For someone who loves both construction and design, being a Construction Administrator is the perfect combination of the two.
The art and science of putting a building together may begin as a sketch, but when the time comes to pour the concrete and erect the steel and wood, Construction Administrators are the boots on the ground that make the concept a reality.
CAs at Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects are there as the building rises to resolve construction situations that will achieve the correct results called for in the original design.
“Being a construction administrator can be a really good learning experience for a designer,” says Architectural Project Manager Kevin Stick.
For him, who loves both construction and design, being a CA is the perfect combination of the two.
NOW HIRING: Construction Administration Project Manager/Architect. Click here to learn more.
On the ground at the Severn Intergenerational Center
Over his 42-year career, Stick has learned to switch back and forth between his contractor and architectural hats — and is always learning something in both worlds. Having construction experience has been invaluable to him at M&D, helping him know the right questions to ask and the correct terminology to use on job sites.
One of his current CA projects is the Severn Intergenerational Center in Anne Arundel County. The 26,000 square foot facility includes a gymnasium, senior center, and Boys & Girls Club.
From a CA perspective, the design incorporates an array of unique elements, including exposed wood beams, longboard siding, colorful bricks, and a wavy sheet metal canopy with handprint cutouts. Each element requires careful attention to detail when putting the pieces together.
“It’s very exciting to see,” says Stick. “It looks really neat.”
Stick’s role as CA on the project is to be the intermediary between the Architect , the Owner, and the Contractor . He attends on-site meetings, helps answer any questions, and creates sketches when an update or modification is needed. Stick handles change orders and requests for information (RFIs) submitted by the contractors and makes sure the finances stay in line for the project.
“I enjoy everything about it,” he says. “I love to see the progress. It’s going to really look impressive.”
Beyond looking impressive, Stick knows that, once completed, the building will have a big impact on the local community. Local community members will be able to walk to the Center to use the intergenerational services offered there.
“I think it’s going to be really well used and really well received by locals,” he says.
Stepping into a new role
Stick is also working as a Construction Administrator alongside fellow Architect Peter Colello for the historic Forum Building project in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania — a large renovation, addition, and preservation project for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
It’s a standout project that Colello knows he’ll be talking about for the rest of his career.
“You learn something new every day,” Colello says of being the CA for the Forum Building.
Colello came into the architectural world with a background in construction. The role of CA fit not only his experience but his desire to be a well-rounded architectural designer.
To be a successful Architect, “You need to know how to make a building look visually pleasing, but you also need to know how to make it all come together, too,” he says.
Architectural Designer Kyle Giumento, above, served as the primary construction administrator on the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center commission, pictured below.
Starting from scratch
For Architectural Designer Kyle Giumento, gaining creative Architectural experience while still getting his hands dirty during the construction phase is what drew him to M&D. Six years ago, Giumento was just out of college and looking for an Architectural firm that would allow him to be involved in every stage of the process. He found exactly that at M&D.
When he came to the firm, Giumento had no construction experience but a passion for understanding how all the details of a building come together. When his colleagues saw his persistent desire to dive deeper into those elements, he was assigned as assistant CA on the renovation of Lanham Hall at Prince George’s Community College in Maryland.
“At M&D, everyone is helpful to find where you need experience and provide you with opportunities to get that experience,” Giumento says.
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His favorite projects are those for which he created the design drawings, then saw the concept come to life during the Construction Phase as a CA.
Stepping into the role of CA has caused Giumento to think differently about design. Now, as he’s designing, he’s much more conscious about considering how a building can be not only beautiful but constructable.
For those considering a career as a CA, Stick recommends paying attention to every detail in the buildings around them and thinking about how they came together in those structures.
“Learn as much as you can within the whole industry,” he says. “Don’t limit yourself.”
Colello agrees.
“You’re very narrow-minded as a straight designer,” he says. “There’s a lot in the CA phase that makes you more diverse.”
NOW HIRING
Construction Administration Project Manager/Architect. Click here to learn more.
Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects took on the Architecture, Interior Design, & Overall Project Management for the new Bedford Elementary School, and the outcome is impactful.