Brent Parker graduated from UT in the winter of 2018. He currently works as an assistant virtual design in construction (VDC) manager at the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company in Maryland. His work involves visualizations, the pursuit of projects, and virtual build, which is working on a job full-time while virtually coordinating a construction project. Visualizations are a fast-paced, quick turnaround role for 3D modeling jobsites and future building projects. The 3D models are rendered into life-like images to explain the logistics of how Whiting-Turner is going to tackle a project. Visually showing the designers’ approach helps the owner gain in-depth knowledge of the future project. “Virtual Build” involves having subcontractors 3D model their trade’s work and Whiting-Turner managing routing systems within the architectural model through a process called “clash detection.” Virtual Build helps identify areas that are not constructable in the architect’s design, which can save money and time and ensure better install quality.

Brent’s daily responsibilities include writing RFIs for problems identified through coordination, reviewing subcontractor’s models to ensure design intent, checking field installation of systems with how they have been coordinated in the model, and creating field drawings to be surveyed with a total station. His weekly responsibilities include clashing trade partners’ models, running weekly coordination meetings, updating the virtual build coordination schedule, and creating coordinated drawing submittals for architect or engineer approval. Monthly responsibilities include creating monthly reports to summarize coordination progress as an executive summary and a monthly site logistics update to communicate how the jobsite is changing. Brent’s favorite part about working in virtual design construction is being able to work on a large number of different projects.

Typically, if someone pursued a project manager or superintendent role, they would be on the same project until completion. With VDC, you are either helping create renderings in the pursuit of new projects or are on a full-time jobsite virtually coordinating a building. VDC allows you to have a hybrid office/jobsite work life while being exposed to different types of building construction and industries.

Here’s Brent’s advice to current and future construction science management students: “There are a multitude of career opportunities in construction. You can become a project manager, superintendent, estimator, quality manager, VDC manager, MEP manager, or even work in construction law. Looking back, I took four internships with different companies and was even able to work part-time during the school year with one of the companies I interned with. Take the opportunity while in school to interview with multiple different companies for full-time and internship positions throughout your college career. Getting to experience different companies, cultures, and positions and being able to travel will help you gear yourself towards what interests you. A lot of construction is a “hands-on industry,” so I believe it is easier to find your interests through internships than learning about them in a classroom. The good thing about internships is that they give students a safe space to make mistakes while also helping them decide if this is the right career for them.”

When not at work, Brent enjoys playing video games, working out, hiking, trying out new restaurants, and going to wineries and cideries.