Antonio De Falco's construction career began in New Zealand, where he left school at 17 to undertake a carpentry apprenticeship. After gaining his formal qualification and spending several years working on high-end residential projects, he moved to London and joined LDB Construction as a carpenter.

"I steadily worked my way up through the ranks, progressing to Foreman as I developed a stronger understanding of the UK construction industry,” he says. “I was then given the opportunity to run my first project as Site Manager – a role I took to immediately, thoroughly enjoyed, and have continued to grow in ever since."

Today, Antonio oversees and coordinates site activities, managing both direct tradespeople and subcontractors while working closely with designers, architects and clients to keep projects on track. 

"Every project brings unique challenges, and finding effective solutions under pressure is something I find genuinely satisfying," he says.

Alongside problem-solving, Antonio has developed a passion for understanding people and building strong relationships across project teams. Learning how to adapt his communication style and bring out the best in different personalities has become one of the most valuable skills he has developed throughout his career.

Overcoming self-doubt 

Like many professionals stepping into leadership positions, Antonio faced challenges with confidence early in his career. "Without a doubt, my biggest challenge early on was managing self-doubt," he says.

But as his experience grew and he benefited from the support of mentors around him, he learned that this self-doubt could be both a challenge and a strength. "I came to understand that a degree of self-doubt is entirely natural – and that the key is learning to distinguish between the kind that keeps you diligent and the kind that holds you back."

Looking back, Antonio believes he would have invested in professional development sooner. "That said, I am genuinely proud of getting there, and I believe my years of hands-on experience have made me a more grounded and effective learner."

Why pursuing MCIOB chartership mattered

Antonio first became aware of CIOB Chartership through a manager who also became an important mentor during his time in the UK.

The more he learned about Chartership and its standing within the industry, the more determined he became to achieve it himself. "Having never attended university, I wanted to prove to myself that I could commit to a formal qualification, see it through, and experience a graduation," he says. 

Since becoming Chartered, Antonio has already seen benefits through an expanded professional network and increased professional credibility. He believes Chartership demonstrates a commitment to the highest standards of professional practice and helps construction professionals stand out in an increasingly professionalised industry.

No one-size-fits-all route to success

One of the most important parts of Antonio's journey to becoming Chartered was overcoming concerns about the academic study involved. Having received an ADHD diagnosis a few years ago, he began to better understand some of the challenges he had experienced in structured learning environments throughout his life. Before starting the Chartership process, he was unsure whether he would be able to cope with the academic demands involved.

Those concerns were eased through the support he received from Dawn Parias at Construction Management Training, a CIOB Approved Training Centre. Antonio was open about his ADHD from the beginning and found that the support he received was tailored to his individual needs. "Dawn was completely supportive — adapting her approach, being patient, and creating a learning environment that worked for me rather than against me."

That personalised approach made a significant difference to both his confidence and ability to engage with the programme.

His experience demonstrates that there is no single route to professional development. Construction professionals come from a wide range of educational and personal backgrounds, and with the right support, Chartership can be accessible to people who may not have previously seen themselves as academic learners.

It is also a reminder that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness. Whether through mentors, colleagues or Approved Training Centres, having the right people around you can make a lasting difference to both confidence and achievement.

Advice for construction professionals considering Chartership

For anyone thinking about taking the next step towards MCIOB, Antonio's advice is simple: "Do not overthink it — commit and take the first step." 

He acknowledges that many professionals hesitate because of time pressures, confidence concerns or uncertainty about whether they are ready. However, he says that “the sense of achievement that comes from completing the Chartership is like nothing else”.

For him, becoming Chartered is about much more than gaining a qualification; it is about investing in himself, building confidence and demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence.

"The construction industry is becoming increasingly professionalised, and having a Chartership sets you apart in a meaningful and lasting way," he says.

As construction continues to evolve, he believes Chartership provides a foundation for lifelong development while connecting professionals to a network of like-minded people who can support their future growth. 

"For anyone in construction who is serious about their future, I genuinely believe that pursuing the MCIOB Chartership is one of the most worthwhile investments you can make in yourself."

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