Iina Mustonen, Kaisa Haanpäätä and Sannakaisa Puttonen share slightly different career paths in construction as well as a passion for developing the construction industry. This Tampere-based construction management team has been praised for their exceptional teamwork and good vibes.
The Hartela Aasianpiha housing construction site in Hervanta, Tampere, is managed by a team of three top experts: the responsible foreman Iina Mustonen (pictured left), construction site engineer Kaisa Haanpaa and foreman Sannakaisa PuttonenEveryone will have started at Hartela at the end of 2024.
Iina says that the collaboration with Kaisa and Sannakaisan is solution-oriented. “We discuss a lot, and here we can bring up our own uncertainties. If there is something we don’t know, we will definitely find a solution together.”
The trio praises the great atmosphere and teamwork at the Aasianpiha construction site. However, they believe that there is still room for improvement in the construction industry in general, especially in terms of learning culture.
The construction industry is often perceived as traditional and not necessarily very reform-friendly. Sometimes it can feel like it takes time to adopt and learn new ways of working. However, adopting new things ultimately makes work easier in the long run, the trio knows. Currently, the construction site has switched to implementing synchronous production.
"Time-based production enables better management of the construction site. The construction management knows what is happening everywhere at any time, and is able to plan the work phases and their schedules more precisely," says Iina.
When your own mistakes are an opportunity to learn
Trio strongly believes that an open and conversational culture helps with learning. Sharing mistakes should be encouraged more.
"The most important thing is to do more together, not alone. On construction sites, it would also be really important to dare to report shortcomings and also highlight your own mistakes," says Sannakaisa.
"There is an opportunity to learn from a mistake and at the same time prevent the same mistakes from happening on the next construction site. In a good group, it is safe to share your own uncertainties and we are happy to help others," continues Sannakaisa.
To Raksa-ala along various paths
In addition to speaking out for a culture of development and open discussion, the trio share an unusual path to the construction industry. At first, one might think they have even gotten lost in the industry. However, when you scratch the surface deeper, each of them reveals a motivation behind their background that made them excited about the construction industry.
Foreman Iina's strong mathematical skills led her to engineering, but construction technology was chosen by chance. However, she likes physical work. "I'm used to hard work and a rough working environment in horse stables," Iina says.
Sannakaisa, on the other hand, initially applied to study medicine, but ultimately ended up studying construction – first at university and then at a polytechnic for more practical training. “Our family did a major renovation, which left a lasting impression,” she reveals.
Kaisa, on the other hand, switched from a degree program in Nordic languages to a university of applied sciences majoring in construction technology. “My interest in construction dates back to my childhood, when I followed my father’s construction projects,” Kaisa says.
What would the trio like to say to young people who are considering their career choices?
"There are endless options in the construction industry. You can always find your place – some a little faster, others a little slower!"
Kaisa, Sannakaisan and Iina's path to the automotive industry
Kaisa Haanpää, construction site engineer
- Joined Hartela in August 2024 as a recent graduate from TAMK – this is his first permanent job, which was initiated by an internship at Hartela.
- Originally studied Nordic languages, but missed something concrete and ended up in the world of technology.
“I am meticulous about details and, as a professional, I notice things that the client may not even notice. Still, I think that if I see it, it is possible that the client will notice it too. That is why polishing even the smallest details is important – and when you get them right, you feel good – now this is even better.”
Sannakaisa Puttonen, foreman
- Has worked in the construction industry for ten years, graduated from TAMK in 2015.
- Will move to synchronous production duties in February 2025, reflecting his continuous development and ability to adapt to new working models.
“I've done the most foundation and frame work, but my favorite moment on the job site is always when the house is standing firmly and the roof is in place.”
Iina Mustonen, responsible foreman
- Started as Hartela's responsible foreman in October 2024.
- The construction field was chosen due to strong mathematical skills and engineering studies being the most interesting option.
“The most rewarding thing about my job is the moment when I've been tinkering with BIM forever and I get to walk inside the property for the first time – that's when everything becomes concrete.”
(Text: Hartela)
Text: Sari Perento, Janne Suntio and Hartela
Photo: Janne Suntio