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GGLO designed the 68,000-square-foot Chambers Bay Resort in University Place, WA. The resort is built into the hillside with the intention to create flow with the natural landscape and maintain the integrity of views. It features a variety of amenities including a hotel, golf pro shop, restaurant, and spa
FOCUSED , from page 7
JB: We take project management very seriously. We’ve created a number of learning opportunities to support PMs. We have in-house training that is led by our financial director as well as key principals. We also look to outside seminars and training for our PMs. Combining these with our PM roundtable allows information to be shared among the group and we pay particular attention to the PM tools we use to be more effective. We have invested heavily in project management software that gives PMs access to information they need. Finally, our in-house recruiter is constantly looking for new PM talent to help with being understaffed and over worked. TZL: How many years of experience – or large enough book of business – is enough to become a principal in your firm? Are you naming principals in their 20s or 30s? JB: We have not dipped into the 20s yet, but we do have principals in their 30s. Experience is very important for a principal. Most of your time is spent negotiating situations, while at the same time providing a sense of inspiration. It seems like it would be hard to do that with just a few years of experience. We look for individuals who bring passion and energy to their efforts, and we don’t necessarily look at the “book of business” someone brings to the firm. We recognize that our firm’s success is built on being attentive to a variety of aspects of our work and all of these aspects need principal level leadership. TZL: In one word or phrase, what do you describe as your number one job responsibility? JB: Focus.
JB: At GGLO, we believe that we are at our best when we think outside the perceived boundaries of a project. We dive deep into understanding how a project, no matter its size, can be a catalyst for something bigger. Our work at Northgate Mall in Seattle is a great example of this. Our efforts transformed a quintessential shopping mall into a vibrant multi-use neighborhood. And, as planned, we’re starting to see how adjacent developments and neighborhoods are thinking about how to make connections to our development for a more walkable, transit-oriented area. “Prior to the pandemic, we had a flexible work environment that allowed for individuals to work remotely or telecommute when the need was there. This flexibility has always been important to GGLO as we value a strong work-life balance. What the pandemic taught us was how to do it better.” TZL: Research shows that PMs are overworked, understaffed, and that many firms do not have formal training programs for PMs. What is your firm doing to support its PMs?
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THE ZWEIG LETTER OCTOBER 11, 2021, ISSUE 1412
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