mentorDINO

COMMUNICATION is the HEART of Business with John Aiello Jr.

John Aiello Jr., President of Cascade Construction Products, shares his journey from joining his father's business to becoming the president. He discusses the transition from manufacturing to being a product rep and the benefits of having a deep understanding of both sides. John also talks about the challenges of being a product rep, including filling up sales calls. He pro...

What is a Technology Consultant with David Vargo

Technology Consultant Side of the Industry

David Vargo, Principal at BrightTree Studios, discusses his role as a low voltage technology consultant and the services his company provides. He explains the various pathways into the industry and the importance of hands-on experience. David also highlights the differences between AV, data, and telecom specialties and the personal preferences...

We need MENTORSHIP to support the profession with Sean Sheffler

In this episode, Katelyn interviews Sean Scheffler, a senior associate architect at LGA Partners and the 2024 AIA Pittsburgh President. Sean shares his background and experience in the architecture industry, including his work on various project types. He discusses the challenges and benefits of being a generalist in the field and offers advice for professionals navigat...

From on Site to Construction Director with Matt Morris.

Matt Morris, Director of Construction at the Efficiency Network, shares his career path and experiences in the construction industry. He discusses his education in civil engineering and construction management, as well as his early work as a project engineer and project manager. Matt also talks about his transition to the role of Director of Construction and the challenges and ...

You could have a career in BUILDING & ROOFING SCIENCE with Jennifer Keegan

Jennifer Keegan, Director of Building and Roofing Science at GAF, shares her career journey and insights into the building science industry. She discusses her education background and how she transitioned from architecture to engineering. Jennifer also talks about her experiences working for restoration contractors, consulting firms, and finally joining G...

Resilience Design is People, Adaptable, and Sustainable with Illya Azaroff.

Illya Azaroff, architect and founding principal at +Lab Architects PLLC, shares his career journey and experiences in the architecture industry. He discusses his background growing up in Nebraska and his decision to move overseas to work on international projects. Ilya also talks about starting his own practice, +Lab Architects, and the focus on resilience a...

MENTAL HEALTH for ALL design professionals with Mike LaValley

Mike LaValley, an architect and associate at Trautman Associates, shares his journey from education to his current career. He discusses his passion for architecture and design, his experiences working at different firms, and the importance of mentors in his professional development.

Mike also talks about his interest in writing and how he started sharing his ideas and expe...

Tara Pakler, a Specification Sales at LaFace McGovern Associates, shares her journey in the lighting industry. She started in commercial design but fell in love with lighting while working in a lighting showroom. Tara discusses the process of lighting restoration and the importance of understanding the rules and needs of different project types. She emphasizes the value of collaboration and recommends seeking knowledge and educatio...

In this episode, Bob Bailey, an architect and specifications writer, shares his career journey and advice for young professionals. He discusses his transition to becoming a full-time specifier and the enjoyment he finds in writing specifications. Bob emphasizes the importance of specifications in projects and the challenges that architects face when they neglect them. He also shares insights on changing firms and the value of mento...

Paul Steidl, architect and co-founder of Build Casa, shares his journey from working in architecture firms to starting his own company. He discusses the importance of internships, pursuing a dual degree, and the value of working before completing a master's degree. Paul emphasizes the significance of networking and building connections, as well as the challenges and rewards of transitioning from an employee to a business owner. He ...

In this episode, civil engineer Luis Duque discusses his career path and experience as a bridge engineer. He explains the different branches of civil engineering and how civil and structural engineers work together on bridge projects. He also provides insights into the certification process for engineers and the challenges of being a fully remote engineer. Luis shares his involvement with organizations like Engineers Without Border...

Mandy Freeland, an architect, educator, and firm owner. Mandy shares her educational journey, starting with an associate's degree in architecture and later obtaining a bachelor's degree in communications and public relations. She discusses her experience working for a design-built company and the valuable insights she gained from collaborating with contractors. Mandy also talks about starting her own firm, being one of the few wome...

Alyce Anderson, CEO and founder of Wonderstruck, discusses her background in construction and how it led her to start her own marketing firm in the AEC industry. She emphasizes the importance of technical knowledge and project management skills in AEC marketing. Alyce also highlights the role of AI and visual education in marketing, as well as the need for collaboration and respect between marketing teams and other stakeholders. Sh...

Dani Schroeder, a transportation engineer, shares her journey and experiences in the field of civil engineering. She discusses the different avenues within transportation engineering, the education process for civil engineering, and the steps to becoming a professional engineer.

Dani also highlights the collaboration with other disciplines in civil engineering projects and the importance of involvement in professional organizations....

Beresford Pratt, Senior Design Manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, shares his career journey as an architect and his involvement in various organizations such as NOMA, United Way, and AIA. He discusses his pivot from private to public sector, the importance of creative education, and the benefits of joining NOMA. Beresford also highlights his role in the AIA Young Architects Forum and his current position as the editor in ...

Steve Albert, Senior Project Manager at UPMC, shares his journey from being an architect in a firm to working on the owner side. He discusses the factors that influenced his decision to make the transition and highlights the importance of being open to different project types and firms. Steve provides insights into a typical day in the life of a facility project manager, emphasizing the need for effective communication and problem-...

Melody Fontenot, a licensed architect and senior specifications writer, discusses her journey to becoming a spec writer and her current role at Conspectus Incorporated. She explains the features and benefits of Conspectus Cloud, a software platform for editing and collaborating on specifications. Melody emphasizes the importance of communication and networking in the spec writing field and highlights the value of CSI certifications...

What does a building Electrical Engineer do?

Nick Votaw, an electrical engineer, shares his career path and the importance of hands-on experience in the field. He discusses the process of becoming a licensed electrical engineer and offers advice for those studying for the professional engineering exam. Nick also highlights the challenges of being a building electrical engineer and the importance of coordination and communication in ...

Corey Squire, associate principal and sustainability director at BORA Architects, discusses his journey in architecture and sustainability. He shares his experience working in sustainability consulting and his current role at BORA. Corey also talks about his recently published book, 'People, Planet, Design,' which provides a practical guide to realizing architecture's potential. He emphasizes the importance of communication and mot...