By Shannon Christensen, FAIA, responding to questions shared by CCA leadership
Name / Title / Years in the profession:
Shannon Christensen, FAIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Principal at Cushing Terrell, 19 years
What gets you up in the morning to go to work? What are you passionate about?
I am excited to go to work every day because of the people I get to work with – colleagues at Cushing Terrell, clients we serve, and contractors we collaborate with. I am passionate about empowering emerging professionals to grow in their career as well as coaching, mentoring, and sponsorship, which involves offering opportunities and removing roadblocks. Seeing a recent graduate grow into a confident architect is extremely rewarding.
Who are you outside of work?
I am Mom to my two young boys. Plus a wife, daughter, sister, and friend. I am a community volunteer as a member of the Breakfast Exchange Club, Past President of the Education Foundation for Billings Public Schools, board member at the YWCA Billings, and board member and capital campaign committee member for ZooMontana. I am a Green Bay Packers owner.
What advice would you have for your younger self when you first got into doing CCA?
It is okay not to have the answer on site and to go back to the office to find it. So often during CCA we feel we need to have an immediate answer to contractor and subcontractor questions, issues, or concerns. However, sometimes the best answer is that you’ll look into it and get back to them. Then be prompt in that follow-up to help build trust.
Billings Clinic Bozeman framing in progress against the Bridger Mountains in Bozeman, Montana. (Photo Credit: Martel Construction)
Can you think of a time you were disrespected on site? And what do you think could have prevented it?
Unfortunately, I can think of a time I was disrespected on site. It is difficult to know what could have prevented it, but better communication is always a good starting point. Communication with the superintendent on site and communication with the GC’s project manager in the office.
What advice do you have for someone looking to start CCA?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, whether of other architects or contractors on site. Be observant and detail-oriented in all aspects of CCA, both in-office and on site. You don’t have to know everything on Day One. Even experienced architects in CCA have situations or questions that we bounce off others. CCA is a team sport.
Are there any resources you recommend for other architects looking to learn more about performing CCA?
Of course, the AIA CCA site (www.aia.org/cca) is a good starting point, including the 2022 post on the Top Resources for Construction Contact Administration. Also, ask other architects in your office questions. Our colleagues have a wealth of information that we can learn from.
What does it mean to you to be a woman in CCA?
Being a woman in CCA on the still male-dominated construction sites in my region means I am showing other women architects that they don’t have to stick to in-office tasks and can hold their own on site in CCA.
Central Montana Medical Center Helmsley Cancer Center under construction in Lewistown, Montana. (Photo Credit: Cushing Terrell)