"I love solving problems, being outdoors instead of stuck in an office, and working with different people and teams. Every day is different, and it’s amazing to see how the project evolves over time."
Peter Ehrlich
- Degree: Bachelor of Applied Science
- Grad year: 2023
- Program:
- Campus: Vancouver
Job: Project Coordinator, Ledcor
What got you interested in engineering?
I’ve always been fascinated by how things like buildings, bridges and roads come together—from the design stage all the way through construction. Civil engineering just made sense as a way to follow that interest and work on projects that actually make a difference in communities. I was also drawn to the variety that civil engineering had to offer, from the technical side of structural design to the broader scope of urban development.
What are some of your highlights from your student days?
One of the biggest highlights from my time as a student was working with Third Quadrant Design - a student-led team that designed and built the Third Space Commons building on UBC’s Vancouver campus. Now, it serves as a ‘living lab’ where people collaborate on innovative solutions to the climate crisis. We entered Third Space in the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon® Build Challenge and placed third overall—a really rewarding way to cap off my degree.
Third Quadrant UBC US Solar Decathlon Build Challenge
I spent over two years on this project. It was hands-on and intense—balancing a major construction project with school meant a lot of long days and late nights! But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It was an incredible learning experience, and it also helped me connect with many industry partners and further my career.
Tell us about your co-op experiences.
My first co-op position was all about concrete testing, which turned out to be really useful since civil engineering involves a lot of concrete! After that, I spent a year as a spillway field engineer at the Site C Dam.
A typical day included working with superintendents to plan tasks for the crews, ensuring quality and safety, coordinating large concrete pours, and supporting the project engineer with various technical tasks.
It was a two-weeks-on, one-week-off schedule, flying in and out of Fort St. John.
Applied Science Co-op Program BC Hydro Site C Dam
Tell us about your current job.
I’m currently a project coordinator at Ledcor, which is the same construction management company that partnered with us on the Third Space Commons project. Right now, I’m working on a 16-storey mixed-use tower at 41st Avenue and Cambie Street in Vancouver. The mixed-used tower consists of three commercial levels and 11 residential levels.
Ledcor Third Space Commons - UBC
What’s a typical day or week look like?
A typical day for me involves coordinating subcontractors and suppliers to keep our timelines and budgets on track. I also work closely with the design team to ensure smooth communication with our on-site team.
There’s a lot of problem-solving in this role, which I really enjoy. Every day brings new challenges—like discovering a clash between two components within a concrete slab on the morning it’s scheduled to be placed, all while juggling a dozen other priorities.
It’s all about collaborating with the subcontractors and design team to quickly find solutions that keep the schedule on track and the project moving forward. This has been an incredible first project. I started right when we were breaking ground, and now we’re up to level eight. Seeing it all come together from start to finish has been really rewarding.
What do you like most about your job?
There are so many things I enjoy.
I love solving problems, being outdoors instead of stuck in an office, and working with different people and teams. Every day is different, and it’s amazing to see how the project evolves over time.
Did your education prepare you for this role?
Absolutely. My education gave me strong technical skills; however, construction requires more than just technical knowledge.
In this role, you're the “glue” connecting various teams and people, making skills in communication, leadership and project management essential. I developed these skills through the design team and my co-op placements.
Any tips for students?
Take advantage of every chance to gain hands-on experience, whether it’s through co-op, personal projects or joining student design teams.
