Welcome to the mentorDINO YouTube Interview Series, your go-to destination for in-depth conversations with professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering, construction, and adjacent fields. I’m your host Katelyn Rossier, and I’m on a mission to uncover the fascinating stories, insights, and expertise of individuals who have shaped the built environment.

In each episode, we delve into the unique career journeys of our guests, exploring their educational backgrounds, professional experiences, specializing, and what they do. Whether you’re a budding Architect, an aspiring Engineer, or a construction enthusiast, you’ll find valuable advice, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of these professions.

If you’re new here, consider subscribing to our YouTube channel so you never miss an interview with our incredible guests. And for our blog readers, we’ll also provide a mini-transcript below the video to make it easier to follow along. Now, let’s jump right into today’s conversation and get ready to be inspired by the remarkable individuals who have made their mark in architecture, engineering, and construction.

An Architect in Healthcare Facilities

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-solving skills. He also explains the role of the internal team at UPMC and offers advice for AEC firms working with the organization.

In this conversation, Steve Albert discusses the importance of an effective design review process and the need for facilities to be involved in the review. He emphasizes the value of collaboration and challenging the status quo in order to improve design outcomes. Steve also highlights the significance of control systems narratives and treating everyone as a designer. He shares the impact of his university experience and the importance of finding a good mentor. The conversation concludes with advice for young professionals to ask questions and seek learning experiences.

Takeaways

• Being open to different project types and firms can lead to new opportunities and growth as an architect.

• Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial for facility project managers.

• Collaboration and asking questions are key to successful projects.

• Understanding existing conditions and involving stakeholders early in the process can prevent issues and delays.

• Facilitating direct communication between AEC firms and internal teams can lead to better project outcomes. An effective design review process involves providing documents to stakeholders ahead of time and encouraging them to review and come prepared with questions.

• Collaboration with facilities during the design review process is crucial as they have valuable insights and can challenge the designer to ensure the design will work in practice.

• Control systems narratives are important in the review of mechanical systems, and understanding the sequences and scenarios is essential.

• Treating everyone as a designer and involving them in the design process can lead to better outcomes and innovative solutions.

• Challenging the status quo and being open to new ways of doing things is important for continuous improvement in design.

• Mockups and stakeholder involvement in projects help orient people to the space and ensure that the final design meets their needs and expectations.

• University experiences and finding a good mentor can have a significant impact on a young professional’s career development.

• Young professionals should ask questions, seek out mentors, and take advantage of learning opportunities to grow in their careers.

Steven Albert