“Three-quarters of a century in business is quite the achievement, and we are beyond excited to celebrate this success throughout the year,” said Baker Glasgow, President. “We have built a lasting legacy by forming partnerships with our clients, design and construction partners, and the communities in which we work. While our industry is ever-changing, our family-centered values are unwavering. They are engrained in all we do and the foundation for the Clancy Way.”

Founded in 1949 by two brothers-in-law, E.I. Clancy and John Theys, Clancy & Theys emerged during the post-WWII construction boom. Guided by fairness, integrity, and an eager desire to contribute to others’ success, the company rapidly expanded from residential to commercial construction—forever shaping its legacy.

Over the past 75 years, the company has become a cornerstone of the Southeast’s construction market, nationally ranking among the top builders, green contractors, design-build contractors, and CM-at-Risk firms.

“What started as one office with a handful of employees has grown into six offices with nearly 500 employees,” added Glasgow. “Our success over the past 75 years would not be possible without our employees. Their passion and dedication have helped transform Clancy & Theys into the company we are today.”

In addition to the company’s 75th anniversary, two divisions will also reach significant milestones this year. The Wilmington, NC division will celebrate 40 years, and the Virginia division, based in Newport News, VA, will mark 35 years.

About Clancy & Theys Construction Company

Clancy & Theys Construction Company is a leader in providing construction management, design-build, and general contracting services for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects, including new construction and renovation. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, the company also has offices in Wilmington and Charlotte, NC, Newport News, VA, Orlando, FL, and the Upstate of South Carolina. The company boasts a wide-ranging portfolio of building projects, including mixed-use facilities, hotels, life and health science facilities, multi-unit residential projects, cultural buildings, sports facilities, office buildings, and much more.

The post A Legacy Built to Last: Clancy & Theys Construction Company Celebrates 75 Years appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

We are honored to announce that Chad Cowger is our new Virginia Division Manager and Vice President. 

Chad Cowger has been with Clancy & Theys since 2004. His longstanding commitment to the firm, combined with his demonstrated history of success and expertise, make him the ideal candidate for this role. His knowledge of the construction industry is second to none, and his contributions to the firm cannot be overstated.

A Dedicated Leader in the Virginia Area

Chad began his career with Clancy & Theys as an assistant project manager. A graduate of Old Dominion University and a United States Army Veteran, Chad is a highly skilled leader. 

He has more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry, and has a wide variety of skills. At Old Dominion University, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering Technology.

While in college, Chad enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training in Fort Sill, OK in six months. After graduating from university, his unit was activated for Homeland Security for 14 months. He was honorably discharged in May 2004 and is proud to have served in the U.S. Army. There, he was able to hone a unique set of leadership skills that he continues to use today at  Clancy & Theys. 

A Highly Skilled Project Executive

During the 20 years Chad has been with Clancy & Theys, he’s risen through the ranks in project management. 

Chad has been involved with some of the firm’s most logistically challenging projects. Internally and externally, he’s known as Clancy & Theys’ expert in managing large, industrial projects.

Some of his most noteworthy projects include:

• Summit Pointe Mixed-Use Community in Chesapeake, VA
• Monticello Station Apartments in Norfolk, VA
• Wells Fargo Center Office Tower in Norfolk, VA
• Williamsburg Lodge in Williamsburg, VA
• Dollar Tree Office Tower in Chesapeake, VA
• Dollar Tree Distribution Centers across ten different locations

For more than a decade, Chad has led our Dollar Tree Distribution Center projects across the country, totaling millions of square feet. He excels at managing all aspects of a construction project and is committed to building meaningful relationships with those he works with. As a result of Chad’s relationship with Dollar Tree, he turned the account into one of Clancy & Theys’ biggest.

He’s built genuine, lasting relationships with all of his clients as well as his colleagues. Chad is the epitome of The Clancy Way.

A Reputation For Doing Good 

Chad has built a network of invaluable connections throughout Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth of Virginia. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Associated General Contractors of Virginia, an association of members advocating, growing, and connecting Virginia’s construction industry. 

During his time at Clancy & Theys, Chad has proven himself an essential part of the team and a driving force for Clancy & Theys’ future in the area. We are excited to see how Chad will continue to shape and grow the company in his new position. 

The post Introducing Our New Virginia Division Manager & Vice President, Chad Cowger appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized both locally and nationally for our team’s efforts,” said Bill Goggins, Vice President/Virginia Division Manager. “These achievements would not be possible without collaboration, so we share these honors with our dedicated design and construction partners, our internal project teams, and all our employees.”

Hampton Virginia Aquaplex | Hampton, VA
Architect: GuernseyTingle
The 62,739 SF aquatics center, which includes a 50-meter competitive pool with 1,500 spectator seating, a whirlpool, a state-of-the-art timing system, and a 20′ scoreboard, a 25-yard program pool, multiple amenity spaces, and a seasonal outdoor splash park area with a leisure pool, lazy river, and two tower body slides, won:

• Design-Build Institute of America’s National Award of Merit in the Civic/Assembly category
• ENR MidAtlantic’s Award of Merit in the Sports/Entertainment category
• ABCVA’s Honorable Mention in the Commercial (20M+) category

Summit Pointe – The Mosaic and Vista + Parking Garage and Retail | Chesapeake, VA
Architect: Saunders + Crouse Architects
Phase three of the Summit Pointe Mixed-Use Community, which includes a 220,000 SF, six-story building with 167 apartments, a 110,000 SF building with 103 units, a 185,000 SF garage with 515 spaces, and 25,000 SF of distinctive ground-floor retail spaces, was award:

• HRACRE’s Award of Merit in the Best Multifamily/Commercial Housing Project category
• ABCVA’s Award of Merit in the Mixed-Use ($50M+) category

Summit Pointe – 555 Belaire | Chesapeake, VA
Architect: Saunders + Crouse Architects
The 167,228 SF, six-story office tower located in the Summit Pointe Mixed-Use Community received:

• HRACRE’s Award of Excellence in the Best Commercial/Office/Industrial Building category

The Constitution | Virginia Beach, VA
Architect: Cox, Kliewer & Company, P.C.
This mixed-use multifamily community with modern apartments, resort-quality amenities, and ground-floor commercial space added the following award to its collection:

• HRACRE’s Award of Merit in the Best Multifamily/Commercial Housing Project category

The Otis | Richmond, VA
This six-story, 482,958 SF mixed-use complex with 128,152 SF of parking and 13,570 SF of first-floor retail received:

• ABCVA’s Award of Merit in the Residential Multifamily category

The post Clancy & Theys Receives Multiple Design and Construction Honors for Virginia Projects appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

“With the population growth in the Southeast, we knew it was time to expand our office locations and the Upstate was the natural progression”, notes Baker Glasgow, President of Clancy & Theys. “The markets that are seeing the most growth are markets where we offer a depth of experience and knowledge. We are excited about this new opportunity and have added two great members to our team.”

The Upstate Division Manager, Brandon, brings 26 years of national construction management experience, most recently focusing on higher education, healthcare, commercial, and advanced manufacturing in Greenville.

Before starting his career, Brandon earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University. He and his family have called the Upstate home for ten years, and his energy and expertise is vital to the growth of Clancy & Theys in South Carolina.

Matthew Praytor will head up Project Development and Operations at the Upstate office, bringing 25 years of experience building in the local Greenville and Spartanburg markets. His focus has been in K-12, higher education, healthcare, commercial/mixed use, aquatics and cultural projects that have connected and shaped his community.

Matthew earned a Bachelor of Arts in Managerial Economics from – Hampden-Sydney College prior to starting his career. His deep roots, relationships, and understanding of the Upstate market is key to making Clancy & Theys successful in South Carolina.

About Clancy & Theys Construction Company

Clancy & Theys Construction Company is a leader in providing construction management, design-build and general construction services for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects, including new construction and renovation. Headquartered in Raleigh, NC, the company also has offices in Wilmington and Charlotte, NC, as well as Newport News, VA and Orlando, FL. The company boasts a wide-ranging portfolio of building projects, including mixed-use facilities, hotels, health & life sciences facilities, multi-unit residential projects, cultural buildings, sports facilities, office buildings and much more. For more information, visit www.clancytheys.com.

The post Clancy & Theys Construction Company Opens New Upstate, SC Office appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

Clancy & Theys’ Virginia division wouldn’t be what it is today without Bill Goggins. For almost 30 years, Bill has provided world-class support to the Virginia project team. He’s amassed a wealth of industry knowledge, and he’s left a mark on the firm that can’t be measured.

It’s the end of an era for Clancy & Theys’ Virginia division as Bill Goggins is retiring on December 31, 2023.

An Extensive Track Record in Construction

Bill first joined Clancy & Theys in 1994, just five years after the company opened its Virginia location. Since then, Bill has helped grow the location from just a handful of employees to more than 80 — while the entire company grew to over 400. 

His experience is extensive. Throughout his career, he’s worked in a number of different positions and helped drive results in project management, estimating, virtual design in construction, scheduling, design-build, and more.

In Virginia, Bill has played an integral role in the construction of some of the region’s most recognizable projects. These include Dollar Tree’s corporate Chesapeake campus, Canon’s Advanced Cartridge Manufacturing Facility in Newport News, the Wells Fargo Center in downtown Norfolk, and the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts in Virginia Beach. Clancy & Theys’ impact in the greater Virginia area would not have been possible without Bill’s thoughtful, dedicated leadership.

A Legacy of Leadership

Bill’s influence on Clancy & Theys’ Virginia division runs deep. During his tenure, he worked closely with many local Economic Development Associations. His efforts to advance Clancy & Theys are unparalleled, as is his dedication to the greater Tidewater and Hampton Roads area. 

In 2020, Bill was included in Virginia Business’ Inaugural Virginia 500 2020 Power List. This was due to his outstanding leadership and success in growing Clancy & Theys’ Virginia location.

When he’s not hard at work with Clancy & Theys, you’ll find him actively involved in supporting the future of the construction industry and the community in which he lives and works. At present, he serves on Old Dominion University’s Civil Engineering Technology Advisory Committee, Old Dominion University’s Coastal Resilience Committee, the Associated General Contractors of Virginia’s Legislative Committee, and the Executive Board of the Colonial Virginia Boy Scout Council.

Beyond the business, Bill is a devoted family man, friend, and neighbor. He is well known for his generosity of spirit and passion for helping others. His work ethic, tenacity, and passion will be greatly missed, but we are excited to see what his future holds.

A New Leader Emerges

Project Executive Chad Cowger will assume the role of Vice President / Virginia Division Manager upon Bill’s retirement.. Chad has worked at Clancy & Theys’ Virginia division for 20 years and has had a hand in many of the firm’s notable projects. 

Highly skilled in project management, Chad has the right blend of experience, leadership skills, and work ethic to help push Clancy & Theys’ Virginia division into the future and beyond. We’ll be sharing more about Chad in the months to come.

The post Bill Goggins, Clancy & Theys Vice President & Virginia Division Manager, Announces Retirement appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

Clancy & Theys Construction Company’s Hampton Virginia Aquaplex project recently received national recognition for its excellence in design and construction. The design-build project, which opened last October in Hampton, Virginia, won a National Award of Merit in the Civic/Assembly category from the Design-Build Institute of America and an Award of Merit in the Sports/Entertainment category from ENR MidAtlantic. The project team will be honored for their exceptional work at award ceremonies later this fall.

“It is an honor to be recognized by both of these national organizations for our design-build team’s tremendous efforts,” said Bill Goggins, Vice President/Virginia Division Manager. “The Hampton Virginia Aquaplex’s success is the direct result of a collaborative approach, and we share these honors with each of our dedicated design and construction partners and, of course, the Clancy & Theys team that worked on the project and all of our employees.”

Despite the challenges of building during a pandemic, the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex design-build team delivered an exceptional facility that is now Virginia’s largest competitive aquatic facility and one of the largest in the mid-Atlantic region. The 62,739 SF aquatics center includes a 50-meter competitive pool with 1,500 spectator seating, a whirlpool, a state-of-the-art timing system, and a 20′ scoreboard, a 25-yard program pool, multiple amenity spaces, and a seasonal outdoor splash park area with a leisure pool, lazy river, and two tower body slides. This project transformed the site of a former retail establishment in the Coliseum Central District of Hampton, VA into a flexible facility that can host a variety of aquatic events, including local, regional, and national swimming and diving competitions, while also meeting the local community’s aquatic programming needs.

“Because this was a unique build, no one company or person could solve any challenge independently. It truly took a team approach,” said Nicole Anderson, Senior Project Manager. “Knowing we had a team of trusted partners to rely on was one of the most memorable parts of this project, and I hope everyone involved is proud of what they have accomplished.”

“We take great pride in the recognition we have received for the Hampton Virginia Aquaplex, and look forward to watching the facility benefit the local and swimming communities for years to come,” added Chad Cowger, Vice President.

To find out more information about the success of this project directly from our team members and the Owner, visit https://youtu.be/ZUUDEJl4JyQ

The post Clancy & Theys’ Hampton Virginia Aquaplex Project Earns Two National Awards appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

Since joining the team in 2015, he has amassed an impressive skill set as a leader in the construction industry and has helped reinvigorate the division’s focus on clients, state-of-the-art technology, and the community in new and exciting ways while honoring the legacy and mission of Clancy & Theys. His contributions to the firm have helped make us a renowned industry leader, and we couldn’t be more confident in his ability to continue driving our Wilmington division forward in this new position while leading with compassion and a vision for the future.

A Track Record in the Construction Industry

Michael began his career by working in residential and light commercial construction in high school. After graduation, he attended Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston, Massachusetts, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, a program that is ranked as one of the best in the nation.

Afterwards, Michael worked for a contractor based in Massachusetts. In this position, he worked on projects both regionally and nationally, sometimes traveling as far as California, Arizona, and New York. During this time, he worked his way from Assisting Estimator to Project Manager where he began to develop the leadership skills that would lead him to Clancy & Theys Wilmington.

Currently, he leads a number of large-scale projects in the greater Wilmington area. Some notable ones that he’s managed during his time at Clancy & Theys include:

• The Flats on Front Apartments
• Midtown Park at Barclay
• Gather Uptown Apartments

Throughout his career, Michael has also worked to develop himself as a leader and a construction industry professional. He has completed several leadership programs, including training at Dale Carnegie and the FMI Leadership Institute. He’s also a LEED Accredited Professional, which focuses on the development of healthy, efficient, carbon, and cost-saving green building practices in the construction industry.

An Affinity for the Greater Wilmington Area

In 2015, Michael moved to Wilmington, NC after being recruited by Clancy & Theys’ Wilmington division. He chose the area because of its small-town charm and big-city amenities, seeing it as the ideal place to settle down and start a family.

Michael was recruited, in part, based on his extensive experience managing construction projects across different industries, including hospitality, industrial, office, educational, healthcare and multi-unit residential. In addition, his previous role required him to travel to a variety of different markets, leading him to develop further experience with a variety of regional design characteristics, subcontractors, clients, and municipalities. All of this experience has given him top-tier communication and project management skills, which have proven invaluable to his team at Clancy & Theys.

At present, he acts as the Project Executive for The Metropolitan at the Riverwalk in Wilmington, North Carolina. This will be an impressive apartment complex in Downtown Wilmington overlooking the Riverfront Park and Live Oak Bank Pavilion with 293 Class A apartments.

A Distinguished Clancy & Theys Leader

During his time at Clancy & Theys, Michael has made himself an asset to everyone he comes across. As he’s risen through the ranks, he’s also done his part to give back both to the firm and his community.

When he first moved to Wilmington, he joined Habitat for Humanity International and volunteered with Cape Fear Habitat for Humanity. In 2016, he helped build a home for a grandmother currently serving as caregiver for her two young grandchildren. Doing so, he got back to his roots by performing carpentry and manual labor.

He’s also left his mark on the Wilmington professional community by serving as a member of the Wilmington Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professional Advisory Council. Additionally, he is currently the Vice President of the Wilmington Contractors Association.

We are so excited to see how Michael will continue to shape and grow Clancy & Theys’ Wilmington division!

The post Meet Our New Wilmington Division Manager & Vice President, Michael Goodson appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

Each year, the construction industry, guided by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), dedicates the first week of March to honoring and promoting the role of women in the construction industry. This year’s Women in Construction Week theme, ‘Many Paths, One Mission,’ celebrates the different journeys of women in construction and how we can work together to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the industry.

This week, Clancy & Theys joins the celebration by sitting down with five of our very own women in construction. Join us for this five-part series as we dive into their construction journeys, their roles at Clancy & Theys, and their insights about being a woman in this industry.

Meet Felicia Jarvis, an Assistant Superintendent with Clancy & Theys’ Virginia Division. Felicia has eight years of experience in the industry and has been with Clancy & Theys for almost six years.

Growing up, did you know about the different opportunities available in the construction industry, and did you think you would have a career in construction?
No, I did not. As a kid, I watched a lot of HGTV, but at that time, women were represented as interior designers, never contractors. It never occurred to me that I could have a career in construction because I didn’t see other women doing it. Out of sight, out of mind, if you will. When I first went to college, I thought I wanted to become a writer or something similar. That didn’t work out for me, but I am so glad it didn’t.

Since you weren’t looking for this career, how did you end up in construction and at Clancy & Theys?
I began college thinking I would pursue a degree in English, but it ended up not being the right fit for me at the time. I decided to pivot and joined the Navy. After serving as an electronics technician for six years, I decided it was time to enter the civilian world again and knew I needed to pursue a degree that would lead to a stable career. This time around, I decided to pursue engineering. When I was younger, I never thought I could make it through an engineering program; however, after serving in the Navy in a technical field, I realized that I was capable of more and enrolled in Old Dominion University’s engineering program.

I initially wanted to do civil design work for an engineering firm. As I pursued internships, the engineering firms I met with told me it was best to have some construction experience before working in design. So, I began searching for construction company internships. Clancy & Theys had a table at the ODU career fair, and I went up to find out more, and the rest is history! I secured an internship with Clancy & Theys that summer and continued to intern with them as I finished my degree. After graduating with my bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, I started at the company full-time as a project engineer.

What is your current role, and what does it entail?
I am an assistant superintendent, which means I am responsible for the onsite management and coordination of work during all phases of construction. I work with the superintendent and other field team members to coordinate with the subcontractors to maintain the project’s schedule. I also help interpret drawings and scopes to ensure everyone understands their responsibilities, confirm constructability, and limit issues that could impact the job. A lot of communication, coordination, and problem-solving are involved in this role.

What made you choose a career in the field versus the office?
During my internship, I was able to experience many facets of construction management and worked in both the office and the field. This experience confirmed that I was better suited for a role in the field. I enjoy it because I am heavily involved in the day-to-day activities on site, which means I am able to witness firsthand the project being built. The field environment is also different. While still professional, it’s less formal than an office environment. I honestly love wearing my cargo pants and steel-toe boots and enjoy working outside and with my hands every day. It can be mentally and physically challenging, but I get to be onsite and am physically a part of the project coming together.

What do you like best about the construction industry? What has made you stay in this career?
You’re never bored, that’s for sure. The industry is fast-paced and keeps you busy. One day you’re shoveling mud off crane anchor bolts or driving a forklift (my personal favorite). The next minute you’re in a coordination meeting looking at building models, correcting areas where sprinkler pipe and mechanical duct clash above ceiling.

I also like playing an integral part in building something from the ground up. It’s cool to know the ins and outs of a building and that I’ve made decisions that have impacted the project. I know what’s behind these walls. I’m familiar with every board and surface of these buildings, including the ground that supports them, in ways the future occupants won’t be.

As I drive to our project site every day, I’ve seen the skyline change, and I am proud to know that our company and my team have had a hand in it. It’s honest work, and I can go home at the end of the day knowing I’m helping to create something.

What is the best advice you’ve received during your career?
Someone once told me that bad news doesn’t get better with age. That has stuck with me and stands true, especially when you’re in the thick of a project. Sometimes it may seem like it’s best to wait until things further unfold, or maybe you know it will be an uncomfortable conversation. No matter what, it’s best to communicate with people right away. It can be hard to deliver bad news, but by doing so, you open an opportunity to collaborate and find solutions.

What advice would you give to a female, or anyone, considering a career in construction?
It’s very easy to succumb to imposter syndrome, where you feel as if everyone is smarter, better, etc., and you feel pressured to prove yourself and your worth. Remember that you have nothing to prove and are there for a reason. Keep doing your job and doing your best—that’s all anyone out here is doing!

Also, remember that being a female in a male-dominated job and industry isn’t a disadvantage. It’s like that phrase, “run like a girl.” Running “like a girl” isn’t a bad thing. Running a job “like a girl” isn’t a bad thing, either. Doing anything “like a girl” isn’t a bad thing! It’s a misconception that you must embrace a stereotype to succeed as a woman in the field or this industry. Be true to who you are, and be confident. You can be calm without being a pushover. You can be assertive without being aggressive. No matter your personality, you just need to be confident.

Are you involved with any industry-related organizations?
Over the years, I have been involved with the Richmond chapter of NAWIC. While my schedule often limits my level of involvement, I attend meetings and events when possible. I think NAWIC and other industry-related organizations are excellent resources for women, and anyone, in our industry.

The post Celebrating Women in Construction Week: Interview with Felicia Jarvis appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

Each year, the construction industry, guided by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), dedicates the first week of March to honoring and promoting the role of women in the construction industry. This year’s Women in Construction Week theme, ‘Many Paths, One Mission,’ celebrates the different journeys of women in construction and how we can work together to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the industry.

This week, Clancy & Theys joins the celebration by sitting down with five of our very own women in construction. Join us for this five-part series as we dive into their construction journeys, their roles at Clancy & Theys, and their insights about being a woman in this industry.

Meet Natalia Cichocka, an Assistant Project Manager with Clancy & Theys’ Charlotte Division. Natalia has almost eight years of experience in the industry and has been with Clancy & Theys for over a year.

Growing up, did you think you would have a career in the construction industry? 
Having a career in the construction industry wasn’t something I thought about until I was in college. I knew about the industry, but it wasn’t a career I considered when I was younger. When I went to college, I realized how much I enjoyed putting stuff together and started to rethink my career options. It wasn’t until after my first internship that I truly realized a career in construction was right for me.

How did your journey in the construction industry begin?
While pursuing my education at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, I was trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I even changed my major multiple times. I decided I should pursue a mechanical engineering technology degree, but it was not until meeting with a company doing construction at a campus job fair that I realized a career in construction might be the right move.

It seemed like a good match for me because I enjoyed doing light electrical work and other construction-related home projects, and I enjoyed my CAD (Computer-Aided Design) classes. At first, I thought I would be working in CAD, building engines, working in a machine shop operating heavy machinery, or even doing design work. I started as an intern in that first construction company because they were close to my house, and I enjoyed talking to the people I met at the career fair. They hired me to help the estimating department with subcontractor outreach. It wasn’t until a little later that I realized a lot of individuals with my major pursue this path, and I eventually transitioned into project management. Nearly eight years later, I still love it.

What is your current role, and what does it entail?
Simply put, it is my job to get into the nitty-gritty of the project. I assist the project manager and project team in any way possible. I spend a lot of time collaborating with the subcontractors and trades. On my current project, I review submittals that come through for the trade contractors and change orders. I also work with the team to review the project’s drawings to check for errors, which helps us to discover issues and produce solutions before they impact our project.

What do you like best about the construction industry? What has made you stay in this career?
Honestly, I like the challenge of working in a male-dominated industry. I like challenging the way things have always been done and bringing a new perspective and approach to project management. My passion for construction continues to grow with every problem I help solve. I love digging into a project, collaborating with the team, and problem-solving.

What is the best advice you’ve received during your career?
It’s not necessarily advice, but a lesson I have learned along the way: don’t take what people tell you to heart. This industry can be tough. Sometimes emotions are high, and people can let frustration get the best of them. But don’t take it to heart because it’s not directed toward you. Know your worth, stay calm, and keep pushing forward.

What advice would you give to a female, or anyone, considering a career in construction?
Because construction is male-dominated, it can be intimidating for a woman to consider a career in the industry. My advice is that the industry is not what it seems, so don’t let stereotypes deter you. There are far more women in construction than most think. For example, I work on a project team with a female assistant project manager (myself), a female project manager, and a female project executive. The industry is growing and changing, so don’t be shy about pursuing a career. There are plenty of people who will have your back and look out for you.

Are you involved with any industry-related organizations?
Yes! I am involved with the National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) Charlotte chapter. I am currently the chapter’s membership committee co-chair.

When I moved to Charlotte, I wanted to pursue personal and professional growth opportunities, so I signed up for an industry event and started making connections. Eventually, I found my way to NAWIC. When I started at Clancy & Theys, I was thrilled that they not only supported but encouraged me to be involved as much as I wanted.

I have enjoyed meeting other women in the industry and making connections that can benefit me personally and professionally.

Would you encourage other women in construction to get involved with NAWIC or other industry-related organizations?
Absolutely, yes! The wonderful thing about NAWIC is that you have a supportive group of people that you can relate to on so many levels. They, too, are in the industry, so they know what you are going through and can provide sound advice.

NAWIC and other industry-related organizations provide wonderful opportunities for networking, mentoring, and even expanding your skills.

The post Celebrating Women in Construction Week: Interview with Natalia Cichocka appeared first on Clancy & Theys Construction.

Each year, the construction industry, guided by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), dedicates the first week of March to honoring and promoting the role of women in the construction industry. This year’s Women in Construction Week theme, ‘Many Paths, One Mission,’ celebrates the different journeys of women in construction and how we can work together to strengthen and amplify the success of women in the industry.

This week, Clancy & Theys joins the celebration by sitting down with five of our very own women in construction. Join us for this five-part series as we dive into their construction journeys, their roles at Clancy & Theys, and their insights about being a woman in this industry.

Meet Sampada Chavan, a Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Preconstruction Engineer with Clancy & Theys’ Raleigh Division. Sampada has been in the industry for more than eight years and recently joined Clancy & Theys last fall.

Growing up, did you think you would have a career in the construction industry?
Yes! As a young child, I always knew I wanted to build things. I grew up in India, and my parents, who both held doctorates, always pushed me to attain the highest level of education possible. They taught me to work hard toward what I wanted in life. My uncle was an engineer with the Public Works Department in India and led large infrastructure projects in Mumbai, which is the city where I grew up. I was always captivated by his work because I could actually see the projects he was building. To fuel my intrigue, I would watch documentaries on mega projects being built around the world, like Taipei 101 and Burj Khalifa. All of this confirmed what I always knew— that I wanted to build things, specifically buildings.

How did your journey in the construction industry begin?
In college, I decided to pursue civil engineering to help me get closer to the career that I really wanted. Spending four years studying civil engineering made me realize that I was learning more about designing structures, which means I was learning how to do the math. I was learning how to calculate loads on columns and beams, but I wasn’t learning how to actually construct a project from start to finish, which is where my passion was. I went to my professors and told them that while I understood design, I felt like I knew very little about the management side of construction. My professors suggested that since India did not have established workflows in construction management, pursuing education abroad, especially a degree in Construction Management which is popular in the United States, would help me prepare for my career in construction.

I had never imagined moving to the United States, but I felt it was the best decision. I ultimately chose North Carolina State University to pursue my master’s degree because their program focused on engineering and research, and the coursework was more hands-on. Some projects in our coursework were based on real-time implementation of construction management strategies, productivity studies, and Virtual Design and Construction efforts. This exposure to how construction is done piqued my curiosity and made me want to pursue a career in the industry after graduation.

What led you to Clancy & Theys?
After graduating with my master’s, I started working with a smaller subcontractor because I wanted to continue my understanding of how things are done in the construction industry. I worked for a concrete subcontractor as a project engineer and estimator. Some days I was on site, supervising construction pours; other days, I was in the office doing estimates, which I discovered I really loved. After working as a subcontractor, I knew I wanted to continue to grow and work on the other side, managing the entire process. So, I transitioned to a local general contractor as an estimator. In this role, I learned more about the whole preconstruction process from the GC side. I worked on hard bids jobs for schools and commercial projects and did some private negotiated projects as well. After some time with this general contractor, I decided it was time for me to switch roles and continue to grow my career, which led me to Clancy & Theys, where I am able to combine my love for preconstruction with technology.

What is your current role, and what does it entail?
I am a VDC (Virtual Design and Construction) Preconstruction Engineer, which is essentially a combination of the VDC and estimating roles. I am working on building preconstruction workflows that enable the integration of 3D building models using VDC tools. I’m involved in model-based estimating, which helps streamline the information from the models into preconstruction workflows. I’m kind of the middle person who’s translating an architect’s model for estimators. My job responsibilities also include exploring and implementing the latest technological solutions to aid faster and more efficient deliveries in preconstruction. My overall goal is to maximize the use of models and integrate them fully into the preconstruction process.

What’s your favorite thing about working in the construction industry?
Construction is a people’s business. I love meeting new people and collaborating. Whether it’s with the design team, the owners, the architects, or the subcontractors—we get to collaborate with different perspectives and then watch the project come together.

And, of course, the technology. So much is changing and progressing in construction. I love what is happening and the direction we are headed.

What makes you most proud of your career? What makes you want to stay in your career?
Being part of change here at Clancy & Theys and within the industry makes me proud. I am thrilled to be part of the change in our workflow and processes. It’s exciting to be part of making this process more efficient for the generations to come.

I have never worked in a company that is so excited about new technology. It’s wonderful that I am not alone in this endeavor and that everyone wants to help the cause. I love being part of a team with a shared vision, especially one that aligns with my goals and aspirations.

What is the best advice you’ve received during your career?
Construction, especially estimating, is a stressful job. One of my mentors told me that the best way to help with the stress of the job is to find ways to make every day exciting. When you focus on something that excites you day in and day out, your perspective changes and can positively affect everything you do.

What advice would you give to a female, or anyone, considering a career in construction?
Be confident. Don’t be intimidated by the male-to-female ratio because there is room for everyone to bring their perspectives and opinions.

Are you involved with any industry-related organizations?
Yes, over the last several years, I have been an active member of NAWIC, and I would encourage other women in construction to look into joining their local chapters. It’s a great way to network with others in the industry and a valuable resource for opportunities and education.

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