Construction

Who did you meet with today?

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting with Henry Escobar, who is a construction manager at Bernards, and Lili Huang, who is the Business Assurance Principal at CLA. 

Where do they work? What does the company do?

Bernards is a commercial builder and construction management company that provides technical expertise and construction services to developers (e.g. PCSD), corporations, educational institutions (e.g. Bright Star Schools), and public agencies (e.g. LAUSD). CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) is a firm that offers industry-focused wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services with the goal of creating possibilities for private businesses, public enterprises, nonprofit organizations, and the individuals who own and run them. 

What did you learn today? What were some highlights?

One of the things I learned from Henry today was that Civil Engineering is the best type of engineering (LOL). But, most importantly I learned the construction process of a school by touring Rise Kohyang High School with Henry and Gilbert Tercero, Project Manager, PCSD. Along with learning about built-up roofing, I also learned about the expansion of materials when not exposed to a constant temperature.

By talking with Lili I was able to learn about the firm she works with and the impact they strive to make with their clients. Learning about the firm’s diversity, equity, Inclusion, and belonging initiative was also really inspiring. 

Some of the highlights of the day included visiting  a construction site and being able to witness the planning and effort that is being made to complete the school first hand. Speaking with Lili and getting to hear about her experiences was also another highlight since she was really empowering and inspiring. 

What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?

One of the key insights I gained was a deeper understanding of the development process. I realized that developing a school can present a number of problems and challenges, and that numerous people, including the project managers, contractor, architects, and engineers , must work together to find a solution. This frequently requires compromise or a mutual agreement about the building’s structural vs. design elements. Additionally, completing a project in real estate requires a team of people. An auditor such as Lili is essential to the completion of a project, just as bankers, engineers, lawyers and contractors are. For example, I also learned that electricity is crucial for the operation of a school since it is required not only for the building to function but also for the students and staff. As a result, several engineers and contractors must collaborate to ensure that the project is managed properly.

Did you become more interested in the field after today?

I definitely became more interested in real estate development than ever before! I would also add that my interest in civil engineering and real estate development has grown as a result of learning about the planning, teamwork, and of the entire process involved in construction. Speaking with some of the contractors and project managers was also an excellent way to gain exposure, insights, and learn about the various aspects of real estate development. Furthermore, I had no idea that a business like CLA ever existed, therefore I found it really fascinating to hear from Lili about the various growth prospects and opportunities offered by a company like CLA. 

 

Recently, we had the privilege of meeting with Gary Blackwell, the visionary behind EPI Construction, at one of their charter school construction sites in South Los Angeles. There, we were introduced to Eric Marable, the dedicated Site Supervisor, who has been an essential part of Gary’s team for nearly 25 years. The construction project is aimed at providing a state-of-the-art educational facility for a middle school, catering to grades 5 to 8. As we embarked on a comprehensive tour of the site, we were left in awe of the passion and attention to detail displayed by both Gary and Eric.

The tour began at the drop-off and pick-up zone, where we were welcomed by captivating building mock-ups, crafted by Eric himself, utilizing his background in art and design where he honed his skill at Otis College of Art & Design. Eric enthusiastically explained the layout of the project, which utilized both in-house staff and subcontractors, ensuring the school’s completion with utmost efficiency.

Eric’s expertise guided us through the construction process, highlighting significant milestones such as the creation of a subterranean parking garage, dedicated to teachers and staff. This parking structure serves as one of the initial stages in projects like these. Another notable feature was the incorporation of water tanks to harvest rainwater, nurturing the school’s landscape and minimizing runoff onto the streets.

Timing and Challenges

One intriguing aspect of our conversation with Eric was the strategic timing required for ordering various items, with some taking up to 12-18 months to arrive. From elevators to lighting fixtures and electrical panels, meticulous planning is essential to ensure a seamless construction process and timely completion.

Exploring the School

As we ascended through the school, starting from the subterranean garage to the first floor, we were impressed by the administrative and lobby spaces. Moving up to the second floor, we marveled at the abundance of natural light flowing into the 20+ spacious classrooms through large windows, creating a conducive learning environment. The third floor offered additional classrooms, featuring sunroofs in the hallways.

Our journey concluded on the rooftop, where we were treated to a breathtaking view of Los Angeles, including the vibrant downtown area. Here, we learned about the roofing materials’ evolution over the years, transitioning from asphalt to a reflective white material that effectively dissipates heat.

Impactful Insights from Gary Blackwell

Following the tour, Gary generously shared his personal journey, inspiring us with his career trajectory. Initially pursuing pre-med, an internship at a hospital led him to reevaluate his path. Gary emphasized the importance of exploring various experiences and internships to discover one’s true calling. Through perseverance and hard work, he found his passion in construction, establishing his own firm, Blackwell Construction, before acquiring EPI Construction, and eventually his third company, BDI Construction.

Our day with Gary Blackwell was both insightful and inspiring. Witnessing the dedication and expertise in constructing a modern educational facility left us with a profound appreciation for the construction industry’s transformative power. The upcoming charter school is set to enrich the lives of students, teachers, and the community, creating a lasting impact for generations to come. We are grateful for the opportunity to have shared this remarkable experience and look forward to witnessing the fruition of their efforts as the 2023-2024 school year approaches.