New York Real Estate Journal’s 2019 Women in Building Services spotlight includes nine of Shawmut’s talented women, who shared their greatest achievements, insights on the industry, philanthropic endeavors, and what it means to be a team player.

Excerpts from New York Real Estate Journal

Maria Nocera, Director of Estimating, Luxury Homes

What does it mean to you to be a team player? There’s nothing more rewarding than being part of the team that takes a client’s vision and turns it into a reality. Working with the architects, designers, and engineers from the onset to develop the scope, budgets, and build the team that lays the foundation for the project. The collaboration on feasibility, costs, and schedule—with the mindset of always trying to find the best way to achieve the client’s expectations—that’s not only being a team player, but being part of a winning team.

Aida Pjetrovic, Project Manager, Hospitality

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? As consumers, we’re excited by the hype of a new restaurant opening in Dumbo, focusing on the experience that the food & drink and service delivers. But knowing what goes into creating the final product, I appreciate: 1) selection of the right location—a new hip area, with a structure that carries culture; 2) the vision—the owner’s and designer’s personal touch. My career is my greatest professional achievement—on each and every project I have the opportunity to develop a bare space, accentuating its organic features and constructing the space to bring the client’s vision to life.

Christa Forte, Senior Project Manager, Retail

What trend(s) do you predict to dominate your industry in 2019? In 2019, we will continue to see retail clients “think outside the box” on how to provide a unique experience for their customers (and get them to shop in store). We will continue to see clients creatively entice customers through hands-on interaction zones, product customization areas, in-store exclusives, and café areas. 

Nicolle Frantellizzi, Project Manager, Luxury Homes

Which of your philanthropic endeavors are you most proud of? I’ve reconnected with the construction management department at my alma mater, Pratt Institute. I’ve spoken on two panels for students and faculty, discussing my career path and experience as a project manager, as well as the importance of teamwork, communication, technology and current trends. It was a great experience bringing to life what the students are learning in class—I was once in their seat, so I could relate to them while providing career advice. I was especially excited to see more women in the program, and hope to continue my involvement with Pratt and the future leaders of our industry.

Virginia Pugliese, Senior Project Manager

What does it mean to you to be a team player? Being part of an integrated project team has been a key component in my success as a Project Manager. No one person is responsible for the completion of a project, it takes a group of people collaboratively working together to be successful—whether it’s fitting out an existing space or erecting an out-of-the-ground building. We maximize results, budget, schedule, and client satisfaction when everyone comes together—and recognize that each person is just as critical as the next.

Nicole Kotlarz, Project Manager, Retail

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? My greatest professional achievement has been working on Chanel’s 57th Street flagship renovation for the past two years. It’s the biggest project I’ve ever worked on.

Arvinder Kaur, Assistant Project Manager, Hospitality

What trend(s) do you predict to dominate your industry in 2019? Technology is going to continue dominating the construction industry. The combination of real-time technology and data is going to propel the industry for the next few years, allowing more insight and access to jobs even when team members are off-site.

Claudia Castro, Project Manager, Luxury Homes

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? Shifting from commercial to residential building and onto the largest project of my career—a renovation of a 1920’s mansion—as the lead project manager. I learned to adapt my methods and approach my client relations differently to provide the best client service and final product.

Elly Carias, Project Manager, Retail

What does it mean to you to be a team player? There is no successful project without all members of the project team working together. Communication throughout a project—both with the client and project team—is required. Without thorough communication, the field and office teams would not be able to deliver on schedule or effectively problem solve. Each team member is important, and everyone needs to work together to achieve the greatest success possible.