2022 Ones to Watch: Jess Hamilton, Project Manager at Margulies Perruzzi

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I am finishing construction documents for a project to create a four-story, ground up lab and office building in Somerville. The goal of this building is to reflect the surrounding brick and beam buildings while introducing some modern elements such as curtain walls. We are targeting LEED Platinum certification. We are looking to use CLT (cross laminated timber) for the upper floor slabs for the first time in the Boston area. This will look great when it’s complete and be more sustainable than concrete and steel, while still achieving the same vibration and acoustical properties as steel and concrete.

What does it take to succeed in your specific industry? To succeed in the architecture industry, you need to collaborate with your project teams. I prioritize not only taking time to mentor junior staff, but also to ask questions myself to more senior staff in order to work more efficiently. It’s also important to collaborate with partners involved in disciplines outside of your firm. For instance, I find it helpful to talk to the members of the construction team to learn different ways to construct elements and details, as well as more cost effective and practical ways to achieve design details.

What led you to your current profession? I majored in architectural engineering technology at Wentworth Institute of Technology and completed a co-op to receive real world experience, which led to a 13-year employment at a firm that focused on workplace and real estate repositioning. I moved to a firm focused exclusively on life science projects. During my four years there, I got to work on a variety of lab spaces, mostly for tenants, as well as a repositioning project. I learned a ton about this exciting and quickly growing market sector. I recently joined Margulies Perruzzi to help contribute to our growing life science practice.

What are the top 3 items on your bucket list? 

1. Backpacking in Europe for a summer
2. Trip to Hawaii
3. Win the lottery

What are you doing when you aren’t working? Working on renovating my 1823 house or at the beach in the warmer months.