A new design management major will be added to Massey University’s Bachelor of Construction this year, the first undergraduate offering of its kind in New Zealand.
Responding to shifting workforce demands in the construction sector, Massey University’s Bachelor of Construction in Design Management prepares students to lead and coordinate the creative side of building projects, ensuring sustainable, practical, efficient and innovative ideas become functional buildings that suit their surroundings and shape future cities and communities.
The construction sector is growing worldwide, and there is strong demand for skilled professionals — but it is not just about working on a construction site. The job market is undergoing substantial change. The New Zealand Construction Sector Accord (2022 – 2025) highlights the need for enhanced leadership skills and workforce development to foster innovation and industry transformation.
Globally, construction design management is emerging as a distinct profession within the sector. New Zealand’s construction industry therefore requires graduates with specialised knowledge in construction design management.
Construction design managers lead and coordinate the design process, using digital tools to support strategic decision-making across construction projects and the wider built environment. They define project requirements, develop designs and facilitate reviews and communication across the construction team.
They also oversee the integration of different work packages, subsystems and components during the design phase of complex projects, including new infrastructure, hospitals and other essential buildings.
This new major develops students’ skills in construction design while aligning with the Bachelor of Construction’s existing majors in construction management and quantity surveying. Students will learn to lead construction design projects that prioritise efficiency, innovation and cultural inclusivity.
As Massey aspires to be a Te Tiriti-led university, the major develops culturally responsive design skills, and reflects the bicultural foundations of New Zealand.
Well prepared for professional success
Graduates of the new major will be eligible for admission to relevant professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NZIQS), and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). This ensures they meet the high standards expected by the industry, and are well-prepared for professional success.
Head of School of Built Environment Professor Monty Sutrisna says he is delighted to offer this new option to students in 2026, building on Massey’s more than 25-year history in construction and the built environment. Massey’s long-standing strength has contributed to the university being ranked among the top 150 universities globally (QS Rankings 2025).
“The construction industry is evolving, with increasing emphasis on integrating construction design management into project workflows to enhance efficiency and sustainability,” Professor Sutrisna says.
“The growing use of digital design tools, including AI-powered software, and rising demands for compliance and consent, have changed the type of professionals the industry needs. The success of construction projects increasingly hinges on the effective management of design issues.
“This development of our undergraduate qualification aligns with international best practice, and will further enhance Massey graduate employability in the construction industry.
“The qualification has been designed to address the sector’s evolving needs, and has already received much interest from construction businesses and employers.”
Senior lecturer in the Sustainable Built Environment Dr Eziaku Rasheed created the new design management major, and is looking forward to delivering the new courses and developing projects alongside students.
“The Bachelor of Construction shares a common first year across all majors, with courses in the chosen major introduced in the second and third years of the degree. This flexible study structure allows students to explore a range of topics before developing specialist skills in design management,” Dr Rasheed says.
“Graduates will gain a unique skill set that makes them more competitive in the job market, particularly in roles requiring robust expertise in design coordination and construction project management.”
Massey’s Bachelor of Construction is a flexible qualification that combines the excitement of construction projects with a strong foundation for a wide range of careers. Students can complete their final year via distance, enabling them to earn while they learn.
