Perfect Circle People | Theodora Vitelis

Name | Theodora Vitelis

Job Title | Project Manager 

Perfect Circle Partner | AECOM

A little bit about Theodora

I joined AECOM in 2019 as a Graduate Project Manager, after completing a master’s degree in project management. From the moment I joined, I was fortunate enough to be involved in a variety of complex infrastructure projects and programmes in the defence, education, commercial and justice. 

I have also had the opportunity to provide pro-bono project management services to clients on behalf of AECOM in the local community for social value initiatives.

Career highlight 

One career highlight was providing pro-bono project management services to the Winchester Beacon (link), a non-profit organisation. I helped them complete multiple phases of construction works to update their building and provide a better and more suitable facility for staff and users. 

I also supported the organisation through the project, delivering progress meetings, conducting site visits and ad hoc meetings, such as risk reduction meetings and meetings to guide them through key decisions. This was a really rewarding project for those involved and received really positive feedback from users and the Winchester Beacon.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

Definitely coffee (kidding - kind of!) It's knowing that I am working on a much-needed programme that will provide the necessary infrastructure to improve the education of SEND children. This will not only make a positive impact directly on the children and staff, but also on the parents, carers and guardians.

What does a typical day look like?

My typical day starts at 6am and heading to the gym. After this, I'll head into the office and log on and assess what the day is looking like. I'm usually catching up with the client, project team and the appointed contractor, assessing priorities and outlining the next steps on critical items. I currently don't need to go to site too often as we are not in the construction phase, so I am mainly office based which is a nice change of pace.

How much of your workload includes Perfect Circle commissions?

Currently 100% of my workload. I joined the SEND Programme in November 2023, when it was in RIBA Stage 2 and have been working full time on it since then progressing through the remaining stages.

What do you like most about your role?

I love interacting with different groups of stakeholders. Whether it's the contractor, client or project team, I like talking to others and collaborating to solve problems and achieve our common goal. It's a bonus when you get to break through the professional barrier and interactions evolve and become more personal and informal. When you can be on projects for more than a year, it's good to have that balance across the teams!

If you could switch jobs with someone, who would it be?

I would switch jobs with Married at First Sight expert Paul Brunson. For those who don’t know, Married at First Sight is a reality TV show where strangers get married. I would love to be an expert and run the Commitment Ceremony sessions and evaluate the dinner party footage. I wouldn’t want to be a contestant though! 

What is your biggest achievement to date (personal or professional)?

I was awarded a Champion medal and a Certificate of Appreciation by the CRASH, the UK construction charity for AECOM's pro bono efforts on the Winchester Beacon project. This was really touching to receive and made all the hard work worth it!