A consultant’s view from the 31st Floor – thoughts from our Solutions Architect.
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Exploring the parallels between skyscraper construction and digital solution design – insights from above.
Last year, I was lucky enough to spend a few months working remotely from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. It is a city whose skyline is a living testament to architectural ambition and engineering prowess. Kuala Lumpur is home to the world’s second-tallest free-standing structure (only surpassed by Burj Khalifa) – the Merdaka 118 tower.
Over the course of several weeks working from the 31st floor of a rented apartment, I found myself sometimes watching the construction sites below – sometimes chaotic, sometimes methodical – and gradually noticed parallels between the work happening on the ground, and the work we do at Giveclarity, implementing digital solutions for nonprofits all over the world. Both are feats of engineering, both require collaboration across disciplines, and both are shaped by the uniqueness of their environments.
Engineering in two worlds
In skyscraper construction, you’ll find architects, civil engineers, seasoned construction crews, trainees, and safety inspectors – each playing a vital role in making the blueprints a physical reality. In Salesforce implementations, we have architects, QA testers, senior and junior developers, functional consultants and data specialists. The roles may differ in name and medium, but the dynamic is strikingly similar: a blend of experience and learning, precision and adaptability, all working toward a shared vision. Just as no skyscraper is built by a single individual, no Salesforce solution is delivered in isolation.
Adapting to change
What’s more, both fields are constantly evolving. Construction teams may be experts in steel and concrete, but each new project introduces novel materials, updated safety standards, or innovative design techniques. Likewise, Salesforce professionals may have a deep understanding of the platform and its eco-system, but every implementation is shaped by new releases, changing regulations, and unique business requirements. Familiar tools are used in unfamiliar ways, and success depends on our ability to adapt and learn continuously. Case in point, the ubiquity of AI has already had a major impact on the way we do our work.
The ‘terrain’ matters
Perhaps the most profound similarity lies in the terrain – literal and metaphorical. In construction, the foundation, the surrounding infrastructure, and local zoning laws all influence how a skyscraper is built. In Salesforce, the ‘terrain’ is the client’s existing system landscape, company culture, and operational practices. No two projects are ever the same. Whether you’ve delivered ten or a hundred implementations, each new engagement, at times, demands fresh thinking and a tailored approach. Experience helps, but it doesn’t replace the need for curiosity and humility.
Final thoughts…
So, here’s the takeaway; whether you’re laying concrete or configuring Flows, building something new cannot always be treated like a copy-paste job. It’s a creative, collaborative process shaped by context and complexity. As consultants, we must embrace the uniqueness of each project, and as clients, we must recognise that expertise doesn’t always mean 100% predictability. From the cloud to the skyline, every journey has its own story.
About the author:
Aske Bong-Saxe is our Solutions Architect