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

Architecture shapes the world around us, influencing how we live, work and interact with our environment. Joseph Lauro, Managing Director and Principal of Gensler, shares with us his insights on architecture, leadership and urban transformation. He discusses his journey from construction to architecture, his approach to mentorship and the future of office-to-residential conversions.

Key Takeaways:

(03:56) Brooklyn roots and immigrant experience influenced Joseph’s path.

(10:31) Leadership and mentorship drive career growth.

(13:58) The environment that allows an entrepreneurial spirit to develop.

(17:59) ACE Mentorship fosters diversity in architecture.

(24:21) Converting offices to residences presents challenges and opportunities.

(27:46) Smart strategies make conversions financially viable.

(31:46) JFK Terminal One sets a new standard for global arrivals.

(34:04) The FIAO project revitalizes Brooklyn’s community.

(36:25) Architecture and engineering transform communities.

Resources Mentioned:

Joseph Lauro -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-lauro-1a58151/

Gensler | LinkedIn -

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

Gensler | Website -

https://www.gensler.com/

Make-A-Wish -

https://wish.org/

FIAO Brooklyn -

https://fiaobrooklyn.org/

City of Yes -

https://www.nyc.gov/site/planning/plans/city-of-yes/city-of-yes-overview.page

Salvadori Center -

https://www.salvadori.org/

New York Building Congress -

https://www.buildingcongress.com/

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

Managing large-scale healthcare infrastructure requires strategic planning, adaptability and a keen understanding of evolving technology.

Oscar Gonzalez, CCM and Senior Assistant Vice President of Capital Development with New York City Health and Hospitals, discusses managing a vast portfolio of over 400 capital projects, the role of flexibility in healthcare infrastructure and the impact of technology on patient care.

Key Takeaways:

(05:09) 400+ capital projects demand tight coordination and planning.

(07:33) Flexibility is essential — healthcare must pivot to handle crises.

(10:14) Architects and engineers drive smarter healthcare design.

(14:07) AI and robotics are transforming surgery and data management.

(19:40) OTXHU provides long-term acute care for incarcerated patients.

(23:32) Infrastructure upgrades — cath labs and more — are critical.

(26:09) Proud to have shaped NYC — bridges, tunnels and public spaces.

(28:07) Success comes from persistence and adaptability.

(32:56) H&H is expanding — more projects, resources and industry collaboration ahead.

Resources Mentioned:

Da Vinci Surgical System -

https://www.intuitive.com/en-us/patients/da-vinci-robotic-surgery/about-the-systems

NYC Health + Hospitals -

https://www.nychealthandhospitals.org/

FEMA Disaster Recovery Program -

https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/national-preparedness/frameworks/recovery

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

For this episode, we’re joined by Priya Jain, President, Americas Mace Consult of Mace. Priya discusses delivering complex projects, fostering collaboration and creating lasting community impact. She shares insights on Mace's approach to project delivery, the role of technology in construction and how upskilling the supply chain drives innovation. From the London Olympics to projects in Peru, Priya highlights how infrastructure can leave a legacy.



Key Takeaways:

(01:31) Gratitude drives team innovation.

(06:00) Collaboration ensures efficient delivery.

(12:09) Prefabrication cuts costs and boosts safety.

(19:41) One-team culture fosters transparency.

(22:28) The Hudson Tunnel will transform communities.

(27:44) Upskilling supply chains drives innovation.

(32:29) Partnering with small businesses builds inclusivity.

(36:18) Curiosity leads to professional growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Priya Jain -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/priyaj/

Mace | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/mace-group/

Mace | Website -

http://www.macegroup.com

BIM Technology -

https://www.accruent.com/resources/blog-posts/what-building-information-modeling#:~:text=BIM%20is%20an%20intelligent%2C%203D,design%2C%20construction%2C%20and%20management.

Mace graduate program -

https://careers.macegroup.com/gb/en/graduates

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

Leading an organization that shapes New York City’s future requires vision, dedication and a deep understanding of advocacy.

Carlo Scissura, President and CEO at The New York Building Congress, shares his journey from law to leading a prominent organization advocating for infrastructure and public projects. Carlo highlights the role of networking, advocacy and investment in shaping New York City’s future. He discusses how his leadership transformed the Building Congress, emphasizing membership growth, diversity and a stronger presence in local and federal government.

Key Takeaways:

(03:51) Carlo’s Brooklyn upbringing instilled a lifelong passion for New York City.

(09:14) Advocacy connects local, state and federal governments to infrastructure needs.

(14:47) Investment in the MTA is vital for New York City’s continued growth.

(17:26) The Building Foundation supports education and talent development initiatives.

(18:54) Networking and active participation are key for young professionals in the industry.

(22:38) Do your job well, show initiative and follow up.

(24:32) Embrace opportunities, take risks and step out of your comfort zone.

(26:29) Join community boards to advocate for change.

Resources Mentioned:

Carlo Scissura -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlo-scissura-3183a68/

New York Building Congress | LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-york-building-congress/

New York Building Congress | Website -

https://www.buildingcongress.com

SkinCheck -

https://www.skincheck.health/

“The Power Broker” by Robert A. Caro -

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/24312/the-power-broker-by-robert-a-caro/

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

Palmina Whelan, Capital Program Director of The New Terminal One JFK and Founder of Palmina Whelan Strategic Solutions, shares her experience leading transformative aviation and construction projects. From managing JFK Terminal 8 to founding her boutique consultancy, Palmina’s career reflects resilience, innovation and a commitment to advancing representation and leadership in male-dominated industries.

(02:54) Shifting from computer science to construction due to a better personal fit.

(07:43) Significant growth in women’s representation in construction over the years.

(08:40) The evolution from operational efficiency to enhancing passenger experiences in aviation.

(14:28) Navigating impactful projects like JFK Terminal 8 amidst 9/11 challenges.

(20:21) Empowering oneself to feel confident in male-dominated industries.

(22:21) Networking to gain mentorship and diverse perspectives.

(25:15) Communicating effectively across generations in professional settings.

(27:40) Creating a boutique firm provides flexibility and control to shape meaningful work.

Palmina Whelan -

https://www.linkedin.com/in/palmina-whelan-ccm-fcmaa-mciob/

The New Terminal One JFK LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jfk-terminal-one/

The New Terminal One at JFK | Website -

https://portauthoritybuilds.com/redevelopment/us/en/jfk/planned-projects/terminal-1.html

Palmina Whelan Strategic Solutions LinkedIn -

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pw-strategic-solutions/

Palmina Whelan Strategic Solutions | Website -

https://palminawhelan.com/

Bridgeworks -

https://www.generations.com/

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