Should You Go Client-Side? What to Know Before You Jump
A Career Guide for Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Property Professionals
If you work in architecture, engineering, construction, or property, chances are you’ve considered going client-side at some point. It’s one of the most common career crossroads in the built environment.
Whether you’re a Design Lead, Project Engineer, Contract Administrator, or Development Analyst, the client-side appeal is clear: broader influence, strategic focus, and a new kind of professional growth.
But this move isn’t a guaranteed step up — it’s a shift in mindset, responsibilities, and work culture. Here’s what to consider before making the leap.
1. It’s Less About Doing — and More About Managing
Client-side roles don’t involve delivering the technical work yourself. Instead, you’ll be coordinating and managing the consultants, contractors, and specialists who do.
Expect:
- Less day-to-day design or delivery detail
- More coordination, approvals, and stakeholder alignment
- Responsibility for project outcomes — without full control
This path suits professionals who enjoy strategy, problem-solving, and big-picture leadership — not those who want to stay hands-on daily.
2. Your Success Depends on Influence, Not Authority
Unlike consultancy roles where you may lead a team directly, client-side professionals typically need to lead through influence, not instruction.
You’ll need to:
- Build strong relationships with consultants and contractors
- Set clear expectations early in the project
- Proactively manage risk, budget, and scope
- Navigate competing priorities across internal stakeholders
If you’re a natural collaborator, communicator, and negotiator — this is where you’ll thrive.
3. It’s Closer to the Business — and That Changes Everything
One of the biggest advantages of going client-side is exposure to business strategy and executive decision-making.
You’ll often have a seat at the table for:
- Board-level discussions
- Capital planning and budgeting
- Portfolio and asset strategy
- ESG goals and commercial drivers
This is ideal if you’re aiming to move into development management, asset management, or executive roles. Just note that internal progression can be slower or less structured, depending on the organisation.
4. Project Variety May Narrow — But Exposure Deepens
As a consultant, you might manage 6–10 active projects. On the client side, you’ll likely oversee 1–3 larger, long-term projects from feasibility through to delivery.
That means:
- Deeper project involvement
- Greater ownership and input into outcomes
- Less day-to-day variety
If you love seeing a project through from start to finish, this can be incredibly rewarding.
5. Work Culture: Consultancy vs Client-Side
The cultural shift is real. Client-side environments — particularly corporate property or government — can feel more structured, with slower processes and more formal governance.
Before you jump, ask:
- How are projects managed internally?
- What’s the team’s relationship with external consultants?
- What does success look like in this role?
Every organisation is different — so do your homework.
Should You Make the Jump?
Client-side careers can offer:
- Strategic and commercial exposure
- Long-term project ownership
- More predictable work-life balance
- A path toward leadership or executive roles
But they also require:
- Letting go of daily technical work
- Leading through collaboration and influence
- Navigating ambiguity and stakeholder dynamics
Final Thought
If you’re ready to zoom out, think more strategically, and play a bigger role in shaping the built environment — moving client-side could be a game-changing step.
But make sure you’re not just stepping away from frustration — you’re stepping toward a future you genuinely want to grow into.
Ready to Explore Client-Side Roles?
- Follow Oceania Careers on LinkedIn for real-time hiring updates
- Contact us for a confidential chat about your next move
- Subscribe to our newsletter for industry trends and our 2025 Salary Guide
