Favorite Parts of Being a Construction Project Manager at Los Angeles World Airports
Sebastian, a Construction Project Manager at Los Angeles World Airports, finds the most rewarding aspect of his current role to be the "uniqueness" of the Midfield Satellite Concourse South project, which involves building sections off-site and then moving them across runways for final placement—a feat rarely done in the United States. This unique approach presents daily challenges requiring collaborative problem-solving and teamwork, a dynamic Sebastian finds incredibly engaging.
Project Management, Teamwork, Problem-Solving, Overcoming Challenges, Unique Projects
Advizer Information
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Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
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Sebastian Potes
Construction Project Manager
Los Angeles World Airports
USC
MBA UCLA Anderson
Engineering - Civil
Aerospace, Aviation & Defense, Architecture, Construction & Design
Operations and Project Management
First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. The project's uniqueness: Building a large structure off-site and moving it into place presents unique challenges and problem-solving opportunities.
2. Innovative construction techniques: The project involves moving building segments across runways, a rare feat requiring precise engineering and coordination.
3. Teamwork and collaboration: The project's complexity necessitates collaboration and brainstorming among team members to overcome challenges and find solutions.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about being in your current role right now?
What I enjoy the most is the uniqueness of the project I'm working on right now. It's called the Midfield Satellite Concourse South, an extension to one of the existing terminals on the LAX campus.
What's unique about this project is that we're building it in two different locations. We have the actual site where the final building will be. There, we're doing all the underground utilities and foundations.
About a mile and a half off-site, we're building the actual buildings, the superstructures that people will see, use, and walk inside. In October of this year, we'll move these building segments across the runways and taxiways at night, placing them in their final location.
This has only been done once before in the United States. This will be the second time in the US, but the first time in California. There are many unique challenges with this type of project delivery.
Mainly, we're dealing with construction tolerances and ensuring the building doesn't experience unexpected shaking or movement during the move. It's something new every day, and that's what I enjoy most about it. It's not boring.
It takes the whole team to put their heads together; no single person solves all the problems. It's all of us brainstorming together, having that teamwork and synergy. Being a part of the solution is what really drives me and what I enjoy most about my job.