Construction pro flies high in aviation sector

This text is one in a sequence of conversations with girls leaders within the building business. Click here for past discussions.

As a first-generation school scholar, Patricia Solorzano dreamed of turning into an architect.

After a yr learning structure at Texas A&M College in Faculty Station, Texas, Solorzano was launched to the varsity’s building program, main her to comprehend that she wished a extra hands-on function within the creation of buildings. 

She determined to make the change to building administration the place she was one among seven girls in her 2006 graduating class. 

Since then, she has turn out to be an professional within the aviation business and has labored on initiatives in premier airports throughout the nation in addition to mixed-use improvement and hospitality jobs.

Right here, Solorzano talks with Development Dive about her ardour for airport initiatives in addition to the significance of mentors.

This text has been edited for brevity and readability.

CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What do you do in your present job and the place are you positioned?

PATRICIA SOLORZANO: As a vp and venture government at Suffolk in Dallas, I lead venture groups and oversee our discipline operations. I additionally assist construct our shopper relationships and keep engaged in our upcoming venture pursuits.

Since becoming a member of Suffolk in 2023, my focus has been serving to develop and handle our aviation portfolio. Most lately, I’ve overseen our third venture at Dallas Fort Value Worldwide Airport, together with the development of the brand new Electrical Central Utility Plant (eCUP), which can transition to zero-emission electrical energy for heating to turn out to be the primary carbon-neutral central plant within the Americas. 

Subsequent up, I’ve the chance to handle the development of a big mixed-use venture within the coronary heart of Dallas that can embody a below-grade storage and three high-rise towers.

Why do you take pleasure in aviation building?

Aviation building affords complexity and scale that repeatedly challenges me professionally. These initiatives have a large impression on hundreds of thousands of vacationers and require subtle coordination and technical experience. 

Engaged on premier airports earlier in my profession like Los Angeles Worldwide, San Diego Worldwide, Sacramento Worldwide and now Dallas Fort Value Worldwide has allowed me to deal with large-scale infrastructure that transforms how folks expertise journey. 

What are a couple of initiatives you’ve most loved engaged on and why?

Earlier in my profession, I had the chance to contribute to main aviation initiatives just like the LAX Bradley West Worldwide Terminal and the American Airways Trinity Complicated. These experiences helped form my management and communication abilities.

Most lately, I’m particularly proud to have been engaged on the DFW eCUP venture as a result of it represents a step ahead in constructing sustainable aviation infrastructure. It is thrilling to assist ship a venture that not solely serves quick operational wants but in addition units a brand new customary for the way airports can meet the challenges of local weather variability.

What advantages are there to working in building?

Development affords unimaginable alternatives to create tangible and lasting impression to communities. The business supplies each skilled progress and private satisfaction as you watch initiatives progress from idea to completion. 

All through my profession, I’ve personally loved the number of working throughout totally different states and sectors, from hospitality to aviation. I’ve additionally valued fostering relationships with purchasers, commerce companions and colleagues to create a supportive community to assist us all succeed.

What recommendation would you give to younger girls contemplating building as a profession?

Do not be intimidated by being within the minority and as a substitute use it as motivation to excel. Construct a robust technical basis and regularly search alternatives that problem you, even when it means relocating or stepping exterior your consolation zone. 

Discover mentors who consider in your potential, as I used to be lucky to have supportive leaders who inspired me to tackle more and more complicated initiatives. Lastly, as you advance, make time to mentor others, no matter whether or not they’re in your group and even at your organization. 

At Suffolk, we have now a saying that we don’t construct buildings, we construct folks. I consider that investing in and mentoring the subsequent technology of ladies in building may help shift the mentality of the business so that girls are seen as professional builders, not simply profitable girls in building.