Building excellence in construction requires more than managing documents and overseeing projects — it demands a unique combination of technical precision, practical problem-solving, and an ability to bring diverse teams together toward a common goal. As our Construction Contract Administrator, Ken embodies these qualities while bringing a wealth of experience to our team.
Beyond coordinating between contractors, owners, and design teams, he plays a vital role in ensuring project success through his meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality control.
His deep appreciation for American history and great sense of humor have made him an invaluable part of our professional projects and workplace community. Read on to get to know Ken!
Q: What’s your job title, and what do you do day-to-day?
A: Construction Contract Administrator. I act as a liaison between the contractors, owner, and design team during construction. I respond to and resolve issues that arise in the field during construction, conduct scheduled progress meetings, and review and answer construction questions (RFIs) from the contractors during construction. I also review and recommend contractors monthly progress payments, review construction change requests for validity and cost, and review contractors’ submittals and shop drawings for compliance with project design/construction documents and specifications.
I’ll recommend appropriate action to the owner, and if it’s not accepted, I’ll return to the contractors for correction and resubmission. I make interpretations to documents when questions and or conflicts occur, conduct quality control reviews during construction, and complete punch list walkthroughs.
Q: What’s your favorite part about your job and our company culture?
A: It’s hard to actually choose one!
Q: What’s your favorite project or achievement?
A: I served on the Facilities Capitol Improvement Committee at the Castlepoint, NY Veterans Administration Hospital. I was selected by the Hospital Director to review the hospital’s needs and prioritize the facility’s upgrades.
Q: What does an ideal weekend look like for you?
A: Head to the shore in NJ, DE or MD. I enjoy being near the ocean, not necessarily in it… but near it! Also, the sound of the surf is relaxing. I’d also like to head to races somewhere.
Q: What’s the best trip you’ve ever been on and why?
A: Williamsburg, VA at Christmas time when everything was decorated colonial-style.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Fast food supreme pizza!
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given, or your favorite inspiring quote?
A:
- “Nothing can now be believed which is seen in a newspaper.” (Thomas Jefferson in a letter to J Norvelle in 1805)
- “Liberty is the power to do everything that does not interfere with the rights of others.” (Thomas Paine)
- “Guard against the postures of pretend patriotism” ( Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Freedom):
(George Washington’s Farewell Address to Congress April 30, 1796)
Q: Who’s someone you admire and why?
A: George Washington, against all odds, led, for the most part, a ragtag, untrained, and in many cases untested army made up of volunteers and local militias against the most powerful, undefeated army in the world at the time, and defeated them, gaining our independence from the British Crown.
Honorable Mentions: Alexander Hamilton, John Quincy Adams, Samuel Adams, Abigail Adams (a woman ahead of her time; she would fit well in today’s political arena), and Benedict Arnold (before his defection, he was a great battlefield strategist and defeated one of Britain’s generals at the Second Battle of Saratoga at Bemis Heights, NY, on October 7, 1777 — one of the key turning points of the American Revolution).