How long have you been in the PHCP-PVF industry?
JW: I have been in the industry for about five and a half years. I had 16 months of internships during college at The University of Cincinnati: eight months with Oswald Construction in Cincinnati, OH and eight months with DWG (a MEP consulting firm) in Charleston, South Carolina. I have been with CMTA in Columbus, Ohio for a little over four years since graduating college.
What drew you into the industry?
JW: When I started college, I was unsure where in the industry I wanted to go but I knew I wanted to do something with construction and building design. I was always fond of construction and building design when I was younger. I decided to major in architectural engineering, which, for the most part, was a newer path of engineering that takes on not only architectural design but also structural and building systems designs. Once I start my internship with DWG in my later half of college, I was exposed to the MEP consulting world and heavily focus on plumbing design in health care spaces. At that point, I knew I wanted to focus on mechanical and plumbing design for commercial buildings.
What is the most rewarding aspect of working in the industry?
JW: One of the most rewarding aspects of working in this industry stems from how no one project is alike another. There are always differing challenges to investigate or various design approaches to apply. Being challenged, whether it is small or large, then overcoming that challenge is one of the most rewarding feelings.
What motivates you every day?
JW: I am motivated by the fact one day, the designs I work will be constructed and utilized by the clients we work with. From new education spaces that focus on STEM industries to healthcare facilities that are achieving new energy goals in their industries.
What is one thing you wish more people knew/understood about the PHCP-PVF industry?
JW: One thing I wish more people know about our industry is that there are many innovations that are available or under development that will continue to push the barrier for energy/water conservation. The more the average person knows about how their building systems can be improved with these innovations, the greater the effect on global warming we can make.
What has been your proudest moment in your career so far?
JW: One of the proudest moments in my career so far is seeing some of my health care project complete construction and open to serve their communities. One pending proud moment is passing the Mechanical PE exam, which I am taking later this year.
What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
JW: One thing many people don’t know about me is that I got my love for construction and building systems from hobbies I had as a kid. When I was growing up (and still continue now) is collect LEGO which I used to design my own little city with moving elements.
