Join us for a conversation with Joseph Pizzurro, SVP and Northeast Regional Manager of VHB. Joseph reflects on his path from manual drafting to executive leadership and how VHB is driving impact across public and private markets through innovation, strategic planning and a commitment to shaping how people live, move and connect.

Key Takeaways:

(07:39) From execution to strategy — managing across three horizons.

(11:05) If you focus only on today, tomorrow’s pipeline disappears.

(18:50) Impacting daily life through infrastructure projects.

(21:27) Building a station and then commuting through it for 20 years.

(24:52) Tech isn’t replacing engineers — it’s unlocking what they can build next.

(28:07) Scan once, capture everything — no reshoots, no surprises.

(30:27) Advising policymakers on asset condition assessments.

(33:54) The future for VHB in transit, coastal work and housing — built with scale and speed.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Pizzurro

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-pizzurro-93248633/

VHB | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/vhb/

VHB | Website

https://www.vhb.com/

"Conquering Gotham" by Jill Jonnes

https://www.amazon.com/Conquering-Gotham-Building-Station-Tunnels/dp/0143113240

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Michael Gargiulo, President of Citnalta Construction Corp., reflects on his journey from laborer to leader. He shares lessons from building community-first projects, navigating public sector complexities and growing into executive leadership. Michael also offers candid advice on mentorship, career development and the value of humility, curiosity and experience in shaping both projects and people.

Key Takeaways:

(04:10) Family business roots shape careers.

(08:45) From reluctant president to CEO — growth takes experience.

(11:18) Community-focused builds are a core mission.

(14:28) Some builds leave a lasting mark, personally and on the city.

(18:10) Transparency drives strong industry relationships.

(22:37) Ask a lot of questions — no question is stupid.

(26:02) Uncertainty in public funding puts NYC’s transit future at risk.

Resources Mentioned:

Michael Gargiulo

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gargiulo-26628b221/

Citnalta Construction Corp. | LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/citnalta/about/

Citnalta Construction Corp. | Website

http://citnalta.com

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

https://www.mta.info/

School Construction Authority

http://nycsca.org/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast

Yvi McEvilly, Assistant Commissioner, Design-Build Unit of NYC Department of Design and Construction, joins us to discuss the dynamic environment of alternative delivery in public infrastructure. She shares insights into the benefits of design-build, the legislative changes shaping procurement and the importance of collaboration in large-scale city projects.

Key Takeaways:

(04:01) The design-build pilot program includes 14 projects.

(07:00) Progressive design-build allows flexible pricing.

(08:51) Matching methods to projects improves efficiency.

(14:17) Design-build faces resistance but is gaining traction.

(17:44) Strong leadership values diverse perspectives.

(23:33) New firms in procurement drive innovation.

(30:34) Relationships matter more than tasks.

(31:55) Early community input shapes better projects.

Resources Mentioned:

Yvi McEvilly

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yvi-mcevilly-0749711/

NYC Department of Design and Construction LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/nyc-department-of-design-and-construction/

NYC Department of Design and Construction Website

http://www.nyc.gov/ddc

DBIA Training

https://dbia.org/

CMAA

https://www.cmaanet.org/

Thanks for listening to the “Building Better Futures” podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss any insightful conversations.

#PeopleDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture #AECpodcast