One of our values at SZ is to employ a multidisciplinary approach to architecture and the build environment. As a design-build firm, we see immense value in the collaboration of design and construction and encourage each team member to be fluent in both languages. That is why we are excited about the Certificate in Construction Management offered by the University of Washington. One of our designers, Lara, is currently enrolled in the certificate program and is working to apply that knowledge to streamline processes and enrich the communication between the design and construction teams.
The program boasts custom curriculum that provides specialized training in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, quality control, safety, contracts and staff development. The professors are experienced managers in the constructions industry who are committed to the growth of the students. The students work in teams to analyze real case studies and then apply their knowledge through the execution of a project that can be featured in their professional portfolio. Find out more about the program here.
What You’ll Learn
Principles and practices for planning and managing construction projects
Techniques for commercial cost estimating
Methods for developing a personal estimating manual
Accident prevention through construction safety techniques
One of the most valuable aspects of the program is the chance to learn from your peers in the construction industry. The demographic of the program is rather diverse in student background, skill level, and experience in the industry. Many students are project engineers looking to become project managers, others are tradesmen looking to gain knowledge in other aspects of the industry, and some are in unrelated fields looking for a career change. Regardless of background, each student brings a valuable and unique perspective that aids in education of the whole cohort. The diversity and collaborative focus of the program also allows it to be an excellent networking opportunity.
Q & A: Lara Tedrow
Q: How do you plan on applying this education to your future?
A: I really enjoy seeing the realization of design through construction and value this experience as a chance to become a better designer. Learning about cost effective and efficient construction processes can only enrich my career in the Architecture & Design field. The architecture and construction industry, while a lucrative one, has it’s up and downs depending on the economy. I hope my education in construction management coupled with my undergraduate in Interior design and professional mentorship under an inspirational architect will make me a valuable team member no matter the state of the market.
Q: How do you plan on applying this education to your role at SZ?
A: As SZ is a design-build firm there is a huge advantage to having construction savvy as a member of the design team. My role has been moving towards project management and with my Certificate in Construction Management I can better preform that role all the way through the completion of the build portion of the project. I also plan on sharing what I learn with the design and build teams to increase our effectiveness as a whole. As our company grows, I would like to help create more effective efficient processes for both design and construction phases.
Q: Do you see advantages of a multidisciplinary approach in the construction management field?
A: Absolutely! I have personally experienced enrichment through understanding more about the projects and responsibilities of my classmates. As a construction manager it is important to know a little about each trade while also finding subcontractors that you can work with in a collaborative manor in order to develop creative solutions to difficulties that arise during construction. The more understanding the construction manager has the more effectively they can manage the project. As a designer I see even greater importance to understanding the other disciplines within this field. Each discipline speaks its own language and the more fluent you are in the other languages, the smoother the project will progress from design through construction.