Career Path of a Project Manager at High-End Residential General Contractor

Going into college, I didn't really know what I wanted to do. I wanted business as my primary degree, but I didn't get into the business school. So, I decided to take my first year to explore different options.

I took a bunch of preliminary and credit classes. Some friends in the architecture school showed me what they were doing, and I thought it was really cool. I jumped in with not much prior knowledge.

As a kid, I enjoyed building things, especially related to snowboarding. We often built our own terrain parks, including rails and other structures. I thought architecture was right up my alley, as I've always loved construction.

I figured it would be the best path for me. I jumped in blindly and quickly realized I had to catch up with everyone else who had planned this career path for years. Some had even taken relevant courses in high school. I felt like I jumped onto a speeding train and just went with it.

As I progressed through college, I improved in the architecture program. I learned more, got really into the subject, and found my niche. With advice from older peers, I took programs usually reserved for upperclassmen. Because I had completed my prerequisites as a sophomore, I had more time.

I took those advanced courses, which proved beneficial. I ended up graduating at the top of my class for that year. After that, I spent a lot of time in the school's shop, which had wood and metalworking tools, CNC machines, and laser cutters. They even called me a "shop rat."

Someone mentioned that a local architecture firm was looking for a college student to help with model making. I brought in my college models, got an interview, and landed the job. I built out a model-making program at a commercial healthcare architecture firm for about six months. This job started just before I finished school and lasted until the following September.

Around that time, I had already decided to move to California and began looking at architecture firms there. I went home for three months, built a portfolio, and applied to various places. I flew to San Francisco a couple of times for interviews with two high-end residential firms: Sutro Architects and Feldman Architects.

I got a job at Sutro Architects and worked there for about a year. Then, I received an unexpected call from the company where I started as a model maker. They had an office in San Francisco and asked if I wanted to work for them. I took that opportunity to experience commercial architecture, aiming for better pay and continuing education.

I worked there for another year. Then, Feldman Architecture called, asking if I wanted to join them. They were my top choice when I first moved, so I was disappointed not to get the job then, but it all worked out. I worked with them for three years.

During my time there, I worked on several award-winning and published projects. I had a great work experience and still keep in touch with many people from that firm. However, I was furloughed during the pandemic and started looking for other opportunities.

I was considering a fellowship in Nova Scotia, but that fell through. I went back to working for Feldman for about six months and started freelancing on the side. I eventually became burnt out with architecture and looked for a job in general construction contracting.

I found and landed a position with Matt, Rosie, Inger Builder as an assistant project manager. I started on a project in west Marin as an assistant PM. After about three months, I became the official Project Manager on that project. Since then, I've been cruising. I've worked on about five projects, including the complete gut renovation of a four-story house in San Francisco where I am now. That's how I arrived at my current role.