Big changes are coming to the UC San Diego campus, and a Rady School of Management alumni is leading the charge.
It was recently announced that the Clark Construction Group was selected to construct the Living and Learning Neighborhood at North Torrey Pines. Carlos Gonzalez (MBA ’07) serves as the regional executive officer and senior vice president of Clark Construction Group California, and he and his team will lead the project’s implementation on campus. The unique design-build project will be the home for Sixth College, as well as the Social Sciences and Arts and Humanities.
Gonzalez recently visited Professor Vish Krishnan’s Project Management course to speak to students about his role at Clark Construction Group and the importance of leadership.
“As project managers, we are responsible for getting things done, and getting things done well,” Gonzalez said. “At Clark Construction, we don’t put shovels in the ground until we have done the proper planning, and we are truly prepared.”
During his presentation, Gonzalez shared the extensive Clark Construction project management implementation process, as well as the lengthy procedure the company went through to secure the award for the Sixth College project.
“We spent a ton of time researching the school and aligning with the University’s mission, challenging ourselves to think bigger and devising plans to maximize the potential of the space,” he said.
Clark’s team, in collaboration with its design partners, created a layout for the Living and Learning community featuring seven buildings connected with open outdoor spaces, underground parking for 1,200 vehicles, and public realm improvements that include pedestrian and bike-friendly pathways. The space will include student housing, academic buildings and research spaces, and community service programs to provide students, faculty, and staff with an immersive learning experience.
Gonzalez also emphasized the importance of leadership in his presentation.
“As a project manager, you have to treat people with respect,” he said. “You need to lead by example and treat people fairly. Communicate your expectations and goals, work ethically, provide feedback, and most importantly, listen!”
The project, which is designed to achieve LEED® Platinum certification, will begin construction in summer 2018 with an expected completion date slated for 2020.
“Being a part of the Rady School of Management was instrumental for my career success,” Gonzalez said. “I’m thrilled our team was awarded this opportunity because this project is special to me – I’m excited to return to UC San Diego to help shape the campus that gave me so much.”