2019 Women in Construction: Caitlin Kunzle, Project Manager, Hospitality at Shawmut Design and Construction

How many years have you been in your current field? 6

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was a $1 million renovation to a formal living and dining space in a residence in Boston’s Back Bay. The client had extremely high expectations for their space, and I learned from day one that there is no such thing as too much attention to detail. Paying close attention to each aspect of a project ultimately leads to success, and has taught me to be a more client-focused project manager.

What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? My biggest fear was being perceived as young, naïve, and inexperienced. I received my bachelor’s degree in Architecture, so I had a basic knowledge of construction, but I didn’t have anywhere close to the level of in-depth knowledge that my managers had. Of course, when I first started I was young, and perhaps a little naïve, but I made it my personal goal to be as knowledgeable as possible about the projects I was working on so I could be recognized as an integral part of the project team.

Which project, deal or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? The biggest “game changer” in my career thus far has been starting at Shawmut. My previous office was extremely small (under 10 people), so I had to wear many hats. Once I moved to Shawmut, I learned just how important a corporate office can be in terms of support—I now have the mental capacity to excel at my job in project management since I work with so many other wonderful people who take care of contracts, finances, payroll, etc.