It’s a simple answer for me: Always push the boundaries of what can be done with design and construction technology. Being an early adopter of BIM in 2004, half of my career has been spent in the pursuit of creating real efficiency in building design and construction processes by pushing the limits of what technology offers us today. I was a VEC client before joining the team. I was part of a top-five electrical contractor company delivering a complete lifecycle model (design and construction to FMOM handover) on a $1.5 billion terminal project in the Bay Area. VEC’s ability to integrate seamlessly with the engineering and asset infrastructure I developed internally was a first in my career. The continued success we achieved collaboratively between our companies and clients ultimately determined my next destination. We are all in a transformational period in the evolution of building construction, and I have chosen to surround myself with like-minded advocates who continuously meet or exceed the realm of what is possible for the AECO industry.
I have had the honor of completing many incredible projects over the course of my career, including the Natural Energy Laboratory of Hawaii, the Harvey Milk Terminal One at San Francisco International Airport, and the University of California San Francisco Precision Cancer Medical Building. However, my most satisfying customer success story comes from a 300,000 square-foot tower project in eastern Washington. Our team was hired by the general contractor and owner to review the models prior to construction for feasibility, constructability, and technological efficiency. Our findings were based upon understanding the synergy between building construction in the real world as well as the virtual environment. The report VEC created was pivotal to the direction the project would take — our team found critical errors contained within the models reviewed which would impact countless systems and subsystems downstream and lead to financial impacts for the owner as well. Our ability to identify these issues early on in the project lifecycle allowed the owner to pivot and reposition the project to a path of success.
My favorite memories can be found in the gray areas between successes and failures, or life changing events, real talk, and change. What becomes more apparent to me is the resiliency and desire of my coworkers to strive to be the best versions of themselves personally and professionally. I value those opportunities that afford me the time to listen, ask questions, guide, and share my experiences and challenges as we continue to create a unique place in this industry — as an organization and as individuals.