Meet the Team: Arielle Cathcart on efficient project management

Our Meet the Team series is about getting to know the talented individuals driving LSR and the expertise they each bring to the table. We recently sat down with our Project Manager, Arielle Cathcart, to discuss her passion for all things construction ahead of her upcoming three-year milestone. 

 

Arielle plays a key role in delivering successful project outcomes and building strong relationships with our clients and partners.

 

LSR: What initially attracted you to LSR as a workplace?

 

Arielle: I had worked with Mitch and Bane for a few years before joining LSR. We share the same values and get along really well, so when the opportunity arose to work with them again, I was eager to take it.

 

LSR: What has it been like being part of the team for the past three years? How have things evolved since you first started?

 

Arielle: When I started, it was a tight-knit team of four or five. Now, we have over 20 team members including 10 on-site. We’ve expanded considerably, growing from handling projects worth $400K to now managing up to $20M projects. 

 

The highlight for me has been handing over projects to big clients and winning ongoing work with them. It’s all about building strong client relationships.

 

LSR: How do you approach managing a project from start to finish? What strategies do you find most effective in ensuring everything runs smoothly?

 

Arielle: I have a very team-focused outlook. Everyone has their role, and we adopt a very collaborative approach with our site teams and subcontractors. Everyone has a buy-in and everyone is equal, which ensures that all team members are committed and invested in the project's success.

 

LSR: How do you foster collaboration and communication among team members to ensure project success?

 

Arielle: I empower people to step up and take on responsibility from the start. This includes running the project and meeting with clients. It’s about making them feel like it’s their own project, which fosters a sense of ownership and commitment.

 

LSR: How does LSR work with both clients and partners throughout the lifespan of a project to ensure superior outcomes?

 

Arielle: We have excellent relationships with our consultants, using the same teams for several different projects. This allows for open conversations and flexibility, which are critical elements of a smooth project execution.

 

LSR: What steps do you take to ensure that LSR’s clients are satisfied with project outcomes?

 

Arielle: We maintain open and transparent communication with our clients, giving them access to our construction management systems and having regular site meetings. They know every detail and we never hide anything. This approach builds trust and keeps clients in the loop throughout the lifespan of the project.

 

LSR: Can you share any innovative practices or technologies you work with that impact project efficiency and quality?

 

Arielle: We use comprehensive project management software to its full capacity. This covers everything from financials, RFIs, project timelines and quality control. The transparency this provides to all team members ensures efficiency across all aspects of our operations.

 

LSR: How do you manage to maintain a work-life balance, especially given the demands of project management?

 

Arielle: LSR is very supportive of maintaining a work-life balance. We’re encouraged to leave the office at 5pm (on the dot!) and the company even provides gym memberships to every team member. Mitch and Bane are flexible and accommodating and that really helps to maintain a balance.

 

LSR: What advice would you give to someone looking to pursue a career in project management within the construction industry?

 

Arielle: Be open to chatting with new people and be genuinely interested in the whole construction process. Get into the nitty-gritty details, be willing to learn and talk to everyone on-site. There’s a lot to learn and a lot of people you can learn from. 

 

Arielle's three years at LSR highlight her commitment to our values of teamwork, innovation and delivering quality outcomes. We're excited to see her continue to excel in her role and contribute to our ongoing success.