SUCCESS STORY. ANDRII, 37 — FROM LAWYER TO A
CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONAL WITH A HOLISTIC
UNDERSTANDING
BLOOM Programme Case
Andrii is a trained lawyer who spent many years working with tenders in the public procurement
system. His professional path was closely linked to legal procedures, ensuring transparency, and
compliance with regulations. However, in 2024, he was forced to leave his home in Luhansk
region. This personal experience of losing his home became a turning point: Andrii realised that
he no longer wanted to be just an observer of the reconstruction process, but an active contributor.
“I know what it means to lose a home. And I know that when large-scale investments come to
Ukraine, we will need not just builders, but professionals who understand the entire process —
from the first line in a blueprint to the commissioning of a completed facility,” says Andrii.
From the very first day of training, Andrii became a true driving force within the group. His
curiosity went far beyond practical sessions: he was eager to understand the entire construction
ecosystem — from BIM technologies and 3D modelling to complex design processes.
Thanks to his initiative and in-depth questions, the project team expanded the training programme.
Additional sessions with grant support experts were organised to help participants learn how to
attract funding for their ideas. The BIM component was also significantly strengthened,
recognising that digitalisation is key to transparent and modern reconstruction.
Andrii believes that the future of small businesses in Ukraine’s reconstruction rests on three pillars:
transparency, technology, and efficiency. His experience in public procurement has given him a
deep understanding of fair practices and the importance of openness. At the same time, using
modern tools — such as BIM, SketchUp, and professional equipment like Milwaukee — allows
him to think innovatively and deliver high-quality results.
Andrii’s legal background, combined with newly acquired technical knowledge, has enabled him
to see construction not merely as a procurement subject, but as a full-cycle process — from concept
to implementation.
“I believe that small businesses can play an effective role in reconstruction if they combine
transparency, technology, and flexibility,” he adds.
With the support of the BLOOM consortium — Swisscontact, Mercy Corps, the International
Rescue Committee (IRC), and Right to Protection (R2P) — together with local partners GERZ
Construction Association LLC and the Educational Alliance for Ukraine (EAUA), the training
became more than just upskilling for Andrii; it became a foundation for launching his own
business. He is already developing a strategy for his future company, analysing the market, and
identifying a niche for a small business in the reconstruction sector.
Andrii is a participant of the second training cohort.
Andrii (second from the left) with the instructor and fellow participants in the training space
Andrii during hands-on training