Introducing Project Assistant Olayinka Erinle

Olayinka (Ola) Erinle initially joined Dalton as a Co-Op student, supporting our estimating and project management teams. With his strong foundation in project delivery, stakeholder engagement and business strategy, Ola learned quickly and soon transitioned into a Project Assistant role. Ola brings international experience, a sharp analytical mind, and a genuinely collaborative spirit to everything he does.

Currently pursuing his Master’s in Project Management at Northeastern University (Toronto), Olayinka also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying from the University of Lagos and an MBA from the University of South Wales. He’s a Certified Agile Practitioner with a track record of supporting cross-functional teams to deliver complex, multi-stakeholder projects on time and within scope.

Olayinka is particularly passionate about sustainable building practices and the role construction plays in addressing climate challenges. He’s eager to explore how thoughtful planning, material choices, and long-term thinking can lead to projects that are both environmentally responsible and operationally efficient.

Since joining us, Ola has seamlessly integrated into the team. He’s often found smiling, asking thoughtful questions, and building meaningful connections across departments. His warm personality, strong work ethic, and eagerness to learn have already made a lasting impression.

Q: What are you hoping to learn during your time here?

OE: I’m hoping to gain a deeper understanding of how construction projects are managed day-to-day, from pre-construction planning and stakeholder coordination to site logistics and project delivery. I’m also eager to observe how teams communicate, solve problems, and make decisions in real-time. This experience offers me the opportunity to connect the theories I’ve studied with real-world practice, particularly in sustainability, collaboration, and client engagement. Ultimately, I aim to develop the confidence and insight necessary to make meaningful contributions to complex projects in the future.

What inspired you to pursue a career in project management?

OE: My journey began with a degree in quantity surveying, during which I gained a strong foundation in cost control, measurement, and value management. Over time, I became more interested in how all the moving parts of a project come together - from planning and budgeting to coordination and delivery. That curiosity led me to pursue further studies in business and project management. I see construction project management as the intersection of strategy, people, and problem-solving. It enables me to apply both technical knowledge and leadership skills to deliver meaningful and lasting work.

Q: Why did you choose to do your Co-Op at Dalton? What has stood out so far?

OE: Dalton has a strong reputation for innovation and collaboration in construction, and I wanted to be part of a setting where I could learn from best practices, build professional relationships, and apply my knowledge in practical scenarios. I was drawn to the opportunity to work on diverse projects while learning from professionals who value both technical excellence and creative problem-solving. This role provided the right balance of challenge and support.

Q: How does your certification as an Agile Practitioner help you in this role?

OE: While it is a software development framework, Agile principles can be applied to any industry. My Agile certification has helped me develop a mindset that values flexibility, continuous feedback, and collaboration - all of which are essential in project environments where priorities can shift quickly. The Agile foundation enhanced my ability to work across disciplines, stay focused on delivering value, and adapt to new information and challenges.

I’ve also found it interesting to see how Agile principles align with Dalton’s Alternative Approach, particularly in their emphasis on transparency, stakeholder engagement, and continuous progress. It’s made it easier for me to understand how the team works and where I can contribute.

Q: What excites you most about the future of construction?

OE: I’m really interested in the shift toward sustainable building, the idea that we can reduce environmental impact through more innovative design, materials, and processes. It’s exciting to be part of an industry that’s evolving to meet global challenges and make a positive difference.

Q: What do you enjoy outside of work and school?

OE: I am passionate about staying active because it helps me reset and stay focused. I enjoy working out regularly, and I have recently started playing squash again. I really like how fast-paced and challenging it is. As I'm new to Toronto, I spend time exploring new places and meeting new people.