July 22, 2025
Infrastructure

Five questions with Rubi Edillo

Alex Wallin

WT has proudly built a team of talented professionals to support clients throughout the full life cycle of projects and programs. As part of a global consultancy stemming back to 1949, WT offer Quantity Surveying, Project Management Advisory, and Infrastructure services across New Zealand.

Across our 5 questions with... series we reveal our team's valuable career experiences, how they find balance, their approach to work, and their advice to build a successful career in construction.

Get to know Rubi, a Quantity Surveyor with over 11 years of experience in the construction industry, specialising in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Rubi excels in accurate cost estimation, progress claim assessments, and variation management. She is a highly valued asset to the WT team, and we’re delighted to share her expertise and knowledge today.

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Name: Rubi Edillo

Title and service line: Quantity Surveyor in Infrastructure

WT office: Queenstown

1. Rubi, you have worked on major infrastructure projects and also have international experience having worked in both the Philippines and New Zealand. Are there any practices or approaches from your experience overseas that you believe could benefit the New Zealand construction industry if adopted?

In the Philippines, quantity surveyors are often involved right from the design phase, preparing detailed Bills of Quantities based on early concepts. That hands-on approach helped me understand the full life cycle of a project and shaped the way I assess costs and risks. While New Zealand tends to separate roles more, there’s real value in having that early involvement and technical crossover.

Also, using tools like AutoCAD and AutoRebar for detailing and generating/reviewing shop drawings are still second nature to me - they’re not as common in New Zealand, but they enable sharp attention to detail.

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2. Do you have a favourite project you've worked on? What did it involve and what made it special for you?

The2-Mile UV Water Treatment Plant in Queenstown stands out. It’s a vital part of the Queenstown Lake District Council’s growing water network, and I’ve enjoyed working closely with them alongside Fulton Hogan (Contractor) on something so essential to the community. It’s had its challenges, including tricky access, slope risks, and being a design and build job, but that just made it more interesting.

Every site visit was a chance to learn and contribute… and I always kept an eye out for Brad Pitt when he was rumoured to be in town! Sadly, no sightings yet.

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3. You hold degrees in both Civil and Environmental Engineering, how has that dual background shaped the way you approach quantity surveying? Are there any specific examples where you’ve drawn on both disciplines to add value on a project?

It’s helped me see the bigger picture. My Civil Engineering background means I can interpret plans with a critical eye, such as spotting things that might affect cost but aren’t always obvious in the design stage. It’s given me a solid foundation in the essential infrastructure like buildings, roads, and water systems that supports all other engineering fields.

Environmental and sanitary engineering is becoming more relevant too, especially with the push for sustainable infrastructure and Queenstown/Otago’s rapid growth. I believe that understanding treatment processes, underground services, and plant design helps me prepare more accurate and thoughtful valuations.

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4. What advice would you give to young professionals, who are starting their careers in construction or considering a move into infrastructure quantity surveying?

Stick to your values. For me, its integrity, responsibility, and respect. As a Filipina woman in construction, I’ve had to work hard to be heard and taken seriously. I grew up with three strong sisters and supportive parents who taught me to persevere. It can feel like you’re starting from the back foot, but if you focus on doing your job well and learning from every experience, you’ll earn the respect you deserve.

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5. As someone thriving in the infrastructure quantity surveying field, how do you unwind, create balance, and recharge outside of work?

I try to balance with quiet time, nature, and calls home to family. I also find perspective in learning from mistakes and taking feedback as a gift. Staying grounded, staying kind to yourself, and making room for rest, that’s how I recharge.

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Rubi would like to connect with fellow construction professionals to exchange experiences, knowledge and insights, discuss ongoing projects, and share valuable learnings within the industry.

Contact Rubi

Email: rubilyn.edillo@wtpartnership.co.nz

Phone: 027 354 8404

Learn more about WT at wtpartnership.co.nz and discover our vacancies and work experience opportunities.

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Five questions with Rubi Edillo

Five questions with John Hildyard!

Project completion of the Hillside Rail Workshop

Five questions with Rubi Edillo

Name: Rubi Edillo

Title and service line: Quantity Surveyor in Infrastructure

WT office: Queenstown

2. Do you have a favourite project you've worked on? What did it involve and what made it special for you?

3. You hold degrees in both Civil and Environmental Engineering, how has that dual background shaped the way you approach quantity surveying? Are there any specific examples where you’ve drawn on both disciplines to add value on a project?

4. What advice would you give to young professionals, who are starting their careers in construction or considering a move into infrastructure quantity surveying?

5. As someone thriving in the infrastructure quantity surveying field, how do you unwind, create balance, and recharge outside of work?

Contact Rubi

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