Building from Zero: My Journey as the First Hire in a Green Building Consultancy
If I’m being completely honest, when I first applied to Sustainahaus, I had no passion for green building in mind. I did have related experience from a two-month internship at a green building consultancy firm, but since my role was mostly supportive, the field didn’t really spark my interest at the time. I applied simply because I thought my background and experiences aligned with the job description.
As a fresh graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture and limited work experience, I was just looking for a way to start my career. I had a degree in architecture, but the idea of becoming a traditional architect didn’t feel right. I explored various fields, trying to find something that would be a better fit. Then I stumbled upon a job posting on LinkedIn for a Sustainability Intern position at Sustainahaus—a company I had never heard of. I decided to apply simply because I felt like I met most of the requirements.
To my surprise, I got the job. I was thrilled, but also nervous. The company was still in its early stages, with no established systems or portfolios, and I had no idea what to expect. As one of the first hires, it was a bit overwhelming. There was no one to turn to for guidance or a clear roadmap on how things were done. I was thrown into the deep end and had to figure things out on my own.
Being the first hire in a start-up meant that I had to be adaptable and resourceful. I quickly found myself managing a green building certification project on my own—something I had never done before. My role shifted from supportive to being the one responsible for delivering results, which felt like a significant challenge. As someone new to the field and still adjusting to client-facing situations, I often questioned if I was truly cut out for the job. However, I persisted and worked hard to adapt.
But I pushed through. I spent countless hours preparing for meetings, double-checking every detail, and trying to gain confidence in my knowledge. I didn’t have the luxury of senior colleagues to help, so I had to rely on my own ability to learn and adapt quickly. I double-checked everything—ensuring the technical aspects were correct, the language was simple, and the overall structure was organized. My role was to make sure that everything I submitted could be clearly understood by clients, even if I wasn’t the one directly presenting it at the time. That approach helped me gain confidence in my ability to handle the responsibility.
The first major project I handled was an EDGE certification for a resort in Bali. My boss had relevant experience, and although I still needed to figure out many aspects of the project on my own, I was able to learn a lot from him. Despite being the "new kid" in the field, I successfully managed the certification process, which was a huge confidence boost for me. However, the pivotal moment came when I was given my second major project: a Greenship Interior Space certification for an insurance company in Jakarta. This time, there was no one in the company with experience in this type of certification, and I was the one tasked with managing it from scratch.
I started by developing templates and organizing all the requirements needed for the certification. There was no existing precedent, no one to ask for guidance—just me, figuring things out as I went along. I quickly realized that this was the ultimate test of my ability to take charge and trust myself. I spent weeks researching, refining processes, and seeking advice from external sources when needed. When the project was completed successfully, I realized how far I had come. This project wasn’t just about the technicalities of certification; it was about my personal growth and my ability to take on responsibilities that once felt out of reach.
As I continued to work at Sustainahaus, I found myself more and more drawn to the field. The challenges, the constant learning, and the satisfaction of contributing to something meaningful fit my personality perfectly. Working in a start-up, where there’s always something new to tackle, felt like the right environment for me. It kept me on my toes, constantly evolving and growing. I discovered that the excitement of working in a field that’s still evolving, with the opportunity to shape it as I went along, was something I hadn’t realized I wanted.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the uncertainty and challenges I faced at the start of my career. They pushed me to become more resourceful, more confident, and more passionate about what I do. Being part of a start-up company wasn’t easy, but it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me that even if you don’t have all the answers or experience upfront, you can still make an impact. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my journey, it’s that sometimes, taking a leap into the unknown can lead to the most fulfilling experiences.
