Akshaya Chandrasenan is a Cost Manager in our Cost Management team based in Dubai, developing and managing cost estimates, creating project budgets, and providing strategic cost advice throughout all design stages.
She monitors variations, evaluates cost performance, and ensures financial control to optimise expenditure and identify savings opportunities. Her typical day involves prioritising tasks and managing client expectations to ensure smooth progress of projects.
Akshaya says: “Knowing that my children are watching inspires me to lead by example; I want my actions to speak louder than my words.”
Having visited the UAE frequently during her childhood while her father worked there, she developed a strong familiarity and connection with the region. The rapid growth of the construction industry inspired her to pursue a career in civil engineering, which eventually led her to thrive as a cost consultant in this dynamic sector. Gleeds' strong reputation for excellence and its global presence were key factors in attracting her to the role.
"Professionalism with personality" is the value that resonates with her most because:
Gleeds values the person behind the job title. I appreciate the emphasis on bringing our authentic selves to work and building genuine, human connections.
For someone joining Gleeds, she’d advise them to be proactive, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. She believes Gleeds offers a supportive environment with a wealth of knowledge, so she says, “take full advantage of it, build relationships, and bring your authentic self to the table.” One of my proudest achievements at Gleeds was turning a contractor's variation claim into a cost-saving opportunity for the client.
Outside of work, Akshaya likes singing as part of the worship team at church, and spending quality time with her family. If she hadn’t gone into cost management, she’d be taking professional singing lessons and exploring a creative path in music.