Meet the makers: Get to know Kate Zambelli, Assistant Development Manager
It takes a special team of people to make a residential community a reality! We spoke with Kate, Lendlease Assistant Development Manager, to find out about her role and what goes into making Calderwood Valley one of the Illawarra’s most sought-after neighbourhoods.
Can you tell us about yourself?
I live in Sydney, but originally spent my childhood in Brisbane, and my familial roots trace back to Italy. During my free time, I enjoy creating digital drawings by hand and oil painting on canvas.
Recently, my partner and I travelled to Europe, where we visited London, Rome, Nice, Monaco, Budapest, and Sicily.
What is your professional background?
I have a Bachelor of Architecture and Environments and a Master of Design Innovation. I’ve been part of the Lendlease team for nearly seven years now. I first secured an internship at Lendlease, through a scholarship I was awarded in 2016 which was a collaboration between Lendlease and Sydney University. Initially, I began working in the Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) design for manufacturing team and then the architectural team.
In high school, I had a fascination for design and architecture, and envisioned myself pursuing a career as an architect, however as I started my journey at Lendlease I realised architecture was not quite what I was looking for in a career. Instead, I discovered that my strengths and passion aligned more within the space of development, where I could contribute to shaping people's homes. I realised my true passion lay in development, and later was introduced to the communities business division, where I worked on communities like Jordan Springs and Kings Central, before joining Calderwood Valley a year and a half ago.
What does an average working day in the life look like for you as the Assistant Development Manager?
As an Assistant Development Manager, my day usually involves coordinating and communicating with our development team, stakeholders and contractors, as well as managing contracts, approvals and producing progress reports and updates. My job also involves a lot of project management, such as planning and budgeting, scheduling and allocating resources.
One of my favourite things about my job is the opportunity to contribute to shaping communities and creating spaces that people can call home. It’s incredibly fulfilling.
The best career advice I have received is to never stop learning and growing. Embrace new challenges, acquire new skills, and stay curious!
What is your favourite thing about Calderwood Valley?
Calderwood Valley holds a special place in my heart. The picturesque surroundings and the sense of community make it a truly unique and wonderful place. The integration of nature and thoughtful planning in Calderwood Valley creates a harmonious and inviting environment that sets it apart.
What are you most looking forward to in 2023?
In 2023, I'm looking forward to the success of the projects I am currently working on. It’s awesome to see the positive impact we make and see communities thrive as a result.