天娱传媒 Builders / Thu, 06 Aug 2026 19:19:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 Nashville Office Reflects on Their First Year! /news/nashville-office-reflects-on-their-first-year/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=nashville-office-reflects-on-their-first-year Thu, 06 Aug 2026 12:39:01 +0000 /?p=11106 Connections that Count Opportunities in Nashville are on the rise, like the 2030 Superbowl at Nashville鈥檚 Nissan Stadium that will bring 31 hotels to the area. With a combined over 100 years of experience in the Nashville AEC space, our team is ready to meet the demand. Roger White, Director of Business Development, has been […]

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As our first year in Nashville, Tennessee comes to a close, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the projects and people that have made our work so meaningful. We chatted with two of our Nashville team members about their experience thus far building our Nashville program from the ground up.

Connections that Count

Opportunities in Nashville are on the rise, like the 2030 Superbowl at Nashville鈥檚 Nissan Stadium that will bring 31 hotels to the area. With a combined over 100 years of experience in the Nashville AEC space, our team is ready to meet the demand.

Roger White, Director of Business Development, has been working in the Nashville construction market since 1999, starting his career in equipment rentals for Equipment Finders. He then went on to work in the commercial roofing industry as a Key Customer Manager for Rackley Roofing, the former official roofer of the Tennessee Titans and, subsequently, the current roofer of the University of Tennessee Volunteers.

Since joining 天娱传媒 in May, Roger has quickly become an integral part of the Nashville team, drawing on his extensive industry experience. His addition further strengthens 天娱传媒鈥檚 ability to support promoter clients across multiple markets. For example, 天娱传媒鈥檚 Retail & Hospitality Group has successfully delivered complex projects for tenants at Boston鈥檚 Copley Place Mall, and that experience has helped position the team to pursue opportunities at similarly prominent retail destinations in Nashville.

The development and nurturing of these critical connections with building developers, owners, and subcontractors is Roger鈥檚 focus. It鈥檚 also the main differentiator between 天娱传媒 and our competition.鈥淚鈥檓 extremely excited to use my competitive advantage, the relationships I鈥檝e amassed over the years, to generate new opportunities and drive business for 天娱传媒,鈥 Roger said.

Relationships are the cornerstone of successful construction projects. Another key player in Nashville Danielle Pyle, Senior Advisor of Client Strategies, has developed a deep understanding of the Nashville market, having spent her entire 15-year career building relationships while working alongside commercial real estate and construction owners, industry partners, and decision-makers.

鈥淭hose relationships and experiences have been invaluable as we’ve introduced 天娱传媒 to Nashville and continued building our presence here,鈥 Danielle said.

Moreover, the Nashville team is focused on building trust, developing new relationships, and strengthening existing ones. The biggest lesson Danielle has learned so far is that sustainable growth comes from investing in relationships first.鈥淚f that鈥檚 done right, the work will follow.鈥

Projects with Purpose

As developing long-term partnerships with clients was a key goal for Nashville, Danielle, Roger, and the team are especially proud of the relationship they鈥檝e built with Vanderbilt University. Currently, the Nashville office is working on a renovation of Benton Chapel and upgrades to the South End Zone at FirstBank Stadium.

The Benton Chapel project is a comprehensive modernization of the existing audio-visual system, which includes removing outdated equipment, installing a state-of-the-art sound system, projector and projector screen, and integrating streaming capabilities to enable live event broadcasting.

The South End Zone project will extend water and waste lines to new sinks in the existing and active dining halls in Vanderbilt Stadium, a donor鈥檚 suite, and an outdoor rooftop bar.

The Nashville team鈥檚 results speak for themselves. Through strategic relationship-building with restoration and construction personnel and the consistent delivery of high-end, quality projects, the team has earned the trust that leads to repeat business.

What鈥檚 Coming Next

Our Nashville team is equally as focused on strategically pursuing opportunities that align with our expertise and long-term vision.

The division is working to pursue opportunities in retail, hospitality, higher education, institutional, corporate interiors, and maybe even automotive plants native to the greater Nashville area.

Roger said witnessing growth in a market he knows so well is particularly exciting. 鈥淭he opportunities to take something today that鈥檚 small and grow it is amazing.鈥

Danielle is looking forward to spending more time with her team, who she said is the best part of working with 天娱传媒.

鈥溙煊榇 has built a culture that’s truly special,鈥 she said. 鈥淲e work hard, hold ourselves to a high standard, and genuinely trust one another.鈥

 

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National Intern Day Spotlight /news/national-intern-day-spotlight/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=national-intern-day-spotlight Thu, 30 Jul 2026 12:30:49 +0000 /?p=11060 听 Happy National Intern Day! This summer, we had 20 amazing interns join 天娱传媒 across 18 different teams. Spending time in the field, creating virtual construction plans, and managing safety on project sites are just a few examples of the important skills they learned and applied. We asked a few interns to share their biggest […]

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Happy National Intern Day! This summer, we had 20 amazing interns join 天娱传媒 across 18 different teams. Spending time in the field, creating virtual construction plans, and managing safety on project sites are just a few examples of the important skills they learned and applied. We asked a few interns to share their biggest takeaways from their summer at 天娱传媒, and here鈥檚 what they said!

Hana Marshall, a rising senior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, joined the Virtual Design Construction (VDC) team, where her primary project was an interior corporate fit-out for BNY Melon at One Boston Place. To create an accurate 3D virtual model used in the preconstruction phase, she assisted in meetings with trade partners, engineers, and project managers to support clash detection and identify spatial conflicts. She also participated in field investigations to document existing building conditions.

Hana made her way to 天娱传媒 after her friends Ellie Fields, a current Project Engineer, spoke highly of her experience with her friendly and intelligent construction professionals. This resonated with Hana, as a culture fit was an important consideration when she chose where to work. 鈥淎s I learn the industry, surrounding myself with people who are knowledgeable about construction and are willing to lend a helping hand was essential.鈥

As an Architectural Engineering major, Hana works with theoretical construction projects in many of her classes. Her favorite part about working for 天娱传媒 is being able to see real construction projects take shape. She enjoyed her summer so much that she鈥檚 even considering returning to construction management post-graduation.

鈥淚 found the work I鈥檓 doing to be really interesting,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 connected what I鈥檓 doing in school to a non-hypothetical outcome, which has been awesome to see.鈥

Brody Baker, an intern within 天娱传媒鈥檚 Commercial group, was on-site during our interview. He echoed Hana鈥檚 thoughts about the excitement of being part of tangible projects during his internship.

鈥淣ot everyone can say they build the projects we do,鈥 Brody said. 鈥淗aving a connection to something that serves a purpose of improving lives is really a driving factor for me.鈥

Brody鈥檚 work this summer was focused on the Montachusett Veteran鈥檚 Outreach Center in Winchendon, Massachusetts. Helping the superintendent and assistant project manager, working through procurement items, and assisting with site observation and walkthroughs are some of the ways Brody made an impact on the MVOC project.

His biggest takeaway from the summer can be summarized in a few words: Reactions are everything. The unpredictability of a job site is constant; what matters is the efficiency and care of one鈥檚 response.

鈥淟earning to mitigate risk has really been key. If you can see the issue before it happens, progress will continue,鈥 Brody said.

Graduating in 2028 from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Business Administration major and Psychology minor, Brody plans to take what he鈥檚 learned at 天娱传媒 with him into a career in construction.

Matt Sheehan, a QA/QC and Field Operations听intern, agreed that what he learned at 天娱传媒 this summer was invaluable. This year was Matt鈥檚 second summer with us, with his first year primarily focused on听project engineering work for a Corporate Interior renovation project in Boston.

I came back to 天娱传媒 because they pushed me to take every opportunity to grow,鈥 he said.听This year, Matt spent his time both in the field and with QA/QC group, which听included helping coordinate and schedule subcontractor work. He learned first-hand just how vital quality assurance is to the success of a project.

Matt plans to stay in construction full-time after he graduates from Purdue University in 2028. He sees a potential fit in both field and in-office work, so he鈥檒l take the next two years to figure out which to pursue.听鈥溙煊榇 is a great place for anyone looking to learn the industry because they allow you to take on new opportunities,鈥 he said. 鈥淭hey truly care about the growth of the interns.

Rowan Dillon joined the Safety team this summer, and she’s been hard at work supporting the implementation of 天娱传媒’s rigorous safety protocols in the field. Rowan is pursuing a degree from Mass Maritime Academy in Emergency Management, which focuses on crisis situations. She was able to learn more about everyday tools that make job sites safer for workers. 鈥淢y biggest takeaway is combining what I know about emergency management with daily safety protocol on a construction site.鈥

Rowan said she really enjoyed 天娱传媒鈥檚 emphasis on community. 鈥淚 walk into the office once every two weeks after being on-site and people still know my name.鈥

天娱传媒鈥檚 Director of Safety Kevin Gomes said Rowan has been a pleasure to work with. “She has done a wonderful job of integrating with the team and becoming a valuable team member.鈥 He commended her ability to be resourceful, curious, and engaged with her work in the field.

鈥淚 look forward to seeing where her career takes her!”

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Women in Construction Week: Celebrating the Women Who Build 天娱传媒 /news/celebrating-the-women-who-build-commodore/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=celebrating-the-women-who-build-commodore Wed, 04 Mar 2026 18:12:22 +0000 /?p=10577 During Women in Construction Week, we鈥檙e honored to recognize a few of the remarkable women across 天娱传媒 Builders whose leadership, expertise, and determination elevate our work every day. The example they set drives our teams forward, and their impact resonates through every project we deliver. Sen Blankinship, Senior Project Manager 鈥淪en is an exceptional teammate […]

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During Women in Construction Week, we鈥檙e honored to recognize a few of the remarkable women across 天娱传媒 Builders whose leadership, expertise, and determination elevate our work every day. The example they set drives our teams forward, and their impact resonates through every project we deliver.

Sen Blankinship, Senior Project Manager

鈥淪en is an exceptional teammate whose dedication, expertise, and quiet confidence elevate every project she touches. Her clients consistently sing her praises for her reliability, responsiveness, and follow-through. She is a quiet assassin in the best way 鈥 she knows her clients, masters the contract documents, and holds both the internal team and trade partners firmly accountable to our shared standards. In pursuits, Sen is always an easy yes 鈥 her track record, resume, and references speak loudly for themselves and immediately build confidence with prospective clients. Beyond her professional excellence, she is a dedicated and proud mom who lights up when she talks about her family. Sen is a tremendous asset to the Public Group, and I can confidently say I speak for all of us when I share our deep appreciation for everything she does to make our team successful.鈥
鈥擩im DiMarzio, Vice President / Public Group Leader

 

Devin McGovern, Preconstruction Services Coordinator

鈥淚n less than a year at 天娱传媒, Devin has made an incredible impact. She has taken the lead in key preconstruction initiatives and company-wide SOP improvements, strengthening how we operate across the entire organization. Within our estimating team, Devin has been a true difference-maker 鈥 building custom reporting tools that enhance deliverable management, improve visibility into team capacity, and better communicate strategies for self-performing opportunities with Charles Services and Equipment (CSEC). Devin鈥檚 initiative, innovation, and drive have elevated the team and delivered meaningful results in a remarkably short time.鈥
鈥擩onathan Morini, Vice President of Estimating

 

Jennifer Morrissey, Project Accountant

鈥淲ith only a one-year anniversary upcoming, Jennifer is already our go-to project accountant for our challenging jobs. For example, with our most recent project, she realized that we were recognizing it as one job, but the client was managing it as two, so she pivoted quickly to have the subcontractors bill this work separately. This not only streamlined our internal processes but also ensured that subcontractor payments would flow when we were paid by the client. This was using all six of our qualities of excellence rolled into one project: Jennifer took charge and problem-solved the situation, anticipating that cash flow would be a problem for our trade partners. Her ability to focus on the details ensures we are billing the client accurately. She collaborated with our internal and external teams to develop a solution that worked for everyone. Jennifer鈥檚 innovation was critical to avoiding the entire team having to rework the project yet again.鈥
鈥擩ennifer Sinclair, Project Accounting Manager

 

Flaviane Richard, Project Manager

鈥淔lavi joined our Commercial team last spring, and she immediately jumped into action at our 900 Morrissey Boulevard project in Dorchester, MA. From day one, her collaborative approach has had a significant impact on strengthening our relationship with The Community Builders, given the challenges uncovered in the existing building. Flavi is incredibly hard-working, thoughtful in her problem鈥憇olving, and consistently driven to get results. We all look forward to her continued growth here at 天娱传媒.鈥
鈥擠an Hudd, Commercial Group Leader

 

Jessica Ryan, Project Controls Manager / Life Sciences Group Controller

鈥淲hen you think about consistency, you think about Jess Ryan. Over the years, Jess has steadily innovated to help maximize our team鈥檚 efficiency and has her fingerprint on much of what we do. Jess has been a key contributor to our team and is a big reason why some of our most challenging projects have been successful. She is always the first to try to overcome a new obstacle. I very much appreciate everything she brings to the table and have come to rely on her as someone who always delivers results at a very high level. Jess is a genuinely caring person and balances all of this as a working mother. We are very lucky to have her on our team.鈥
鈥擩ustin Nadolney, Director of Operations / Project Executive, Life Science

 

Kate Starr, Senior Project Manager

鈥淜ate is an outstanding leader who seamlessly manages multiple teams while always putting collaboration first. She has become the Public Group鈥檚 trusted expert for our largest client and for all things DCAMM, consistently delivering calm, informed guidance. Kate constantly looks for smarter, more efficient ways to work, with a sharp focus on saving her clients money and keeping the end user鈥檚 experience front and center. Her clients genuinely enjoy partnering with her, and she has grown into a confident, influential leader within the Public Group. Kate is always on the move with her partner, Mel, and we love hearing about their latest adventures, including their recent trip to Alaska. Kate is a tremendous asset to our team, and we are deeply grateful for the impact she has on our collective success.鈥
鈥擩im DiMarzio, Vice President / Public Group Leader

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天娱传媒 Builders Welcomes John Tobin as Vice President and Leader of the Retail and Hospitality Group /news/commodore-builders-welcomes-john-tobin-as-vice-president-and-leader-of-the-retail-and-hospitality-group/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=commodore-builders-welcomes-john-tobin-as-vice-president-and-leader-of-the-retail-and-hospitality-group Mon, 01 Dec 2025 19:10:04 +0000 /?p=10385 天娱传媒 Builders is pleased to announce that John Tobin has joined the firm as Vice President and Leader of the Retail and Hospitality Group, bringing over three decades of experience that spans construction management, design oversight, and client representation for some of the most recognized names in the restaurant, retail, and hotel industries. Tobin comes […]

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天娱传媒 Builders is pleased to announce that John Tobin has joined the firm as Vice President and Leader of the Retail and Hospitality Group, bringing over three decades of experience that spans construction management, design oversight, and client representation for some of the most recognized names in the restaurant, retail, and hotel industries.

Tobin comes to 天娱传媒 from The Related Companies, where he was Senior Vice President of Design and Construction, overseeing all food and beverage projects in New York City. He previously headed the NYC Hospitality Division at Shawmut Design and Construction, managing an expansive portfolio of restaurants, hotels, and event spaces across the country.

Tobin began his career as a residential carpenter on Cape Cod before transitioning into commercial construction in Boston. Starting as a Superintendent and progressing through roles as Project Manager, Director of Construction, Director of Hotels, and SVP of Design & Construction, he has built a reputation for excellence through hands-on leadership and a deep understanding of what it takes to deliver memorable guest environments. His unique perspective, gained from working on both sides of the table as builder and client, positions him to bring a balanced, relationship-driven approach to 天娱传媒鈥檚 growing Retail and Hospitality portfolio.

With more than 300 completed restaurants, retail, and hospitality projects combined, Tobin鈥檚 career highlights include iconic Boston destinations such as Flour, Neptune Oyster Bar, O YA, Scampo, Nebo, Legal Seafood Harborside, Davio鈥檚 and Bleacher Bar. His national work includes Per Se, Le Bernardin, 11 Madison Park, Nobu, Del Frisco鈥檚, and Hard Rock Caf茅. His hotel-sector projects include the Boston Harbor Hotel, Marriott Copley Place, Boston Park Plaza, Waldorf-Astoria, The Palace, InterContinental-Barclay, and St. Regis, among others.

Tom Comeau, President of 天娱传媒 Builders, says, 鈥淛ohn鈥檚 combination of field experience, client insight, and executive leadership will enable 天娱传媒 to accelerate our growth in the retail and hospitality market. He brings a level of sophistication and understanding of client expectations that will elevate our delivery and strengthen our partnerships.鈥

Based at 天娱传媒鈥檚 Newton headquarters, Tobin will lead the firm鈥檚 Retail and Hospitality Group, overseeing teams that serve clients across New England and beyond.

About 天娱传媒 Builders
天娱传媒 Builders is a veteran-owned construction management firm headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts, with offices in Boston and Nashville. The company offers a full range of preconstruction and construction management services across multiple sectors, including life sciences, corporate interiors, institutional, public, commercial, and retail and hospitality. 天娱传媒 is consistently ranked among New England鈥檚 top construction management firms for its dedication to safety, quality, and building long-term client relationships.

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Finding Purpose and Belonging: 天娱传媒 Colleagues Reflect On Why They Joined the Construction Industry /news/commodore-colleagues-reflect-on-why-they-joined-the-construction-industry/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=commodore-colleagues-reflect-on-why-they-joined-the-construction-industry Tue, 28 Oct 2025 15:18:00 +0000 /?p=10200 As part of Careers in Construction Month, we spoke with some of our team members to learn why they first joined the construction industry and their advice for someone considering a construction career. We鈥檙e proud to celebrate the unique paths that brought these talented people to the industry. 鈥淚 was first inspired to join the […]

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As part of Careers in Construction Month, we spoke with some of our team members to learn why they first joined the construction industry and their advice for someone considering a construction career. We鈥檙e proud to celebrate the unique paths that brought these talented people to the industry.

鈥淚 was first inspired to join the construction industry while attending an architectural camp in middle school. I always enjoyed taking things apart to understand how they work, and it was at that camp where I learned that I could contribute to building structures that people use daily. I thought it was amazing that an idea could turn into a set of drawings and then eventually a whole building, school, or park. I then gravitated towards estimating to get involved at the beginning of the process. I often get to see the first iteration all the way through to the final drawing set. Then, if I鈥檓 lucky, I can visit the site during and/or after construction and see the drawings come to life. It鈥檚 really cool to witness.

鈥淔or someone considering joining the industry, I would say to try to get a chance to see and experience things as much as possible. Construction is very much a live-it-to-learn-it type of industry, so the best way to learn is almost always to go see it in real time so you can see how different issues get solved.鈥

Tatianna Auguste, Estimator

 

鈥淢y career in construction began early, working alongside my father in his residential construction company. While I initially disliked those summer days on the jobsite, they laid a foundation that would shape my future. After high school, I joined the carpenters鈥 union to help pay for college, gaining valuable hands-on trade experience. Following college, I transitioned into project management at a residential construction company, a role that later opened doors to opportunities with 天娱传媒 and Strategic Projects Group (SPG). While managing projects in SPG, I helped the group apply for permits, which ultimately led to my transition into the company鈥檚 newly established Permitting Department.

鈥淟ooking back, I realize how much my early experiences 鈥 such as accompanying my father to the Boston Inspectional Services Department (ISD) 鈥 prepared me for success in unexpected ways. My advice to the next generation is to give attention to every task, no matter how small. The skills and lessons you gain today may prove invaluable later in your career.鈥

Marcus Gonzalez, Director of Permitting

 

鈥淢y dad was a union laborer in Local 721 and did concrete on his own on the side 鈥 I always admired his hard work. I grew up helping on his side work projects, and I immediately loved construction. I never knew exactly what I wanted to study at college until I toured Keene State College. During my tour, the hockey coach recommended the Construction Safety Management program to me, and I instantly knew that was the route I wanted to take.听Since graduating and getting into the field, I鈥檝e loved working in this industry. Building relationships with subcontractors and project teams, as well as coordinating different safety plans to ensure all workers went home safely to their families each day, makes me love what I do.

鈥淚 would highly recommend anyone with any thoughts on the construction industry to give it a try, as it is very rewarding and enjoyable. You learn skills that extend beyond the workforce.鈥

Cullen Gustafson, Safety Manager

 

鈥淐onstruction careers span multiple generations in my family. I have memories as a child visiting projects my father was part of, and I can recall many conversations with my grandfather about the work he himself had been involved in. Their sense of pride and accomplishment influenced my start years ago, and their mentorship has guided me along the way.

鈥淎s a superintendent, I value opportunities to problem-solve and be part of something tangible, collaborating with our trade partners, design teams, and clients throughout. It鈥檚 rewarding to look back at a project and know you played a role in how it got there. I鈥檝e been fortunate to be involved in many projects that have served different purposes and end users.

鈥淎s I continue to build, I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, knowing that the next 10 years will look and feel very different from the previous 10 years.

鈥淢y advice to anyone considering a career in construction would be to ask questions. Construction is as much of a relationship business as it is a building business. Be a sponge and be open-minded and know that roles and responsibilities will reflect what you put in. Most problems have multiple solutions, and while it鈥檚 important to bring suggestions to the table, contributions from your counterparts are necessary. It鈥檚 a team game. There are endless opportunities for those that are reliable and apply themselves.鈥

Jonathan Regis, Superintendent

 

鈥淚 grew up in a construction family, so it kind of feels like I鈥檝e always worked in construction. My dad was a residential builder and developer, and my mom was a real estate agent. When I was in high school, my dad would pay me to vacuum the sawdust out of the cabinets and drawers in the homes that he built before the owners moved in. He never let me drive the backhoe or swing a hammer, though!

鈥淲hen I went to college at UMass Amherst, I majored in theater and was required to take courses in scenic design, which I loved. In those classes, I learned how to read and produce basic construction drawings and make 3D diagrams of my designs out of foamboard. I also learned to climb ladders and use power tools! Being able to operate a power drill or table saw made me feel empowered in a way I never would have imagined. My carpentry skills were not good 鈥 but just finding them made me feel good!

鈥淎fter graduation, I bounced around a bit before figuring out what I really wanted to do professionally. I tried selling houses with my mom and realized I wasn鈥檛 cut out for that. I worked as a paralegal at a couple of law firms and in the legal departments of several Fortune 500 companies. It wasn鈥檛 until I landed in the legal department of a General Contractor firm in 2014 that I finally felt at home. The projects we worked on were tangible, and my coworkers spoke my language. I loved that I was able to combine construction with my legal background. Eleven years later, I can鈥檛 picture myself doing anything else!

鈥淢y advice to others considering entering the construction industry is to always say yes to something new, especially if it makes me nervous. That鈥檚 how we keep growing.鈥

Sara Whitman, Risk Management Associate

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Embracing adventure with Mariana Zapata /news/embracing-adventure-with-mariana-zapata/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=embracing-adventure-with-mariana-zapata Wed, 08 Jan 2025 14:34:05 +0000 /?p=9349 On her first solo trip to Europe, Mariana Zapata learned a life lesson: the best moments come when you let go of the plan and embrace the detours. As 天娱传媒鈥檚 newest Assistant Project Manager, that ability to adapt to any situation has played a big role in her success. Mariana has a genuine curiosity and […]

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On her first solo trip to Europe, Mariana Zapata learned a life lesson: the best moments come when you let go of the plan and embrace the detours. As 天娱传媒鈥檚 newest Assistant Project Manager, that ability to adapt to any situation has played a big role in her success.

Mariana has a genuine curiosity and a strong desire to pitch in wherever she can. She’s constantly looking for ways to improve processes and is always ready to support her teammates in any way possible.

Being a first-generation, bilingual individual from Columbia, she leverages her language skills to bridge communication gaps, helping to foster strong relationships with diverse teams and clients. She describes it as one of the most useful skills her parents gave her, and something that brings her immense joy and pride. We sat down with Mariana to learn more about her journey into construction and what she loves about her work.

What made you enter the construction industry?

I fell into construction by happenstance. I was working as an Assistant Property Manager, and we were doing an occupied rehab project in the building. The General Superintendent and Project Executive exposed me to the industry, where I learned just how fast paced and different construction really is. They helped me get my foot in the door as a Project Administrator, allowing me to work during the day and go to school at night. I was on a fast-track route to the project management side of construction, being exposed to financials and visiting job sites. The day after I graduated, I got a call from the VP of Construction offering me a role as an Assistant Project Manager.

What excites you about your work?

I鈥檓 always looking to be challenged and to learn new things. In fact, I never want to be the smartest person in the room, and that鈥檚 one of the things I really like about construction. There鈥檚 always something for me to learn.

I鈥檝e been looking to get exposed to different aspects of sustainability in construction. I鈥檝e worked on a few Passive House projects and I鈥檓 fascinated by the details. I鈥檓 currently working at the Franklin Park Zoo, building an exhibit and habitat for the penguins. The scope includes geothermal wells, which is an area of sustainability I didn鈥檛 previously have experience in.听 It鈥檚 super exciting to see this project come to life and learning the methods of what it takes to build a zoo exhibit. It鈥檚 not something you really think about. Plus, it鈥檚 always fun to see the animals!

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy hiking and exploring the outdoors. There鈥檚 a trail in Saugus called Breakheart, which I like to visit frequently. There are some other small trails in Ipswich where I like to take my friends and family. I鈥檓 also a big traveler 鈥 this year I visited D.C., Chicago, Cabo, and Spain. If I鈥檓 not hiking or with my friends and family, you can probably find me at Marshalls or watching anything Bravo.

What piece of advice would you give to women entering the field?

Never be afraid to ask questions鈥攍earning is key. If you have the chance to work with someone who is skilled and patient enough to mentor you, take that opportunity. Be willing to take risks, step out of your comfort zone, and, most importantly, trust in your ability to succeed.

 

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天娱传媒 Builders Leads Hopkins Lower Middle School Expansion /news/commodore-builders-leads-hopkins-lower-middle-school-expansion/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=commodore-builders-leads-hopkins-lower-middle-school-expansion Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:50:35 +0000 /?p=9302 天娱传媒 Builders is spearheading the expansion and renovation of Hopkins Lower Middle School to accommodate the growing student population in Hopkinton and modernize the facilities. This 28,000-sf project includes: Construction of a new gymnasium Renovation of the existing cafeteria Upgrades to existing classrooms Creation of four new STEM labs equipped with advanced technology Improvements to […]

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天娱传媒 Builders is spearheading the expansion and renovation of Hopkins Lower Middle School to accommodate the growing student population in Hopkinton and modernize the facilities. This 28,000-sf project includes:

  • Construction of a new gymnasium
  • Renovation of the existing cafeteria
  • Upgrades to existing classrooms
  • Creation of four new STEM labs equipped with advanced technology
  • Improvements to outdoor areas, including a new playground and grass sports fields

To achieve new Massachusetts regulations for sustainability, the school will be nearly 100% electric. All new kitchen and mechanical equipment will be electric or powered by geothermal, and all rooftop units will be replaced with geothermal units. The new system will greatly reduce reliance on fossil fuels by harnessing geothermal energy for heating and cooling systems throughout the building.

天娱传媒 Builders partnered with Skillings & Sons to install thirty-five geothermal wells on site to support the new systems. Thanks to meticulous planning, geothermal drilling commenced a month ahead of schedule. This proactive approach was essential, as the original timeline extended into winter, posing risks of freezing conditions that could have delayed installation and complicated well site management. Completing the wells prior to pouring the foundation for the addition was critical, especially given the project’s constrained site.

Due to the project’s proximity to wetlands, careful water management was essential to prevent environmental impacts. The installation of the wells requires 60 gallons of water per minute, requiring the water to be filtered and tested before being discharged back onto the site to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

This expansion not only meets the needs of the growing student body but also sets a benchmark for sustainable building practices and innovative approaches to meet Massachusetts’ energy goals.

Video courtesy of Mass Clean Energy Week

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Say hello to Chris Vargas /news/say-hello-to-chris-vargas/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=say-hello-to-chris-vargas Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:51:52 +0000 /?p=9220 Chris Vargas, the newest member of 天娱传媒鈥檚 Estimating team, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to our projects. He鈥檚 a first-generation college graduate and the son of immigrants. The value of hard work and determination were instilled in him from a young age. That grit combined with his genuine curiosity has led to a successful […]

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Chris Vargas, the newest member of 天娱传媒鈥檚 Estimating team, brings a wealth of diverse experiences to our projects. He鈥檚 a first-generation college graduate and the son of immigrants. The value of hard work and determination were instilled in him from a young age. That grit combined with his genuine curiosity has led to a successful career that encompasses nearly every facet of construction.

Read more about Chris鈥 career path, his passion for spreadsheets, and how his new daughter has changed his world.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?

I grew up in a predominantly Latino neighborhood in NYC called Washington Heights. I always wanted to create better opportunities for my family, and I knew going away for college would be a huge step in that direction. My first exposure to the industry was through a drafting class in high school, which segued into engineering courses in college. I graduated from Union College with a degree in Environmental Science and met my college sweetheart, now my wife!

It was really curiosity that became a career. Each of my roles gave me exposure to new facets of construction 鈥 from drafting and special inspections to purchasing and value engineering.

Tell us a little about your career path and what brought you to estimating.

After graduating college, a friend introduced me to a drafting job in Long Island for small home renovation projects. That company had a separate division that focused on special inspections. Thanks to a fortuitous offer from my boss, I obtained my OSHA/ACI/ICC certifications and conducted special inspections in and around NYC.

After a few a years, I started working for a developer/GC based in the NYC metro area. I wore (almost) every construction hat possible I could in my eight years there. I began my career in the Purchasing Group. From there, I became an assistant superintendent and engineer on-site in the Bronx. I then ended up back in the office to join their Preconstruction Department where I became an assistant project manager. That鈥檚 where I thrived and realized it was my passion. I loved diving into the procedural aspects of Estimating and seeing projects evolve from the pre-schematic phase to reality.

What excites you most about your role as an estimator?

Excel spreadsheets. I鈥檓 (partly) kidding. Estimating is about anticipating all the unknown circumstances and making sure you have captured it all. It requires an ability to focus on both the details in front of you and the unknown details that require more critical thinking to create a clear picture. I try to 鈥渮oom out鈥 before diving into the details. I assess the end goal to determine what needs to be achieved. From there, it鈥檚 all about breaking down large problems into manageable pieces 鈥 and that鈥檚 where my spreadsheets become my lifeline.

What do you do in your spare time?

My wife and I welcomed our first child, Sofia, a few months ago. She is our world now. We enjoy family outings with Sofia and our two pups, Terry and Phoebe, whether it鈥檚 a walk around the neighborhood we just moved to, or heading out on a new leaf-peeping adventure. We鈥檙e always looking for recommendations for must-see areas around New England!

Fun fact, in college I had the incredible opportunity to spend three weeks in Egypt with one of my professors. He grew up in Egypt, so we were able to experience the country through the eyes of a local. It was one of the best experiences of my life, and I鈥檓 so looking forward to sharing those types of adventures with my daughter.

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Littleton Senior Center exceeds required stretch code during QA/QC blower door test /news/littleton-senior-center-exceeds-required-stretch-code-during-qa-qc-blower-door-test/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=littleton-senior-center-exceeds-required-stretch-code-during-qa-qc-blower-door-test Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:13:23 +0000 /?p=9163 Exciting news! Our team at the Littleton Senior Center recently conducted a preliminary blower door test to evaluate the building鈥檚 airtightness as part of our Quality Control/Quality Assurance program. Thanks to the entire team鈥檚 diligence and quality control, we not only met but far exceeded the required stretch code air tightness requirements. This achievement is […]

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Exciting news! Our team at the Littleton Senior Center recently conducted a preliminary blower door test to evaluate the building鈥檚 airtightness as part of our Quality Control/Quality Assurance program. Thanks to the entire team鈥檚 diligence and quality control, we not only met but far exceeded the required stretch code air tightness requirements.

This achievement is a testament to the team鈥檚 meticulous planning, anticipation, and quality control.

Project Manager Sen Blankinship and Superintendent Al Tocci sought insights from fellow 天娱传媒 employees with Passive House experience to ensure this project could meet and exceed the Town鈥檚 stretch energy codes.

Often, blower door tests are completed after the building is completed, which can result in needing to navigate through interior walls to fix leaks and can add to the schedule and costs. Based on previous experience, we strategically scheduled the blower door test after fully applying the air and vapor barrier (AVB) but before closing the building. This timing ensured the building envelope was tight enough to yield accurate results, but with the walls still exposed, our team could quickly identify and rectify any leaks that could compromise the building鈥檚 energy performance.

Advanced Building Analysis (ABA), who conducted the blower door test, came well-prepared for even the most extreme leak scenarios. They arrived with four fans to ensure we could adequately pressurize the building, as well as thermal cameras and fog to help find leaks. However, thanks to the tightness of our building envelope, they only needed to use one fan to get results and even had to restrict the airflow further to pressurize the building.

A crucial element of our success was the quality of work provided by our team. Notably, the waterproofing team was pivotal to our success. They first installed the AVB onto a building fa莽ade mockup that was then inspected by the AVB manufacturer. The team incorporated the AVB manufacturer鈥檚 recommendations and provided proper training for field personnel. An ABBA (Air Barrier Association of America) audit was also performed mid-way through the AVB installation, and their comments were fully addressed. These quality inspections significantly improved the integrity of the installed air barrier.

This achievement is just one example of how our team is proactively meeting the stretch code requirements for the Town of Littleton鈥檚 Senior Center. Conducting preliminary testing allows us to ensure quality early in the project, addressing any potential issues before they become costly or time-consuming. With these results in hand, we are well-positioned to move forward confidently as we prepare for the final, code-required test.

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Say hello to 天娱传媒鈥檚 2024 Summer Interns! /news/say-hello-to-commodores-2024-summer-interns/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=say-hello-to-commodores-2024-summer-interns Tue, 25 Jun 2024 18:38:47 +0000 /?p=8894 Each year, 天娱传媒 welcomes summer interns from universities across Greater Boston and beyond. From risk management and sustainability to project management and working on site, our newest team members will spend their summers diving deeper into the multifaceted world of construction management. Natalie Kennedy has 鈥渉ad a hard hat on since she was a baby.鈥 […]

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Each year, 天娱传媒 welcomes summer interns from universities across Greater Boston and beyond. From risk management and sustainability to project management and working on site, our newest team members will spend their summers diving deeper into the multifaceted world of construction management.


Natalie Kennedy has 鈥渉ad a hard hat on since she was a baby.鈥 Growing up in a construction family, Natalie is now a rising junior at Villanova University, studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Real Estate. She has a natural inclination towards science and math and is passionate about the intersection of civil engineering with architecture, design, and sustainability. Natalie will be working with Paul Maneen, Project Executive, in our Institutional Group.

Precious Nkutu just finished her freshman year at UMass Lowell studying Civil Engineering. As a first-generation college student, she is determined to take in every opportunity and learn as much as possible. Her driving force in school and life is to thank her parents and show her family where she can go. Precious will be working with our Life Sciences group and is excited to work alongside other women in the industry.

John Bertoncini is a rising senior at Boston University, studying Film and TV. When he sent over a sample of his video work, Carol Roby, Senior Director of Learning, knew John鈥檚 film skills would be an asset to the team. John took a screen writing course and had to write a 50-page screenplay, which after rewrites and edits ended up being over 150 pages. An avid rugby player, John will be working with 天娱传媒 Academy and Human Resources this summer.

Max Sherman returns to 天娱传媒 Builders this year for a second summer internship. In addition to studying Business at Florida Gulf Coast University, Max decided to get his real estate license last year and has been working on building relationships with potential buyers. Last summer, Max worked alongside Mike Price and the QA/QC team. This year, he鈥檒l be working with 天娱传媒鈥檚 self-perform division, on a labor rate study and will be spending more time out on site.

 

Nakeeya Douglas is a rising junior at Wentworth Institute of Technology, studying Civil Engineering. Over the last year, she鈥檚 been learning about concrete and mixing it out in the field, as well as beams and their distribution of force. She鈥檚 looking forward to seeing how what she learned in the classroom applies on an actual construction site. Nakeeya will be working with our Corporate Interiors group in our Boston office.

Loeden Rodrigues is a rising senior at UMass Amherst where he鈥檚 studying Building and Construction Technology. Few people can trace the origin of their career trajectory to a single moment 鈥 but Loeden can. He was running track at UMass, and couldn鈥檛 practice outside due to the compromised air quality from the California forest fires. It was then that he decided to make a difference in the world by working towards a more sustainable future for the planet and for the construction industry. Loeden will spend the summer working with Mike Price, Director of Quality and Sustainability.

Kenny Stolgitis comes to 天娱传媒 from Quinnipiac University where he is a rising senior studying Civil Engineering. Growing up in a construction family, Kenny has always been focused on pursuing a career in the industry. He鈥檚 most inspired when his classes include designing foundations, analyzing soils, and exploring rock mechanics. Kenny will be working on the Veterans鈥 Home in Holyoke project in Western Massachusetts.

Vincent Cimini is pursuing his MBA at Boston College. He graduated from Boston College last spring with an undergraduate degree in Business Management and Leadership. Having been surrounded by attorneys his whole life, he plans to go to law school after completing his MBA. Vincent will be spending the summer gaining hands-on risk management experience with Mike Roche, Vice President and General Counsel.

Gregory Federico comes to 天娱传媒 from Penn State University where he is a rising Sophomore, studying Economics. He will be spending the summer working with Charles Services and traveling between project sites. He will be focused on productivity and efficiency 鈥 activities that are related to his field of economics and essential to construction management.

 

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