Each CEEC INSIDE brings you an exclusive and insightful interview with an individual CEEC delegate. We ask them about themselves, their work and career and what being a member of CEEC has meant to them professionally. 

This time Julia Evans talks with Kirsi Lilja.

Hi Kirsi, it’s really good to catch up with you especially as I missed the most recent CEEC conference held in La Rochelle in France in August. I hear it went extremely well and that the seafood was (of course) exceptional!

So, you’re based in Helsinki, but has it always been your home and place of work?

Basically yes, but I wasn’t actually born in Helsinki. I grew up in a town about 100km away. We moved to the capital when I was ten years old. I went on to attend High School and then continued studying in Helsinki.

What made you decide to take the career path you did? Was it something you had thought about from an early age?

No, not at all. I was good enough at maths at school and interested in how things were constructed so I opted to take a civil engineering degree. At the time I had no idea that I would go on to become a Construction Economist.

Did you stay on in Helsinki once you had graduated Kirsi? What was your first job?

Yes, I stayed in Helsinki and joined Rapal Oy where I worked on a number of infrastructure projects such as The Rail Ring Line and new tram lines built in the Helsinki area. I also did software development related to cost engineering.

So, who are you currently working for now and what does your role entail?

Is there any specific project you’ve managed that particularly stands out for you?

Yes. Most definitely The Rail Ring around Helsinki.

It was good to be involved in something that had such a positive impact and was as of real benefit to the public and also to see how different professional groups can work effectively together.

What challenges do you face with a big project like this?

Photographs of Masterplan: Copyright Helsinki City

What projects are you currently working on?

Well, we’re now planning and building new tram lines as part of the transport strategy in Helsinki. I’m really pleased and excited to be involved in this and the positive impact it will have on our city.

You’ve been an active member of CEEC for some time now. What or who encouraged you to join, and what benefits do you feel you get from being a member?

My previous boss, Pekka Montin, encouraged me to get involved in both RAKI and CEEC as did Tarmo Savolainen, who as a previous colleague and mentor, has served as President of CEEC himself in the past. As a member of CEEC, I find I have access to fresh international ideas and a wealth of shared knowledge and guidance. The CEEC conferences are excellent. It’s really helpful to see how others in Europe are doing things and the host countries exclusive site visits are fascinating. In Barcelona, for example, we were taken behind the scenes at both La Sagrada Familia and Barcelona football stadium to see their ongoing construction plans. Amazing.

What are your thoughts on the future for CEEC?

I believe that it’s important that we take a positive view internationally. Issues like the increase in energy prices are of concern but it’s important for us to have a broader view of the world – not just the money. Other issues like the environment need to be considered.

Lastly, what are your own plans for the future?

I’m happy to continue in my present role as a Project Manager for now; however, I’m currently taking a Master’s degree in Engineering Management, and the thesis is on ‘costs of alliance contracting v traditional procurement’, so let’s see where that takes me.

Thank you Kirsi. We look forward to welcoming you at the next CEEC conference which will be held in London in May 2023.