Insight

Innovator Spotlight - Colleen Beatty

Headshot of Colleen Beatty

Project Manager Colleen Beatty thrives in the heart of the construction process, where her talents in collaboration and problem-solving unite. Joining DAVIS five years ago as an intern, Colleen's ability to take on new challenges and adapt in dynamic environments propelled her to her current role. Read more about her exciting career path below! 

How long have you been with DAVIS? 

I started full time two years ago and had interned for two years before that. Having grown up in the area, I recognized the DAVIS logo while attending an information session at Virginia Tech. I listened to their presentation, spoke with Dave Purdy, and from that moment it was hook, line, and sinker.  

What about the character of the company stuck with you? 

It was DAVIS’ loyalty. My first internship was in 2020, and I was impressed that the company stayed true to their word by continuing the program. Many of my friends had their internships canceled or postponed, so I really appreciated DAVIS's commitment to their interns and their effort to provide the best virtual and in-person experience possible. Another thing is the team environment; people often talk about DAVIS being a family, and you really see that through all the different departments and tiers of experience working together. 

What was the transition from VT to your professional life like?  

Growing up in the area and already knowing people at DAVIS from my previous internships, it wasn’t as challenging as it could have been. The biggest adjustment was getting used to the nine-to-five routine; being in one spot all day without breaks is different from college.  

Was construction always the plan for you?  

No and sometimes it still feels random! My dad was an electrical engineer and served in the Navy on a nuclear reactor, and many of my uncles were electrical, mechanical, and computer engineers. I initially studied computer science at VT, but after taking my first coding class, I hated that the finished product wasn’t tangible—I would spend hours just making a turtle move across the floor. During a freshman class exploring different engineering opportunities, I discovered construction engineering and management. It’s the perfect fit because it blends office work with time on the job site. Just when you solve one problem, another challenge arises. 

What has your path been like since becoming a project manager? 

A little wild! When I first started as a project engineer, the project manager and another engineer on my team left, so I had to take on a lot more responsibility right away. It was a lot of learning because I had to—which is a great way for me to learn. As a project engineer, it is important to maintain relationships with subcontractors, architects, and clients on both the field and office side, and as a manager, you quickly add billing and managing schedules, putting all the pieces together. Luckily, I have a supportive team.  

Have you always been someone who learns on the fly?  

Yes—I did a lot of sports growing up and I was always good at physically learning things. I picked up sewing classes or cooking clubs and had an active childhood of building forts and climbing trees with my siblings. I got comfortable dealing with last minute changes and keeping things rolling.  

Is there a skill you’ve noticed yourself developing?  

I’ve improved at communicating the small things. Addressing an issue right away can save you from a much bigger problem down the line. I’ve learned not to be afraid because we’re all a team—if one person has an issue, it’s everyone’s issue. 

What projects stick out to you? 

WilmerHale stands out as my first project, and it was stunning. The design featured white surfaces with metal trim, curves throughout, Italian stone and glass, and furniture and carpet from Denmark—it had so many cool elements. Another memorable project was Microsoft’s headquarters, which I worked on as an intern. The theme was incredible, designed to make one feel like they were descending through layers of the Earth. Making a project like that come together required a lot of collaboration and trust. Working with a big company like Microsoft comes with pressure to deliver quality, but it’s important to remember they’re just people too. 

What is your favorite part of the construction process? 

The middle of the construction phase is my favorite. Walking the site with the architect, asking questions, referencing drawings, and writing RFIs; when you’re right in the thick of building and collaboration. Issues can be resolved quickly because everyone is on site. The beginning has its challenges with getting things started, and the result is only as rewarding as the effort put in leading up to it. For me, the middle is the sweet spot, though I doubt many would agree! 

Any role models that you have at DAVIS?  

Erin McQueen amazes me with how much she gets done. It is inspiring to watch her manages people and projects while balancing her personal life. She always makes it work and finds time when it matters, even if it’s just to pause and sit down for a chat. She expects a lot from others and isn’t afraid to hold them to higher standards, pushing for great results.  

Favorite DAVIS memory?  

I really enjoyed the camaraderie I felt in my internship on the Microsoft project. It was a bigger team of DAVIS employees on-site full time. We’d have lunch together and do happy hours occasionally; there was very much a team feel. I’ve had a great time here since then, but those moments where the superintendents would order pizza and our foremen would sit down with us to chat were some of the best times. 

What are you most excited to achieve?  

I’m mostly excited to keep getting better. My goals are always to be the best version of myself, pursue excellence, and take things day by day. Hopefully I continue to climb up the project management ladder, but my main goal is to be present, take advantage of the opportunities I have and better myself and the people around me, even if it’s just a little. 

How do you personally motivate yourself? 

I break things down into bite-sized pieces. Focusing on a huge project all at once overwhelms me, so I divide it into smaller tasks and focus on the steps needed to get there. Every moment counts and taking it one step at a time ensures you’re paying attention to the details that make up the big picture. I try not to procrastinate—you never know what tomorrow will bring, so it’s important to address everything on time. 

What hobbies have you carried into adulthood?  

Listening to music and going to concerts. I played instruments when I was younger—trumpet, guitar, recorder, piano. Recently, I’ve gotten into running—I used to run for sports as a child and hated it, but lately I go for runs to clear my mind and be still, with no music or anything. I think there’s something beautiful about silence; the day can get so hectic, being comfortable with the silence by yourself is important.  

What is something people at DAVIS might not know about you?  

I sing—I’ve been in choir since childhood. I even sang in Italy during my senior year of high school. I don’t like to sing by myself, and I haven’t been in a choir since college, but my siblings and  I will sing and harmonize when we’re together.