LILJEHORN
Dustin Liljehorn
“I fear that in the near term, the biggest challenge the industry is facing is the effects that the current economy will have on quality. We are forced to work harder to find jobs and are bidding them lower as competition continues to rise—and quality is always the first thing to suffer as the bids drive lower. If we can overcome this natural progression, then the industry has a strong future. But we can’t let low quality affect the recovery.”
37
Senior Project Manager
JE Dunn Construction Co., Denver
Time in Current Position: 4.5 years
Time in Industry: 13 years
Education: Construction management, University of Nebraska, 1996
Hometown: Kearney, Neb.
LEED Accredited: Yes
Important Projects: Spire, Denver; Glass House, Denver; Barbara Davis Center, Fitzsimons, Aurora; Portofino Tower, Denver
Community Service: Junior Achievement of Rocky Mountain
Professional Affiliations, Memberships: LEED AP; Certified Professional Constructor, American Institute of Constructors; JE Dunn Internal Education Committee
MARTINO
Russ Martino
“Once the economy rebounds, I think the biggest challenge to our industry will be the total transition from traditional project delivery to virtual design and construction and integrated project delivery. In addition to the issues associated with the interaction of the different software platforms and refining the paperless submittal processes, traditional roles and responsibilities will need to evolve and overlap more. While building the virtual structure, the structural engineer must consider sequencing and means and methods. At the same time, the contractor needs to provide input during design to assist in key constructability decisions. We need to able to anticipate these interdisciplinary needs in the virtual environment while maintaining the expertise inherent in specialization.”
36
President
Martino & Luth Inc., Denver
Time in Current Position: 6 years
Time in Industry: 13 years
Education: B.S. and M.S. in civil engineering/structures; concurrent degrees, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1999
Hometown: Santa Maria, Calif.
LEED Accredited: No
Important Projects: 1309 Grant St. Renovation, Denver; Gateway Palisade Academy and Mission Bell Amphitheatre, Gateway, Colo.
Community Service: Legacy 2000 Job Shadow, George Washington High School Job Shadow, Grandview High School Advisory Committee and Job Shadow
Professional Affiliations, Memberships: Structural Engineers Association of Colorado, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Concrete Institute
MATHER
Brent Mather
“The most obvious and immediate challenge is, of course, the economy. The long-term challenge for architects is to maintain relevancy in the process of design and construction. We are becoming better at being team members as a part of the construction process, and we must also sustain our role as design leaders with vision and influence. Additionally, it will be increasingly more important for architects to demonstrate leadership in the political process, planning and the many things that make cities and communities great. Our role can be so much more than implementing buildings on time and on budget.”
39
Senior Associate/Design Director
Gensler, Denver
Time in Current Position: 11 years
Time in Industry: 15 years
Education: Architecture and planning, School of Architecture, University of Tennessee, 1994
Hometown: Denver
LEED Accredited: Yes
Important Projects: Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson, Wyo.; ProLogis Corporate Headquarters, phases 1 and 2, Denver; Will Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma City; Tulsa International Airport, Tulsa; Brighton Pavilions, Brighton
Community Service: Boys & Girls Club of Denver, Denver Kids Inc., Project AngelHeart, Deer Park Monastery, Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army Adopt a Family
Professional Affiliations, Memberships: AIA Colorado, USGBC
MENDEL
Nathan Mende
l“Currently, one challenge facing the industry is the overall lack of work. This is causing many firms to look for it in areas where they do not have a real expertise, but in an effort to keep their crews busy, they are stretching themselves where they do not normally excel. Longer term, I believe the biggest challenge the industry faces is a lack of skilled tradesmen to complete each project, and a lack of formal training programs and mentoring programs to bring new folks into the industry, explain to them the benefits of a career in construction, and then train them to properly complete tasks in their chosen field.”
38
President
Mendel & Co. Construction Inc., Englewood
Time in Current Position: 12 years
Time in Industry: 16 years
Education: A.A. in business administration, Santa Barbara City College, Calif., 1992
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
LEED Accredited: Yes
Important Projects: New dental office for Dr. Gary Radz, Cosmetic Dentistry of Colorado; All Kids Dental, Evergreen
Community Service: Temple Sinai, board member and house committee chair; Holocaust Awareness Institute, board member; Habitat for Humanity and Habitat Interfaith Alliance; Colorado Cancer Research golf tournament
Professional Affiliations, Memberships: Construction Industry Networking Group, Licensed contractor in more than 30 municipalities within Colorado, Wyoming and Utah
