Archive for

Meet Project Manager Joe McAlester

Joe studied sociology at the University of Colorado. His education related to construction was gained in the field as a carpenter before, during and after college and through project management positions he has held. Prior to being hired at Arciform he worked in a similar project management capacity for an insurance restoration contractor.

How long have you worked for Arciform and what has been your favorite part about working at Arciform so far?

I started at Arciform in mid-May.  I enjoy the people, the projects we are involved in and the collaborative effort.

What inspires you about restoring and renovating older homes? What drew you to this line of work?

I’m inspired by the details, craftsmanship and materials inherent in many older homes. Those elements drew me to the work, the challenge of restoring, preserving or duplicating characteristics that for the most part you don’t see in new construction. I generally like being part of the building process, the creative aspect, the troubleshooting, and the end results.

Describe one of your favorite past projects. What were the challenges? What were some of the features that made it memorable?

One of my favorites was adding a second story to a house in the mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado. There were some logistical challenges getting materials to the site as it was somewhat remote. That project sticks in my mind for the setting and the views of the mountains from the new second floor.

Tell us what you consider are the hallmarks of a well-executed project. How do you know when something is right?

In my experience the best projects are well thought out prior to starting any work. That involves all parties working as much as possible to foresee challenges so they can be planned for instead of reacted to, at which point they have a greater impact on the flow and schedule. In the end a project feels right when the client is happy, it is quality work and was executed with as few bumps along the way as possible.

What’s your working style? How do you like to work with a client?

I’m not sure I could define my working style. I try to stay on top of the details, am solution minded and forward thinking. I understand the investment both financially and emotionally for clients, their excitement and their anxiety as their house is under construction. I respect those aspects and work to keep them informed to help mitigate their concerns and I also want to share in the excitement for their new space.

What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?

I don’t have a list, but I would like to someday design and build a home. I also have two young kids so I’m focused on providing opportunities for them to explore and pursue their interests.

Explore the Arciform Project Galleries | About Arciform | Schedule a Design Consultation