Architect

CHRISTOPHER B. SMITH

**** ** ** **** *****

Elk Grove, California 95758

916-***-****

*************@*****.***

ARCHITECT

Multi-Project Management / Planning & Design / Commercial & Residential Building / QA & QC / Cost Estimating / Budgets / Training / Construction Documents / Specifications / Client, Contractor & Product Representative Relations

With proven leadership, I oversaw building projects from design and documentation to successful completion for a variety of commercial and residential clients. As the “go-to” architect when technical or construction issues arose, I provided practical and cost effective solutions for design, administration and construction.

Skilled in documentation, I exposed errors and revised numerous sets of contract documents, reducing firm exposure while saving time and money for both the firm and the client. I rescued problem projects, providing buildable solutions. By redesigning the technical and licensing training program, I established effective continuing education and training for architects, intern architects and other technical staff.

 Managed commercial and residential architectural projects from design to completion.

 Instituted quality assurance measures to reduce firm exposure.

 Salvaged difficult projects, providing buildable solutions to problematic issues.

 Developed excellent key client, contractor and product representative relationships.

 Established effective internal continuing education and training programs.

I hold a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Idaho. A California Licensed Architect, I am registered with NCARB, a CSI Construction Documents Technologist and LEED AP certified. Able to see the “big picture”, I have the organizational skills to assure that critical pieces of the project are not missed.

SELECTED ACCOMPLISHMENTS

MANAGING COMPLEX PROJECTS: Assigned by Rainforth Grau Architects (RGA) to design a 700-seat performing arts theater, a 10-lane/diving competition swimming pool and a 5,000-seat football stadium. Completed project exceeded client expectations and resulted in additional contracts.

RESCUING PROJECT THROUGH KEY CLIENT RELATIONS: Designed and documented elementary school project, which was later assigned to RGA’s construction administration department. Recruited to take over construction administration when problems arose between firm staff and contractor. Reestablished relationship with both client and contractor, resulting in a reusable campus prototype and a continuing relationship with a valued contractor.

ESTABLISHING QUALITY ASSURANCE STUDIO: RGA had no quality assurance studio or defined QA processes in place. Established Quality Assurance Coordinator position. Developed process for reviewing all construction documents for constructability, errors and omissions. Affected office wide production of higher quality documents, resulting in reduced contractor claims, increased client confidence and new business.

DEVELOPING TOOLS, TEMPLATES, PROCESSES AND DEVELOPING OFFICE STANDARDS: RGA lacked consistent communication and documentation of technical and construction administration office standards. Created operating standards, increasing knowledge of acceptable standards. Improved accuracy and consistency of drawings and specifications while reducing exposure to the firm and clients.

CAREER HISTORY

ASSOCIATE ARCHITECT/SHAREHOLDER, Rainforth Grau Architects, a $9M architecture firm, 1990 to 2009. Oversaw project programming, design and documentation, bidding, construction administration, staff development and education. Worked with clients, continually advancing in position, until recruited to develop the quality assurance department. Established policies, procedures and created technical office standards. Documented and managed project budgets up to $20M.

OWNER-ARCHITECT, Architectural Resources, 1986 to 1990. Started architecture firm. Established business and clientele. Developed proposals. Oversaw all phases of design from schematics to final construction documents, following projects through construction administration and closeout. Held full P&L responsibility.

EARLIER: Project Architect, E.M. Kado & Associates. Managed multiple commercial construction projects, including cinema design for General Cinema Corporation and office improvements for Aerojet. Intern Architect, Roger Scott Group. Drafted documents for commercial projects including multi-family housing, marinas, restaurants and custom homes. Intern Architect, Carissimi Rohrer Architects. Drafted documents for commercial building projects.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES: Member of the American Institute of Architects and the Construction Specifications Institute. Enjoy skiing, running, softball, golf, tennis and landscape design. Volunteer for charity.

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