October is Careers in Construction month and WT is continuing to highlight our best and brightest career journeys in the construction industry.
Eric Bronson’s career in construction began in Perth, Western Australia, where he studied a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management and Economics at Curtin University while working full time in the industry.
His first role with Minchin & Sims gave him hands-on experience in estimating and onsite project management while he was still completing his degree. His responsibilities ranged from takeoffs and pricing to managing projects on site and helping revamp the company’s bid documentation.
One particularly memorable project was a notable residence in the Perth suburb of Floreat designed by modernist and brutalist architect Iwan Iwanoff.
Building a foundation in construction
Eric Bronson’s career in construction began in Perth, Western Australia, where he studied a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management and Economics at Curtin University while working full time in the industry.
His first role with Minchin & Sims gave him hands-on experience in estimating and onsite project management while he was still completing his degree. His responsibilities ranged from takeoffs and pricing to managing projects on site and helping revamp the company’s bid documentation.
One particularly memorable project was a renowned house in the Perth suburb of Floreat designed by modernist and brutalist architect Iwan Iwanoff.
“Get on site early, even part time while you study. You learn more by watching a job go together than from any textbook.”
After graduating, Eric Bronson moved into consulting as a cost manager and went on to become a chartered quantity surveyor (MRICS).
Following the work across the world
That foundation has taken Eric Bronson far beyond Perth. Following opportunities in the industry, he made the move from Australia to New York before eventually heading south to Miami.
Moving to New York became one of the defining moments of his career. He was immediately immersed in lender’s representative work, reviewing construction projects on behalf of the banks financing them. The experience gave him a firsthand understanding of how projects in the U.S. are financed and how the construction payment process operates.
From there, Eric Bronson contributed to some of New York’s most recognizable developments, including Central Park Tower, Steinway Tower and One Wall Street. The projects ranged from supertall and ultra-slender skyscrapers to the transformation of an Art Deco office landmark into residences.
“It proved the skills travel. New market, new contracts, same fundamentals.”
For Eric Bronson, the experience reinforced that while the market, contracts and projects may change, the fundamentals of the profession remain the same.
Building WT’s presence in Miami
Today, Eric Bronson serves as Vice President and Florida Lead at WT, based in Miami. With the backing of Antony George, Andy Sumner and the wider WT business, he opened WT’s Miami office and is helping establish and grow the business in Florida.
His role combines project delivery, business development and team growth. Eric Bronson leads cost management services for developers, owners and family offices across luxury hospitality, high-end residential, sports and entertainment venues, and premium office projects, supporting clients from early budgeting through project closeout.
More than a decade into his career, he has now worked on more than $10 billion of construction.
Looking beyond the obvious career paths
For those considering careers in construction, Eric Bronson encourages young professionals to look beyond the roles most commonly associated with the industry.
While builders and architects may be the most visible professions, there is an extensive commercial side of construction encompassing cost management, estimating and project controls. Those less obvious career paths can also create opportunities to work across different sectors, projects and parts of the world.
“Construction isn’t just builders and architects. There’s a whole commercial side that a lot of students don’t know exists, and it can take you anywhere. Mine took me halfway around the world.”
His other piece of advice is simple: be willing to take the opportunity when it comes.
“Back yourself. When the bigger project or the move overseas comes up, take it.”
Build your career with WT
At WT, careers in construction take many forms. Our people bring different experiences, disciplines and perspectives to their work, while contributing to projects and the communities they serve.
Interested in where a career in construction could take you? Explore opportunities with WT.
Eric Bronson
Vice President
