Project Management High-Rise
Resume:
ROBERT W. CUNNINGHAM, R.A.
*** **** ******, ********, ** 11209
******************@*****.***
ROBERT W. CUNNINGHAM, ARCHITECT
CAREER FOCUS
Extensive project management in the wake of natural and man-made disasters (Sandy and the Lahaina Fire) has aided in a greater knowledge of resilient building design, with a focus on creating structures that can withstand and recover from disasters, extreme weather events, and other potential hazards, ensuring minimal damage and functionality disruptions.
Practical experience with building systems and enclosure failures has led to an understanding of how new technologies can aid in the resilient design and restoration of high-rise buildings' electrical and mechanical systems and building enclosures.
Architectural Commissioning for public, private and medical facilities: NYC DDC's new 50,000 SF Bronx Animal Shelter, with a construction cost of 92 million, a 42,000 SF resilient facility for the Department of Parks and Recreation in the Rockaways, with a construction cost of 23.5 million, a 22 million dollar new two-story 18,000 SF Jackson Heights Library extension, 500,000 SF LaGuardia Parking Garage and Northwell Medical facility and offices in NYC. Provided QA & QC for Zoning Analysis, Building Code compliance, Flood Mapping, Fire rating & separations, Fire alarm risers and matrix, Sprinkler riser diagram, sprinkler head specifications & layout, ADA compliance, lighting, finished materials, medical equipment, HVAC calculations, schedules, specifications, ductwork, plumbing code, ventilation, electrical wiring, panels and supply demand, Energy analysis – Lighting, Com-check.
Construction Administration, focusing on high-rise building façade assessment, restoration, waterproofing (roofing/fenestration), forensic assessment, and troubleshooting structural & MEP building systems. Versed in NYC Building and Fire Code, International Building Code, and National Fire Code. NFPA codes: Fire alarm and signaling systems (NFPA 72), Sprinkler systems (NFPA 13), Portable fire extinguishers (NFPA 10), Fire protection systems in general (NFPA 1, 3, 4), Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)
Conducted on-site façade inspections and probes of low-rise and high-rise commercial and residential buildings, many greater than thirty stories in height. Inspected masonry/curtain wall facades and their appurtenances from suspended/pipe scaffolding and 180 ft. boom lifts. Extensive experience with Terracotta restoration and anchorage systems.
Compiled Construction Documents, Bid Documents, and Local Law reports including LL 11/98/FISP reports with the NYC DOB. Proficient with the DOB NOW filing system.
Solicited bids from qualified contractors and conducted on-site pre-construction meetings. Provided construction review and Project Management for 90% of all in-house design projects.
Prepared and implemented specific site safety management programs. Prepare weekly assessments and progress reports. Implemented BIM programming software (REVIT, Procore & Fieldwire) to compile and maintain Gantt chart projections, budgeting, change orders, and punch list(s) for each phase of the design and construction of the project, from project inception to closeout.
Prepared and negotiated Contract Documents and certified AIA G702 & G703.
Worked with co-op/condo owners and their management teams, assessing capital improvement repairs and maintenance based on industry standards and budgetary restraints. Addressed board members and shareholders at monthly co-op and condo meetings. Prepared and presented PowerPoint presentations at annual shareholder meetings. Compiled Capital Improvement Reports with expected life cycles of 5 to 30 years for residential and commercial buildings for budgeting and tax filings.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Architecture
Pratt Institute, Bklyn, NY – 1990
SKILLS
Extensive experience in AUTOCAD 2023, REVIT, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, Procore, E-Builder, and Xactware cost estimating software.
Team Leader with strong coordination, communication, and management skills.
Exceptional knowledge of the NYC Zoning Code, NYC Building Code, and the International Building Code.
Solid knowledge of building systems, repair, and maintenance.
Motivated self-starter with the ability to solve problems, individually and as part of a design team.
Completed OSHA safety training course: 10 Hours and 30 Hours.
Completed OSHA: Trips & Fall Protection Training and Safety & Health Programs in Construction & Management Guide for Drug-Free Workplace Program. NCARB reciprocity.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Robert Cunningham, Principal Architect
April 2023 to present.
Architectural consultant for A/E firms with a concentration on Local Law assessments including Local Law 33, 95/2019, Local Law 85; Local Laws 84 (benchmarking), 88 (lighting upgrades), 92 (green roofs), and 94 (solar PV), Local Law 11/98, LL 126, and Local Law 88 (Lighting Retrofits & Sub-metering).
Commissioning architect for NYC DDC's new 50,000 SF Bronx Animal Shelter, construction cost 92 million.
Commissioning architect for NYC DDC's new 42,000 SF resilient facility for the Department of Parks and Recreation in the Rockaways, with a construction cost of 23.5 million.
Commissioning architect for 22 million dollar new two-story 18,000 SF Jackson Heights Library extension.
Designed and provided Construction Administration for Landmark brownstones, co-ops/condominiums, and lofts throughout NYC. Compiled Construction Documents, Specifications, and Bid Documents for building interior renovations and zoning calculations for rear yard/penthouse extensions. Obtained approvals from NYC DOB, DEP, and Landmark Preservation Commission. Designed high-end interior spaces, cabinetry, and furnishing. Prepared reflected ceiling plans, lighting, sprinkler, and HVAC systems.
Senior Project Manager
GGA Studios, D.P.C.
September 2022 to March 2023
Audited and corrected incomplete FISP filings for Cycle 9B, under third-party & DOB review.
Conducted FISP inspections and compiled building façade condition reports documenting deficiencies in masonry, terra cotta, and EFIS systems. Façade inspections and design of curtain wall and rain-screen systems.
Determined the number of façade inspection drops, locations, and methods as required by NYC DOB. Assess site conditions to determine the location and type of site safety equipment to be utilized and installed in work areas.
Conducted structural inspection of Long Island City warehouse roofing system consisting of open web joist and corrugated metal decking.
Conduct FISP inspection of a 52-story mixed-use building in downtown Manhattan. Determine the source of water infiltration from the curtain wall. Design staging for outriggers utilizing existing dunnage and cross-bracing at the rooftop.
Assessed building envelope condition and determined the source of water infiltration through a failed EFIS system and solid masonry building walls.
Conducted FISP inspections from a 180’ boom lift and suspended scaffolding. Coordinated FISP inspection and probes via rope access.
Mentored a team of junior architects in conducting, assessing, and identifying OSHA site safety and NYC Building Code requirements to ensure the safety of maintenance crews when accessing, maintaining, and servicing rooftop mechanical equipment on the Fordham University campus buildings.
Senior Architectural Project Manager
Hirani Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C.
September 2020 to January 2022
Created FISP division consisting of eight team members; architects, engineers, and expeditors who work on multi-million-dollar façade restoration projects: from five-year NYCHA contracts to Landmark high-rise buildings on 5th Avenue, Hospitals, and Nursing Care Homes for the Arch Diocese of NYC, foreign consulates in NYC and high-rise commercial building throughout NYC’s five boroughs.
Advised the marketing department and prepared contracts with clients requiring architectural/engineering services for commercial and residential high-rise buildings. Compiled CD’s, Contract/Bid Documents, and RFPs; explained plans and contract terms to administrative staff, team members, clients, and owner’s representatives.
Responsible for reviewing, interpreting, and administering construction contracts to administrative staff.
Prepared contracts and negotiated revisions, changes, and additions to contractual agreements with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Inspected and reviewed projects for compliance with local, state, and federal building, zoning, and safety codes.
Conducted FISP inspections from 180 ft. boom lift, suspended scaffolding, and pipe scaffolding. Prepared photographic and written reports documenting my findings and filed FISP reports on DOB NOW.
Researched NYC Building Code citing code sections refuting summons issued by NYC DOB officials. Compiled and prepared photographic and written arguments for submittal to the Oath Hearing Officer in response to a building summons issued by the NYC DOB. Attended Oath hearings with a 90 % success rate for dismissal. Responded to DOB summons and submitted Certificate of Corrections to the NYC DOB.
Responsible for employee recruitment, assessing talents, and assigning job responsibilities to create and maintain a highly successful FISP Team.
Architectural/Engineering Assessment Team Leader AECOM/STV (through CareerPoint) - New York, NY
March 2019 to November 2019
•Supervised a Team of Architects and Engineers in conducting on-site assessments and compiling reports for more than 100 NYC DOT facilities. The Team evaluated the condition and remaining service life of the facilities’ MEP components, structure, and building enclosure. We assessed the facilities' environmental, energy, and life safety systems to reduce their carbon footprint and address building egress and fire code compliance.
•Compiled reports providing physical description, zoning analysis, and architectural characteristics of the facilities, in addition to their useful life and replacement cost of the facilities’ MEPS.
•Facilities assessed included commercial office buildings, bridge houses, asphalt plants, machine shops, parking structures, and LEED Platinum mixed-use buildings.
•Building components assessed included interior/exterior architectural elements, windows/doors, roofing systems, superstructure, foundations, electrical service, solar power, lighting, elevators, HVAC, plumbing, sprinklers, fire safety, egress, emergency signage, and environmental hazards.
•Conducted NYC Building Code, NYC Fire Code, and NYS Environmental Code compliance assessments and reported upon emergency/hazardous conditions.
•Facilitated and coordinated Team schedules, activities, and safety protocols with an eye toward OSHA compliance when assessing active fabrication workshops and construction sites.
Senior Project Manager
Kel-Tech Construction Inc. Queens, NY
Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief Fund - “Build It Back”
September 11, 2017, to March 1, 2019
Prepared and interpreted Bid and Contract Documents; explained plans and contract terms to administrative staff, team members, clients, and owner’s representatives.
Inspected and reviewed projects to monitor compliance with local, state, and federal building, zoning, and safety codes and regulations.
Scheduled project logistics and budget time required to meet deadlines. Made decisions and acted expeditiously to avoid delays and ensure completion of the construction process on schedule.
Designed and reviewed production of shop drawing submittals for fabrication and their approval from the Architect/Engineer of record. Shop drawings generally consisted of helical pile fabrication, reinforcement in structural concrete, structural steel members, hurricane ties for wood framing trusses, rafters, beams, floor joists, siding, window/door rating performance, and proper installation in conformance with AAMA.
Reviewed and interpreted plans and specifications, prepared quantity takeoffs, and solicited bids on assigned projects to deliver professional and accurate cost forecasts.
Identified, obtained, and maintained all necessary permits and licenses throughout the project.
Provided Value Engineering Analysis as an integral part of establishing project control budgets. Identified and improved deficiencies in productivity, reducing the cost and improving the value of our product.
Conducted daily on-site reviews for quality performance and standards per the Contract Documents and the “intended” interpretation and implementation of those documents.
Monitored schedules and compiled executive daily and weekly performance rating reports for workers.
Mediated disputes between Union workers, project managers, and the design team.
Tracked and controlled construction schedule and associated costs to bring the project in on time and under budget.
Selected, contracted, and monitored subcontractors to complete specific aspects of the project, from fabrication and installation of helical piles, structural steel, reinforced concrete, carpentry, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
Developed and issued project procedures and policies for site safety and procurement.
Reviewed subcontractors' claims or disputed work and advised senior management of appropriate action in compliance with Contract Documents.
Attended weekly construction development meetings with the PM Team, Architects, and Engineers. Apprised Owner’s representatives of the construction progress, unforeseen developments, and suggested alternative design methods due to actual site conditions.
Maintained positive client relationships by providing and facilitating design feedback, cost control, and communication.
Monitored Field Operations and managed six site superintendents and a workforce of over eighty Union Construction Workers. Organized, directed, and trained junior team members. Supervised assistant managers, reviewed their reports, reported difficulties, and corrected safety violations & reported deficiencies.
Prepared and managed a centralized cost-estimating database and a formal process to support cost estimating to ensure
historical data is utilized. Introduced & implemented Xactware software, replacing the long-held practice of spreadsheet cost estimating. Implemented and compiled delayed analysis reports.
Negotiated contracts and Change Orders with the Owner’s project managers and cost estimators/auditors from the NYC Department of Design and Construction, School Construction Authority, and Comptroller’s Engineering Audit Officers.
Robert W. Cunningham R.A., Principal Brooklyn, NY 11209
August 2009 to September 11, 2017
Solicited and contracted clients for commercial, residential, and mixed-use projects.
Consulted with clients to determine their goals and establish a scope of work. Made recommendations and prepared AIA Standard Forms of Contract between the owner, the architect, and the contractor. Reviewed, modified, and approved the contractor’s request for payment (G702 & 703 forms).
Compiled and ensured that Contract Documents and Invitation to Bid (RFP) complied with all regulations, statutes, and procedures of the local and federal agency having jurisdiction over the project.
Calculated energy code analysis and conducted progress/final inspections of lighting, HVAC systems, fenestration thermal values and ratings, air sealing, and insulation value testing in compliance with the New York City Energy Conservation Code.
Designed, expedited, and obtained approvals for commercial furniture stores, retail masonry supply stores, and residential housing from NYC DOB.
Reviewed and approved shop drawings and materials before manufacturing structural steel members and connections, curtain walls, and storefronts.
Determined design loads and compiled structural analysis for steel and wood framing systems, masonry walls, and foundation design.
Designed and provided construction review of architectural systems, including fenestration (AAMA tested), masonry and curtain wall facades, parapet walls, cornices, balconies, interior walls/ceilings and floors, cabinetry, and lighting for commercial and residential buildings.
Compiled & ensured compliance with general contractor and subcontractors' liability and disability insurance.
Surveyed and evaluated major building systems for mixed-use pre-war apartment buildings comprising 200,000 SQFT of 180 residential units and 10,600 SQFT of 12 commercial retail businesses. Prepared Contract Documents to bring the building and major building systems to sound condition and conform to code requirements with an eye toward co-op/condo conversion. Major building systems surveyed and cited for restoration/replacement were the building’s; superstructure, parapet walls, bulkheads, masonry balconies, window lintels and sills, fire escapes, roof deck, roof membrane, reinforced concrete decking, three wythe load bearing masonry envelope, boilers, heating distribution system, fuel oil storage, electrical service, elevators, fire alarm system, domestic water distribution, fenestration and roof/exterior building wall insulation.
Prepared executive summary report for upgrade and restoration of major building systems totaling $13.5 million.
Design and obtain approval from NYC DEP for a new sprinkler system, fire service, and alarm with the wet connection into the NYC main, double check valve detector, and meter.
Designed building envelope, roofing system, and fenestration for commercial and residential buildings.
Designed emergency-egress plans and signage for high-rise, mixed-use buildings.
Prepared and presented applications before the BSA for zoning interpretation and consideration.
Senior Project Development Coordinator & Project Manager
Koehler Engineering – Brooklyn, NY 11209
November 2001 to August 2009
Coordinated and directed staff, engineering consultants, and independent contractors for all aspects of design, from inception through construction completion.
Provided cost, time, and resource estimation based on schematic design, design development, zoning, permits, construction documents, bid documents, and construction management.
Provided construction management for a four (4) story medical building; from the excavation of a (2) story foundation with a four (4) story steel and reinforced concrete superstructure to the installation of the masonry/curtain wall envelope. The excavation and installation of the two-story 24-foot-deep cellar were complicated by a zero-lot line on three sides, sandy soil conditions, and a high-water table. The foundation excavation required continuous monitoring of H-beam piles and timber lagging for placement precision and vibration/sound transmission affecting adjacent buildings.
Surveyed, assessed, and restored fire and water-damaged structural timber truss roofing system for a four-story, 150+ year old commercial building.
Designed elevator pit, shaft, and rail system for commercial buildings, housing schools, and retail space.
Designed sprinkler and fire alarm system for a four (4) story timber-framed and masonry commercial building.
Restored exterior building envelope and roofing system of commercial buildings.
Designed a retail strip mall for retail stores and medical offices in compliance with the NYC Zoning and Building Code.
Prepared CD’s and designed structural members for a fire-damaged retail commercial supermarket.
Designed roofing system for mixed-use building 42,850 SQFT.
Design fire suppression systems; wet sprinkler and ANSUL for retail space and kitchen.
Designed reflected ceiling plan, emergency lighting, and HVAC distribution system for commercial buildings.
Designed commercial photography development studio and wastewater filtration system per NYS DEC and NYC DEP.
Senior Regional Project Manager
Michael K. Koehler P.C. - Brooklyn, NY
August 1997 to November 2001
Solicited client contact, determined scope of work, and prepared schematic drawings per NYC Building/Zoning Codes.
Prepared AIA contracts between the owner, the architect, the engineer, and the contractors. Maintained and revised standard forms of contracts per industry standards for professional liability insurance.
Conducted building façade surveys, prepared Construction Documents, and provided construction review per Local Law 11/98.
Surveyed, designed, and provided construction monitoring for the restoration/replacement of Landmark windows and doors.
Worked with building staff to troubleshoot boiler shutdowns and poor heating distribution systems. Recommended replacement and/or installation of boiler tubes, refractory, circulation pumps, steam traps, radiators, air vent valves, and replacement and sizing of the oxidized distribution system.
Selected boiler microprocessors, instructing building engineers on the causes of shutdowns.
Prepared manuals for heating system maintenance, including repairs and replacements.
Surveyed and compiled specifications for the upgraded vertical distribution systems: elevator cab interiors, installation of variable frequency controls, emergency fire department service controls, hoists, and motors.
Designed and filed applications with NYC DOB for places of assembly: school, catering hall, and restaurant.
Designed ADA-compliant spaces, including restrooms, elevators, building entrances, ramps, and walkways.
Owner, designer, and developer for high-end residential waterfront development with bulkhead and boat pier. Filed and obtained approvals from the local municipality, obtaining NJ CAFRA permits for waterfront development
Sheldon Lazan PC, Monroe Twp, NJ
September 1990 to August 1997
Monitored the design and construction process from the conceptual phase through construction administration, ensuring a consistent and well-executed project. Draftsman.
Ensured that construction detail documentation conforms to quality control and best practice standards.
Expedited DOB applications: attended meetings and obtained approval of proposed plans.
Interfaced with city and state agencies, NYC DOB, NYC DEP, NYCFD, NYCHA, NYC Dept. Landmark Preservation.
Conducted building façade inspections, compiled Construction/Bid Documents, and executed construction review per LL 10/89 for the NYC Housing Authority.
Performed an analytical survey of falling boulders from the steep hillside onto the parking area below. Recommended and designed the installation of a hexagonal cable net drapery for slope stabilization control of falling rocks, resulting in the owner’s decision to abandon the costly construction of a masonry retaining wall.
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