| Critical Thinker | Detail Oriented | Multitasker | Organized | Problem Solver |
I am a Teacher and a Student. I enjoy learning and I have discovered that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it. In graduate school, I was awarded 2 separate teaching assistant positions: one in Design Computing and the second in Structures II. In these positions I was required to create software walk-throughs, tutor students, grade assignments, and much more. At Gamble + Gamble I was responsible for training new interns and guiding them to become independent project managers.
I am Detail Oriented and a Problem Solver. We regularly deal with issues that require creative solutions. For example, on the Clermont Hotel I designed & coordinated the rooftop bar level. This was a highly technical challenge because the roof structure was not originally designed to accommodate an assembly load of 100 lbs/sf. Collaboration with structural, mechanical, & plumbing engineers informed the decision to utilize a steel platform to address the load requirements, while allowing the plumbing exhaust stacks and mechanical equipment to be routed below the platform. This allowed us to maintain the maximum usable area for occupants. To add a level of complexity, the building is also a historic building. We had to be sensitive to the height of all new roof structures and keep new components out of the line of sight from the street.
I am Organized and believe in Good Communication. Good communication is the foundation for dealing with colleagues, clients, contractors, and engineers. Communication is important throughout the design process, but construction administration is a particularly good indicator of communication skills. This is a time period permeated with regular contractor meetings, site reports, requests for information, submittal reviews, and client updates. I have worked on many projects through CA and the contractors and clients have been highly satisfied with my ability to communicate effectively, return construction-related documents quickly, and to work through any issues that arise on the job site.
I am Adaptable and a Multitasker. At Gamble + Gamble, a project manager is rarely on one project at a time. Generally, I would juggle as many as 5 projects at once, often 2-3 in one day. As a small company, 8 people total, each team member must be willing and able to tackle any task required to move a project forward.
I believe in Working Smart and Working Hard. While there is no substitute for hard work, there are several ways to streamline your workflow so that you can focus your time on the things that matter. At both Gamble + Gamble and Gary Coursey I worked on several time saver tools. For example, I created a spreadsheet for calculating drapery fabric requirements to eliminate the need for rigorous hand calculations. I also set up 'Master Projects' that were used to start new projects. These included examples of each file needed, such as base CAD files, construction administration forms, drawing log forms, etc. These 'time savers' helped us waste less time on repetitive tasks so that we could focus on the real work at hand.
I am Independent and Confident, but I do my best work in a Collaborative environment. I appreciate that talking through ideas and working collaboratively leads to more creative thinking and encourages consideration of multiple perspectives. You can go fast alone, but you can go further together.