Where every structure tells a story and every design speaks of innovation, Mr. Om Jagadish Prasad stands as a paragon of vision and dedication. His portfolio, a tapestry of diverse and iconic projects, reflects a profound understanding of both aesthetic beauty and functional integrity.
As we delve deeper into Mr. Om Jagadish Prasad’s illustrious career, we uncover the philosophies and experiences that have shaped their path, offering a glimpse into the mind of a true architectural luminary. Join us as we explore the journey of Mr. Om Jagadish, a journey that continues to redefine the art and science of architecture.
Mr. Om Jagadish gave a quick brief of his professional journey that he was born into a middle-class, education-focused family, where he always prioritized academics while also participating in sports during his school and college years.
As he advanced into higher education, Om’s academic pursuits took center stage. He completed his Civil Engineering degree from the renowned Chaitanya Bharti Institute of Technology (CBIT) in Hyderabad, where he graduated as a gold medalist in 2005 and was also awarded a gold medal by Institute of Engineers for his academic excellence. Despite the booming IT sector at the time, which led him to secure a campus placement with Wipro, his passion for Civil Engineering remained steadfast.
He continued that after achieving an impressive All India Rank (AIR) of 89 in the GATE 2005 examination and went on to pursue his master’s in Environmental Engineering and Management from IIT Kanpur. Reflecting on his time there from 2005 to 2007, he describes those two years as both the toughest and the most rewarding, filled with rigorous challenges and cherished memories.
With over 17 years in the industry, Om’s career is marked by prestigious educational credentials and significant professional experience. He has worked with major players in the real estate and property sector, including a notable tenure with DLF, 12 years at JLL, and his current role is at Savills. His journey from a middle-class upbringing to an accomplished professional is a testament to his dedication and perseverance.
Mr. Om Jagadish has shared some of the core philosophies that have shaped his professional journey in the industry. Reflecting on the importance of safety, he stated, “Safety in the construction industry is paramount. Unfortunately, much of the sector remained unorganized for long time and continues to be so for some areas even now, leading to compromises that can be fatal. Ensuring safe work practices was my foremost philosophy when I began my career on-site, and it remained my priority as I transitioned into design and coordination roles. Incorporating safety from the design stage is crucial.”
Om emphasized the significance of resilience and adaptability, particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also underscored the ethical responsibility of the team and the project, ensuring that every solution provided is sustainable. Delivering solutions that stand the test of time is essential. It’s not about securing repeat business due to failures but providing reliable, long-lasting solutions.
Collaboration within the team is another cornerstone of Om’s approach. He believes that leveraging the diverse strengths of team members fosters innovation and creativity. In his strong opinion, Innovation doesn’t have to be extraordinary; it can come from small changes. Collaborative efforts lead to meaningful innovations, he said.
Ultimately, client satisfaction is at the heart of his philosophy. While everyone works to earn a living, organizations thrive on client satisfaction. Meeting client expectations is the key to success, Om concluded. His insights reflect a commitment to safety, ethics, sustainability, teamwork, and client-centric solutions, driving excellence in the construction and design industry.
When asked about the most impactful aspect of his professional journey, Om emphasized the importance of a strong, interdependent supply chain. He said, for a Civil Engineer, having a robust supply chain is crucial. Unlike other fields, Civil Engineering requires a high level of interdependency, making supply chain control vital.
Om believes that treating everyone at different levels as stakeholders and partners, rather than mere contractors, is key to achieving this control. He has been working towards phasing out the term “contractor” in favor of “vendor partner” for the past eleven years. Whether drafting contracts, writing emails, or speaking to project teams, he stated that vendor partners should build a stronger, more collaborative supply chain network. This approach has yielded significant results, with vendor partners often stepping in to support projects, even at aggressive margins, due to the strong relationships built over time.
Additionally, Om highlighted the importance of clear communication. He shared a valuable lesson from his mentor, James Jipu Jose, who taught him to break down project activities based on sequencing and to develop a realistic schedule. Clear communication about what can be achieved and when, has been fundamental to Om’s success. It ensures that all stakeholders have a clear understanding of project timelines and milestones, enabling better client satisfaction and project outcomes.
By focusing on supply chain management and clear communication, Om has consistently driven economic efficiency and continuous learning within his organizations. His approach underscores the importance of strong partnerships and transparent communication in achieving professional success.
Mr. Om Jagadish’s professional journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability. He candidly shares the numerous challenges he has faced, emphasizing that failure is an integral part of growth. He asserted that I’ve failed a lot of times, and I’m happy to say that. There’s nothing wrong with failing.
Over the past four or five years, budget constraints have been a recurring challenge. Om notes that value engineering becomes crucial as clients often demand significant results with minimal costs. Experience in value engineering is invaluable because it helps meet client expectations economically. Understanding the market and staying connected with supply chain management allows you to identify cost-effective materials without compromising quality.
Om underscores the importance of transparent communication with stakeholders, especially when dealing with budget constraints. “Engage stakeholders early, set realistic expectations, and communicate clearly. If the budget is insufficient, address it upfront to align goals with reality.”
Safety have also been paramount in Om’s career. Despite working in an unorganized industry, he believes in being proactive about safety. He said, you can’t use the industry’s unorganized nature as an excuse. To change the system, you need to be part of it and make a difference from within. Encourage and train workers, conduct safety audits, and lead by example.
Coordination with multiple vendors has presented challenges, especially as the concept of turnkey solution and general contracting have evolved swiftly over the last decade. Effective communication remains a persistent issue. Communication should be clear and have a closed loop. Open-ended communication often leads to confusion. Every task should have a defined timeline to ensure accountability and efficiency.
In sum, Om’s approach to overcome professional challenges involves a blend of experience, market knowledge, clear communication, and a commitment to safety. His insights serve as valuable lessons for navigating the complexities of the modern professional landscape.
To be continued>>>