their skills.
“I can also be a kind of role model to the younger generation. Being a woman has no bearing on how well you can do the job – I think clients appreciate it too. You can bring a different approach when you’ve got different life experiences. I’m really serious about people being treated fairly and with respect in a work setting.”
Sumitra has a rarely-rivalled skillset that spans several sectors of construction. Her civil engineering expertise has seen her working on everything from land infrastructure to hospital infrastructure. Recently, she provided services on Auckland Hospital’s Central Plant and Tunnels project, as well as the Cordis Hotel Extension. Both have been highlights “because of the strong team culture and positive dynamic – everybody working closely together to deliver a successful project.”
“Sumitra is a highly talented member of the team who works with precision across a range of sectors. Her open approach and technical expertise make her popular with clients, consultants and colleagues alike,” says Director Ed Cook.
Managing Director Steve Gracey agrees. “What makes Sumitra different is her unique balance of technical and people skills. She’s extremely ambitious and clinical, and takes pride in her work, and people love to work with her as a result.”
Sumitra’s life in Aotearoa New Zealand
Sumitra is an active, social figure at RLB, and can frequently be found organising tramping and hiking trips. She has found New Zealand a great fit.
“This is the right place in the world for me. People here are the warmest and the friendliest. It was an easy decision for me to move to NZ permanently. Both the people and the landscape are incredible – I love the sea and the mountains. It’s a great country for the outdoors.”
Sumitra’s dedication and drive at work carry over to all areas of her life.
“I feel fulfilled!”
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