An interview with Denise Xuereb,
Director of Construction and Development at AX Group and AX Real Estate CEO
If, on reading the introduction, you have started to form some pre-conceived notions as to who Denise Xuereb is, remove them – she does not fit a mould.
Design & Build caught up with Ms Xuereb in this interview as she now carries on building upon the solid foundations laid by her father, Angelo Xuereb.
Born into a family whose connections to construction and entrepreneurial activity need no introduction, it is hardly surprising that Ms Xuereb was introduced to the world of construction at an early age. “My exposure to the construction industry started at a young age, thanks to my father. I would spend Saturdays with him, exploring construction sites in the morning and visiting historical sites in the afternoon. Little did I know back then that this early introduction would pave the way for my future in the construction world,” smiled Ms Xuereb.
Choosing the road less travelled
She had initially taken the road most travelled within the family business and worked in, and on, hotels. It seemed, she recalled, like a natural choice at the time. “However, my interests started to shift, and I briefly ventured into the field of law. I even began my first year in the faculty of law before realising that it wasn’t the right fit for me. I eventually found my way to the Commerce field. It was during my time as part of the pre-opening hotel management team at The Palace that I was first exposed to project management.
Here, my passion for construction became undeniable, and I found myself drawn to the construction office, spending most of my time there,” said Ms Xuereb.
“diversity and inclusivity are crucial to the industry’s advancement”
In a classic case of ‘the heart wants what the heart wants’, Ms Xuereb reflected that her journey was driven by a genuine passion for creating and shaping physical spaces. “I am aware that women holding director positions in construction may not be as common locally, but I firmly believe that diversity and inclusivity are crucial to the industry’s advancement.
Throughout my experience, I have learnt the importance of perseverance, continuous learning, and challenging traditional norms”, observed Ms Xuereb.
A visionary approach
These experiences significantly influenced her approach to leading construction projects. Prioritising collaboration, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail, Ms Xuereb made these the pillars of her leadership style. And the benefits quickly became obvious: “It is only through an ongoing emphasis of these aspects that the company has successfully delivered projects that hold great significance”, affirmed Ms Xuereb. She is keen to contribute to the industry’s progress, utilizing her unique perspective and dedication to bring about positive change in the construction landscape.
Basing herself and the companies under her aegis on these tenets, Ms Xuereb has an impressive and impeccable portfolio to present with several significant projects of national importance. Some notable examples include the frame structure of the Parliament building and the rehabilitation of the Valletta Waterfront; both renowned for their high-quality execution. Each of these projects presented the company with unique challenges and required a meticulous approach to planning, execution and project management. “The past year has seen the AX Construction continue to grow and evolve as we carried out works on several in-house projects. I take pride in the outstanding achievements of the Verdala residential and hospitality project and the new ODYCY hotel and lido.
These projects hold a special place in my career, primarily due to the complexity, innovation, and unwavering determination that went into their realisation. The projects stand as a testament to our team’s ability to tackle intricate challenges and deliver exceptional results”, said Ms Xuereb.
Sustaining craftsmanship and restoration
Amid all the construction, the protection of built heritage frequently raises its head. However, destruction need not be the flipside to construction and Ms Xuereb is a firm believer in this. “We have strengthened our restoration division due to our involvement in prestigious restoration projects of national importance.
We have successfully completed notable assignments, such as the restoration of the Jesuits’ Church in Valletta and the preservation of the front facade of the Church of St. Catherine in Żejtun. Another important project which is still ongoing is the building of the Caravaggio Tapestry Hall Museum which, once completed, will be used to exhibit the Tapestry collection of St John’s Co-Cathedral,” listed Ms Xuereb with pride.
These works are not only important for the fact that they preserve the built heritage but also in that they preserve, develop and sustain traditional artisanal crafts and skills. The completion of various commercial construction jobs has kept us extremely busy and motivated. These projects span across different sectors and have contributed significantly to their portfolio of works. If meticulousness and attention to detail are part of Ms Xuereb’s personal mantra, the results are definitely evident in the companies’ commitment to quality in all of the services that cover the entire construction lifecycle. Ms Xuereb said that the companies strive to – and indeed do – excel in various specialized areas, including but not limited to: architectural design, civil engineering, construction management, turnkey services and project management. “Our years of experience combined with the exceptional workmanship of our team have given us the vision, confidence, and above all, the essential assets and skills to expedite project milestones. And this makes us uniquely positioned to maintain our reputation for delivering a standard of the highest calibre in all of our construction and restoration projects,” said Ms Xuereb.
Commitment to innovation
Staying abreast of technological developments is a sine qua non for Ms Xuereb. AX Construction, she observed, embraces innovative construction methodologies and techniques to enhance efficiency and quality. “For example, the Verdala buildings presented several interesting challenges due to the uniqueness of the exterior of the structure, which is comprised of a series of inclined columns to emulate natural forms of the rock strata in the surrounding countryside. In order to maximise the longevity and integrity of the structure, whilst utilising less concrete and materials overall, we opted for a post-tensioning method on the concrete, which marked the first time this construction process was used in Malta in such a way,” said Ms Xuereb, clearly a prime mover in innovation.
“Our years of experience combined with the exceptional workmanship of our team have given us the vision, confidence, and above all, the essential assets and skills to expedite project milestones”
A commitment to innovation comes also with a parallel commitment to passing on information to future generations. Ms Xuereb said that in the case of the introduction of the post-tensioning method of using concrete, “we felt this was an opportune occasion to invite a group of structural engineering students from the University of Malta to the building site to get a better understanding of the intricacies of this process. As with everything we do at AX Construction, we shoulder responsibility towards the future of the construction industry and seek to educate and train the talent of tomorrow”, added the visionary entrepreneur.
Keeping Control of the intricacies of project management
Clearly, anyone with a drive to make it in construction needs to have not only knowledge of the trade itself but also a flair for the intricacies of project management. While this is relatively simple on small projects such as private dwellings, the complexities involved in large scale construction are myriad.
At AX Construction, project management is a core aspect of operations. “We ensure seamless coordination between various service offerings through a well-defined project management framework. This framework includes robust communication channels, regular progress meetings that encourage open lines of communication. It is only through effective communication that we can align the efforts of different teams and stakeholders to achieve project goals,” observed Ms Xuereb with pride.
Managing a construction project today does not entail the same skill one needed to manage a construction project, say 10 years ago. In this brave new world of construction, Ms Xuereb noted that while projects before entailed 80% effort on site and 20% office associated work, today, that has changed. “I reckon that on certain projects the effort is 50% site and 50% office related works, considering the complexity of the works being undertaken in terms of design, logistics, but also in terms of the administrative work such as method statements, programmes and any other submissions that comes along with it”, assessed Ms Xuereb.
“diversity and inclusivity are crucial to the industry’s advancement”
For skilled labour and management positions, AX Construction looks for individuals with relevant experience, technical proficiency, and a proven track record in their respective fields. For non-skilled labour and administrative positions, they prioritize qualities such as reliability, dedication, and the ability to work effectively in a team. “We also value individuals who demonstrate a commitment to personal growth, adaptability, and a strong work ethic, as these qualities contribute to our company’s success and the delivery of exceptional projects. Most importantly at AX we give great value to training employees, to ensure that they grow professionally and reach their various potential and ambitions”, said Ms Xuereb.
Making sure that clients come back for more
Along with their core construction services, the AX Construction team also offers value-added services and support to clients. Apt examples of their customer portfolio are KPMG, Farsons Brewhouse, De La Rue, Meridiana Wine Estate, Is-Suq tal-Belt, and a swathe of residential projects.
“the effort is 50% site and 50% office related works, considering the complexity of the works being undertaken in terms of design, logistics, but also in terms of the administrative work”
AX Construction also gives importance to the surrounding community where the development is taking place. “We recognise the importance of the surrounding environment, and the impact construction activities can have. We are committed to implementing practices that minimize disruption to the community. This includes mitigating noise, managing traffic flow, and adhering to strict safety protocols”, said Ms Xuereb, clearly sensitive to the oft-voiced complaints made by the public in various media outlets on developments across the island.
Collaboration is another crucial element in delivering successful construction projects. At AX Construction, Ms Xuereb said, they foster a collaborative working environment by promoting open dialogue, mutual respect, and transparent communication with architects, engineers, and other stakeholders.
“We actively engage with them from the early stages of a project to ensure effective coordination and alignment of objectives. By working closely together, we leverage the collective expertise and creativity of all stakeholders to achieve optimal project outcomes”, she observed.
“We ensure seamless coordination between various service offerings through a well-defined project management framework”
Ms Xuereb’s input into AX Construction’s contributions to quality developments is undeniable. Now more than ever, AX Construction focuses devotedly onto those factors which turn good developments into great ones: from pre-construction consulting, feasibility studies, cost estimation, and post-construction maintenance services, the team seeks to ensure that the client is satisfied and that they will knock on the AX Construction door again and again. “We strive to establish long-term relationships with our clients by providing ongoing support and addressing their evolving needs beyond the completion of the construction projects,” said Ms Xuereb.
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