"We live in a country that has billions to spend on infrastructure, housing and everything to do with the built environment. And yet the client is still the most underestimated role in the construction process."

The most underrated, but perhaps most important, role in our profession is that of principal. what does it actually take to become a principal? What qualities do you need to have? What experience? Is training required? In short: what competences do you need?

Jochem Frehe had been working with these questions for some time, when he decided to start finding the answers too. Together with Peter van Bosse, he wrote the book "Principal you are (not) just like that" in 2024. The title of the book already lifts a tip of the veil: many a client is "just like that" because it turns out to be part of the job. And at the same time, you then have to master the necessary things to fill the role of principal properly.

Jochem Frehe works at the intersection of organisational development, housing and construction. He coaches real estate professionals and prefers to work on complex building assignments. In the webinar, Jochem Frehe briefly discusses:

  • What competences are needed to be a good client for construction projects, and
  • How can you measure these competences?

Jochem is then also interviewed by Arjan Klem and Mark Bello and responds to questions and comments from the participants.

This webinar is interesting for engineers who (often unconsciously) have the role of client or project owner/director.
And you will find that you are a client more often than you are aware of.

In preparation, the reference to the book's website(www.goedopdrachtgeverschap.nl) and two podcasts:

  • Fakton Academy
    During this podcast, Chantal Keulen (Associate Partner Fakton Academy), Jochem Frehe (DFNconsultancy and co-author of the book Principal you are (not) just like that) and Carolien Vlaar (Developer Ballast Nedam) will discuss raising awareness about the profession of principal. The basis is the book 'Opdrachtgever ben je (niet) zomaar'.
    Listen to this podcast: https://cutt.ly/ErYLZ65y
  • Podcast "De Steen" with Wouter Truffino and Ronald Verniers
    Listen to this podcast: https://app.springcast.fm/17932/rebf-2025-jochem

When:

Thursday 19 February

  • 12.00-12.30 presentation
  • 12.30-13.00 space for deepening and questions.

After you have registered you will receive a link for online participation just before the event.