2025 Ones To Watch - Rising Stars:
Alex Rozak, Shawmut Design and Construction

“Coming off the heels of one of Shawmut’s largest projects in company history – UMass Chan Medical School’s new education and research building – Alex has proven himself as a strong leader who navigates complex challenges on large- scale projects with ease. Now, we’re excited to have him leading the transformation of Boston University’s Warren Towers – the second- largest nonmilitary dormitory in the country. He will be an invaluable asset on thoughtfully executing this multiyear, $550 million renovation that will reimagine student living.” - Mark Malmquist, Vice President – Large Projects Division at Shawmut Design and Construction.

What recent professional milestone or project are you most proud of, and why? I’m extremely proud of the completion of UMass Chan Medical School’s new education and research building. From starting in the middle of the pandemic to executing the project in the heart of an active campus, it was a true team effort – amongst our team, the owner, and partners. Despite the many challenges, it was genuinely an enjoyable process, and one I’ll strive to replicate on future projects. It is incredibly rewarding to know that this building would impact and help save lives.

What’s one challenge you’ve overcome in your career so far, and what did it teach you? Whether it was constructing a unique space or working with a trade I hadn’t encountered before, these situations felt uncomfortable earlier in my career and were challenges I had to overcome. They ultimately taught me to view the unfamiliar as an opportunity. I learned to stay humble and accept that I didn’t know everything – but that with effort, I could learn what I needed to manage effectively. In each new situation, there were always others who helped along the way, and I came to deeply appreciate the value of teamwork. It’s something I don’t take for granted today.

If you could give advice to someone just starting out in your field, what would it be? It’s easy to get wrapped up with the day- to- day operations of executing a project. But understanding the purpose behind what you’re doing not only makes it easier to solve challenges, it also helps you align your team around a common goal. Construction is an amazing and diverse industry. There is a tremendous amount of knowledge among both the trades executing the work and the designers who envision the space before it’s built. Don’t be afraid to tap into that knowledge. Learning from those around you will deepen your understanding of your work and help you connect with the bigger picture.