Afsaneh Alinasab
Architectural Designer and Project Coordinator, Struc Services Ltd
Master of Construction Management with Honours (First Class)
She appreciated the practical elements of the Master of Construction Management that connected academic learning with real industry experience, says Afsaneh Alinasab who has a background in architecture and found herself deeply involved in many stages of building projects.
“We worked on applied and group-based projects that developed our teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, while also giving us experience in managing project responsibilities collaboratively. This reflected real industry practice, and working with students from diverse backgrounds was one of the main highlights for me. AUT provided a supportive and collaborative learning environment, and I highly valued the friendships and professional networks I built during my studies.
“Academically, the programme was especially valuable because it allowed me to combine my architectural background with construction management knowledge, helping me better understand the connection between design and project delivery. The programme also introduced practical industry tools such as Microsoft Project, which helped me better understand project scheduling and construction planning processes. In addition, AUT regularly invited guest lecturers and industry professionals to share their experiences and insights, which provided valuable exposure to real-world construction practices and current industry expectations. Through these opportunities, I gained stronger practical knowledge, improved collaboration skills and was able to expand my professional network.”
Afsaneh says she felt strongly supported throughout her studies.
“During my time at AUT, I received strong support from my project supervisor, Professor Amirhosein Ghaffarianhoseini, who was consistently available to provide valuable feedback, academic guidance and direction throughout my studies, particularly during my project work. His support played an important role in helping me improve the quality of my work and develop a deeper understanding of the subject. In addition, the Employability and Careers team was very helpful in providing guidance and advice related to my professional development, offering useful insights that supported both my academic progress and future career planning.”
Involved from concept to construction
After graduating from AUT in mid-2025, Afsaneh now enjoys her role as an architectural designer and project coordinator for Struc Services Ltd, a consulting practice specialising in multi-unit and high-end residential developments across New Zealand.
“In my current role, what I enjoy the most is being involved in all stages of a project, from the initial concept and design development through to construction and completion. This end-to-end involvement gives me a complete understanding of how a project evolves and enables me to see how early decisions directly influence the final outcome. For me, it’s very rewarding to observe a project grow from an idea into a built structure, and to know that I have contributed to that process. This progression from concept to construction is what makes the work both meaningful and exciting for me.”
She says her studies prepared her well for her role now, including some aspects of construction management she hadn’t always expected.
“More than I initially expected, my AUT degree prepared me for how important communication, teamwork and coordination are in real construction environments. Coming from an architectural background, I focused more on technical and design aspects, but the programme helped me realise that successful project delivery depends heavily on collaboration between different stakeholders and clear communication. I also didn’t fully anticipate how closely the academic projects at AUT would reflect real industry processes, especially in terms of planning, scheduling and managing team responsibilities. This experience prepared me to adapt more confidently to real-world project environments and understand the practical challenges of construction work.”
Advice for other students
Afsaneh’s advice for other students is simple: fully engage with both the theoretical and practical aspects of the programme.
“Take advantage of group projects, ask questions and make use of feedback from lecturers – it really helps improve your understanding and performance. Stay consistent, and try to actively learn the practical tools and software as they’re essential for applying knowledge in real-world situations.”
She also has some guidance for those interested in a career in construction management.
“For a career in construction management, I’d strongly recommend building good communication and teamwork skills alongside your technical knowledge. The industry is highly collaborative, so being able to coordinate with different professionals is very important. It’s also valuable to gain as much exposure as possible to real projects and industry environments. This helps you understand how projects actually progress from concept to construction and prepares you for real challenges in the field.”
