Karen Couch, AIA
Senior Project Manager
San Antonio,US
Summary
Accomplished Senior Project Manager and licensed Architect with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and extensive experience in budgeting, timeline coordination, and risk management for hospitality projects. Recognized for exceptional communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-disciplined teams. Demonstrated expertise in managing multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to budgetary constraints and meeting critical deadlines.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certificates
Work History
Senior Project Manager
The Gettys Group
11.2023 - Current
- Manage multiple hospitality projects with tight deadlines and budgets while consistently meeting key milestones at every project phase cultivating a strong client relationship.
- Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to maintain project cohesion by leading the coordination of documentation across all disciplines.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and intermediate team members as required encouraging a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee all project documentation and submittals; lead internal QA/QC reviews of technical drawings and FF&E specifications for compliance with codes, standards, and budgets.
- Adapt quickly to unexpected challenges or obstacles encountered during project execution, devising creative solutions without compromising objectives.
Project Manager
NORR
03.2022 - 10.2023
- Effectively oversaw multiple restaurant projects at once, strategically prioritizing tasks based on urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Negotiated, developed, monitored, and controlled the scope of deliverables, work plans, and schedules for all project stages.
- Lead an integrated team of designers, architects and engineers in quality assurance and quality control procedures for all deliverables.
- Attended monthly administrative meetings with the leadership team to evaluate work plans, schedules, and project profitability.
- Maintained and developed positive client relations to ensure business continuity and promote business growth.
Project Manager
O'Kelly Kasprak
10.2014 - 02.2022
- Led multi-disciplinary architecture and interior design teams across diverse projects, from small airport concessions to extensive hotel renovations, overseeing each phase from concept to completion.
- Facilitated collaboration among internal and external stakeholders, ensuring project cohesion by overseeing documentation coordination across all disciplines, including MEP, lighting, kitchen, and other consultants.
- Assisted firm principals with writing and/or review of project proposals, issuing RFPs to consultants, and establishing appropriate architectural fees.
- Established and standardized firm-wide office and drawing production protocols to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and consistency across all projects.
- Mentored junior staff members, providing guidance on best practices in architectural design and project management.
Associate Project Manager
Sarfatty Associates
06.2012 - 09.2014
- Supported project managers in overseeing project teams, facilitating the production of design and construction documents for various retail, office, and restaurant projects.
- Monitored project progress through consistent status updates, proactively identifying potential challenges and implementing corrective measures while providing regular updates to supervisors to ensure transparency and alignment with project goals.
Architectural Intern & Project Coordinator
JTS Architects
02.2010 - 06.2012
- Responsible for the arrangement and production of construction documents as well as coordination of drawings with consultants.
- Conducted site visits and documented existing conditions for use in project development.
- Kept projects on schedule by managing deadlines and adjusting workflows.
- Improved client satisfaction with timely updates and transparent communication throughout the project lifecycle.
Education
Master of Architecture -
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
08.2007 - 05.2009
Bachelor of Science - Architectural Studies
University of Illinois At Urbana-Champaign
08.2003 - 05.2007
Skills
Effective management of multiple projects
undefinedCertification
Licensed Architect - IL & TX
Accomplishments
- Chicago Prize Competition Nominee (2008 & 2009)
- Graduate research published in Architect Magazine (03/2009)
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