Behind the Hard Hat: Laurie J.
Project Manager | Construction Legacy | Team-First Trailblazer
At Richard, we believe the best builds start with people. And when it comes to grit, gratitude, and generational pride, few bring more to the job than Laurie—a Project Manager whose roots in construction run deep and wide. From watching the San Diego skyline rise with her father and grandfather to leading complex, high-stakes federal projects today, Laurie brings passion, precision, and people-first leadership to every jobsite.
Built Into Her DNA
Laurie didn’t just stumble into construction—she was born into it. With a father and grandfather in the industry, jobsite visits were part of childhood, and skyline silhouettes became symbols of family legacy.
“I can still point to buildings we worked on—high-rises, hospitals, military installations, even bridges—and feel proud knowing they’ll stand for generations,” she says. “Now I get to carry that legacy forward with a company that values building from within.”
What drew her to Richard? A shared commitment to growth—not just of buildings, but of people. “Richard fosters development in its teams, and that’s something I knew I wanted to be part of.”
Navigating the Unseen
Laurie’s calm, confident leadership was put to the test on a recent project for the U.S. Marshals—a detention space retrofit in a historic, fully active courthouse. The challenges? Detention cells. Zero laydown space. Active courtrooms. Design misses. And countless hidden surprises.
“It took major problem-solving and a lot of creative thinking,” she says. “But working closely with our project manager and building strong relationships with the Marshals and GSA made all the difference.”
The result? A beautiful, functional space that exceeded expectations—and a reminder that teamwork and trust are just as critical as technical skill.
Eyes on the Future
Laurie’s excited about what technology can unlock in the field—especially BIM modeling. “It’s a game-changer for conflict resolution and logistical planning,” she explains. “Being able to anticipate issues before they’re in the field saves time, money, and headaches.”
The Athlete’s Edge
Beyond her deep technical knowledge, Laurie brings something else to the team: a former athlete’s mindset. “I’m constantly looking for how each team member’s strengths can elevate the whole,” she says. “When morale is high and people feel supported, great things happen.”
Pride in the Process
What brings her the most satisfaction? “Knowing we made a space better—and did it safely,” she says.
“That pride doesn’t go away when the job wraps. It sticks with you.”
It also echoes Richard’s core mission: building excellence, together, with purpose.
Quick Hits with Laurie
Secret Weapon on the Jobsite:
Excel. "For tracking, number crunching, and pulling detailed reports—it’s my go-to."
What’s in Your Lunchbox?
Chobani yogurt with granola. "Quick energy and just enough crunch to keep me going."
Fuel of Choice:
Coffee or Diet Coke. “Let’s be honest—they’re the lifeblood some days.”
Words to Work By:
Learn something every day—and remember, everyone brings something valuable to the team. Even the most experienced person can learn from a new intern.
The Bottom Line
Laurie doesn’t just manage builds—she leads people, solves tough challenges, and carries forward a family legacy rooted in integrity and craftsmanship. She’s proof that the best kind of strength is the kind that lifts others up.
We’re proud to have Laurie building with us—and even prouder to be building with her.