Q: This was your first groundbreaking ceremony. How did it feel to be a part of it?

Tera: It actually means a lot to me. It’s not very common for an estimator to get the chance to attend a groundbreaking for a project of this scale. It feels like a pivotal point in my career and an experience I will definitely remember as the job continues to evolve. Standing out there with nothing built and realizing this is really the ‘fresh start’ is a very cool feeling. I’m just grateful to be part of the team and looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

Q: Estimating isn’t usually the first career path people think of as kids. How did you find your way into this role and industry?

Tera: You’re right, if you ask almost any estimator, it usually wasn’t on their radar! For me, it just kind of happened. I started at MacDonald-Miller fresh out of college as a PM admin, just to get my foot in the door and experience the industry. Fortunately, after a year, I was able to transition into an estimating position, and I’ve been in that role for seven years now. I’ve spent that time being a sponge. I love learning and understanding as much as I can about the mechanical trades and the complexity of projects and builds all to become a better estimator. It has led to a lot more responsibility, like being a core part of the Prairie Medical project.

Q: What is it about the Prairie Medical Campus project that excites you the most? 

Tera: This project has been exciting because we’ve been involved from the very beginning. As an estimator, it is incredibly unique to track a project as it evolves from a very conceptual idea into Design Development (DD) and finally into 100% Construction Documents (CD). Being part of those meetings with partners like MW Consulting Engineers and Kootenai Health to discuss everything from the air handling units to the building’s exterior is exciting.

I am actually about to start a Project Management (PM) rotation and my focus will be on this project which is cool. Personally, I am really looking forward to seeing the logistical side of how all the estimating work and numbers translate to a building actually being built in the field. Seeing it all come together adds so much value to my general knowledge of estimating.

Q: What do you think makes MacDonald-Miller a great place to grow your career? 

Tera: One of the best things is the rotation opportunities I mentioned. MacDonald-Miller encourages different rotations, such as engineers or estimators moving into other roles for a few months to “wear the hat” of another team member. It adds so much value to your knowledge when you can understand the process from multiple perspectives.

Connections like that contribute to better communication and continuity here and are excellent examples of what we call “One MacDonald-Miller” and keeping us all on the same page.