mentorDINO

What if you could be BEHIND THE WHEEL of this!?! Brenna Moore , a heavy equipment operator, shares her journey in the construction industry and the benefits of pursuing a career in the trades. She discusses her apprenticeship program, the different types of equipment she operates, and the opportunities for growth and development in her field. Brenna also talks about the challenges and changes she...

COMMUNICATION is the HEART of Business with John Aiello Jr. John Aiello Jr. , President of Cascade Construction Products, shares his journey from joining his father's business to becoming the president. He discusses the transition from manufacturing to being a product rep and the benefits of having a deep understanding of both sides. John also talks about the challenges of being a product rep, inc...

What is a Technology Consultant with David Vargo David Vargo , Principal at BrightTree Studios, discusses his role as a low voltage technology consultant and the services his company provides. He explains the various pathways into the industry and the importance of hands-on experience. David also highlights the differences between AV, data, and telecom specialties and the personal preferences and...

We need MENTORSHIP to support the profession with Sean Sheffler Sean Scheffler, a senior associate architect at LGA Partners and the 2024 AIA Pittsburgh President. Sean shares his background and experience in the architecture industry, including his work on various project types. He discusses the challenges and benefits of being a generalist in the field and offers advice for professionals navigat...

From on Site to Construction Director with Matt Morris. Matt Morris , Director of Construction at the Efficiency Network, shares his career path and experiences in the construction industry. He discusses his education in civil engineering and construction management, as well as his early work as a project engineer and project manager. Matt also talks about his transition to the role of Director of...

You could have a career in BUILDING & ROOFING SCIENCE with Jennifer Keegan Jennifer Keegan, Director of Building and Roofing Science at GAF, shares her career journey and insights into the building science industry. She discusses her education background and how she transitioned from architecture to engineering. Jennifer also talks about her experiences working for restoration contractors, con...

Resilience Design is People, Adaptable, and Sustainable with Illya Azaroff. Illya Azaroff , architect and founding principal at +Lab Architects PLLC, shares his career journey and experiences in the architecture industry. He discusses his background growing up in Nebraska and his decision to move overseas to work on international projects. Ilya also talks about starting his own practice, +Lab Arch...

MENTAL HEALTH for ALL design professionals with Mike LaValley Mike LaValley , an architect and associate at Trautman Associates, shares his journey from education to his current career. He discusses his passion for architecture and design, his experiences working at different firms, and the importance of mentors in his professional development. Mike also talks about his interest in writing and how...

Tara Pakler, a Specification Sales at LaFace McGovern Associates, shares her journey in the lighting industry. She started in commercial design but fell in love with lighting while working in a lighting showroom. Tara discusses the process of lighting restoration and the importance of understanding the rules and needs of different project types. She emphasizes the value of collaboration and recomm...

In this episode, Bob Bailey , an architect and specifications writer, shares his career journey and advice for young professionals. He discusses his transition to becoming a full-time specifier and the enjoyment he finds in writing specifications. Bob emphasizes the importance of specifications in projects and the challenges that architects face when they neglect them. He also shares insights on c...

Paul Steidl , architect and co-founder of Build Casa, shares his journey from working in architecture firms to starting his own company. He discusses the importance of internships, pursuing a dual degree, and the value of working before completing a master's degree. Paul emphasizes the significance of networking and building connections, as well as the challenges and rewards of transitioning from...

In this episode, civil engineer Luis Duque discusses his career path and experience as a bridge engineer. He explains the different branches of civil engineering and how civil and structural engineers work together on bridge projects. He also provides insights into the certification process for engineers and the challenges of being a fully remote engineer. Luis shares his involvement with organiza...

Mandy Freeland, an architect, educator, and firm owner. Mandy shares her educational journey, starting with an associate's degree in architecture and later obtaining a bachelor's degree in communications and public relations. She discusses her experience working for a design-built company and the valuable insights she gained from collaborating with contractors. Mandy also talks about starting her...

Alyce Anderson , CEO and founder of Wonderstruck, discusses her background in construction and how it led her to start her own marketing firm in the AEC industry. She emphasizes the importance of technical knowledge and project management skills in AEC marketing. Alyce also highlights the role of AI and visual education in marketing, as well as the need for collaboration and respect between market...

Dani Schroeder , a transportation engineer, shares her journey and experiences in the field of civil engineering. She discusses the different avenues within transportation engineering, the education process for civil engineering, and the steps to becoming a professional engineer. Dani also highlights the collaboration with other disciplines in civil engineering projects and the importance of invol...

Beresford Pratt , Senior Design Manager of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, shares his career journey as an architect and his involvement in various organizations such as NOMA, United Way, and AIA. He discusses his pivot from private to public sector, the importance of creative education, and the benefits of joining NOMA. Beresford also highlights his role in the AIA Young Architects Forum and hi...

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 e...

Melody Fontenot, a licensed architect and senior specifications writer, discusses her journey to becoming a spec writer and her current role at Conspectus Incorporated. She explains the features and benefits of Conspectus Cloud, a software platform for editing and collaborating on specifications. Melody emphasizes the importance of communication and networking in the spec writing field and highlig...

What does a building Electrical Engineer do? Nick Votaw, an electrical engineer, shares his career path and the importance of hands-on experience in the field. He discusses the process of becoming a licensed electrical engineer and offers advice for those studying for the professional engineering exam. Nick also highlights the challenges of being a building electrical engineer and the importance o...

Corey Squire, associate principal and sustainability director at BORA Architects, discusses his journey in architecture and sustainability. He shares his experience working in sustainability consulting and his current role at BORA. Corey also talks about his recently published book, 'People, Planet, Design,' which provides a practical guide to realizing architecture's potential. He emphasizes the...

Edmond Gauvreau, Chief Planning Branch Installation Readiness Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, discusses his role and the work of the Corps in facility planning and development. He shares his journey in the federal government and the challenges of working in the bureaucracy. Ed also provides advice for those interested in working in the federal government and shares his experience of...

Welcome to the mentorDINO Interview Series!  Ty Osbaugh, an aviation leader and principal at Gensler, shares his journey in specializing in aviation design. He discusses his early projects, the challenges in aviation work, and the impact of 9/11 on aviation design. Ty also talks about the Pittsburgh airport project and the design considerations for terminals and baggage movement. He shares hi...

Welcome to the mentorDINO Interview Series!   Alexandra Chavez, project manager at Restructure Studio, shares her journey as an architect and a working mom. She discusses the challenges and joys of balancing work and parenthood, the importance of finding mentors both within and outside of the office, and the opportunities for immigrant architects. Alexandra also highlights the work of the AIA...

Architecture & Vastu Design - Katerina Burianova   Welcome to the mentorDINO Interview Series!   In this session I am pleased to introduce you to Katerina Burianova. She is Owner of Katerina Burianova Architecture & Design, and podcast host of From the Honeycomb Podcast. We discuss everything from starting your own business in 2023, aligning architecture with other passions, what...

Local Community Impact - Ellen Beaman   In this session I am pleased to introduce you to Ellen Beaman. She is the CEO at Casa Bella Architects in Austin, Texas. The firm specializes on local government and municipal projects. We discuss everything from shifting from working for a local projects, local government work, getting involved in chambers of commerce, balancing work and teaching, SOIL...