Allow us to introduce: Geert Snelten, Bureau Schmidt

Can you briefly tell us something about yourself and your role as project manager?

My name is Geert Snelten and I have been working in civil engineering for almost 35 years. I have been working for Bureau Schmidt since early 2024 and am a project manager for projects for HHNK, among others. I was born and raised in Alkmaar and have been living in Den Helder for about 20 years now.

What motivates you most in your work as a project manager?

Working on a project together with a draughtsman, work planner, cost expert, and specialists. I love that we are really building something together with the client and contractor; something tangible is being created! I also enjoy applying innovative methods to projects (including using satellite data, surveying locations with drones, and applying AI to road inspections, for example).

What project are you currently working on, and who are you collaborating with on it?

I am working with Thomas Groot on improving the Boezemkades for HHNK, and the first project has already been launched. We are also preparing a fish passage (Stontelersluis) together with Rick Poels and Imre Burgering from HHNK.

Do you have a tip or best practice that you would like to share with fellow project managers?

I believe that internal collaboration and collaboration with the client are essential! We at Bureau Schmidt have a wealth of knowledge and capacity, and HHNK also has a great deal of knowledge that we can use together to create high-quality products that are feasible.

What appeals to you about working for HHNK?

I started with a graduation project entitled ‘Expansion of the Stolpen Wastewater Treatment Plant’ in close and pleasant collaboration with the then Uitwaterende Sluizen in Edam. I found and still find it very interesting to work with HHNK on water management in North Holland, an area full of challenging water-related tasks!