Construction pro flies high in aviation sector

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

As a first-generation faculty pupil, Patricia Solorzano dreamed of changing into an architect.

After a 12 months finding out structure at Texas A&M College in Faculty Station, Texas, Solorzano was launched to the college’s building program, main her to comprehend that she needed a extra hands-on function within the creation of buildings. 

She determined to make the swap to building administration the place she was considered one of seven girls in her 2006 graduating class. 

Since then, she has turn into an knowledgeable within the aviation trade and has labored on initiatives in premier airports throughout the nation in addition to mixed-use growth and hospitality jobs.

Right here, Solorzano talks with Building 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 vice chairman and mission govt at Suffolk in Dallas, I lead mission groups and oversee our area operations. I additionally assist construct our consumer relationships and keep engaged in our upcoming mission pursuits.

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

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

Why do you get pleasure from aviation building?

Aviation building affords complexity and scale that constantly challenges me professionally. These initiatives have a large affect on thousands and 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 individuals expertise journey. 

What are a number 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 expertise.

Most just lately, I’m particularly proud to have been engaged on the DFW eCUP mission as a result of it represents a step ahead in constructing sustainable aviation infrastructure. It is thrilling to assist ship a mission that not solely serves instant operational wants but additionally 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?

Building affords unbelievable alternatives to create tangible and lasting affect to communities. The trade gives 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 completely 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 frequently 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’ve a saying that we don’t construct buildings, we construct individuals. I consider that investing in and mentoring the subsequent era of girls in building can assist shift the mentality of the trade so that girls are seen as knowledgeable builders, not simply profitable girls in building.