Below are brief descriptions of some of the craftsmen and subcontractors who are currently building certain projects that we have designed, each one adding a unique contribution, building on other voices and contributions. Together, with us, with the engineers, with the client (and others), we hope to arrive at a special finished place everyone is proud of. We all have a desire to do our best work and to take away the knowledge that we added something to the quality of life of those who will inhabit and use the spaces. We believe this hints at the collaborative intent of our work.
Getting to know some of the subcontractors and tradesmen/craftsmen on our jobs has been a great privilege. Sharing our worlds, learning about our respective families, discussing what really matters, all helps to foster a bit of community. We begin building projects that may last nine months or even many years-a long time. Why not engage? Coincidentally, this helps to arrive at better projects and better construction. Who wants to disappoint a friend? It works both ways. Caring about the other makes it easier to discuss problems or problem work. It's hard to look each other in the eye if things are not going well. Fridays in our office, we have begun to play a variation of chess we call Collaborative Chess...it's the same game but , instead of pitting one against the other in the traditional way, we have teams that speak to and help each other. We make suggestions to the other team, we tell them that, if they move that piece there, then we will move this piece there--should they reconsider the move? And so, what was once adversarial becomes a partnering paradigm. Building is a complicated business. It makes sense to engage the other as a partner. There is enough adversarial stuff going on in the world, right?
Kent: Grew up in Snyder, Texas. Worked for a construction company in Snyder, Texas until they went out of business. Fortunately, Templeton Construction came to town to build a Walmart, he joined them (twenty six years ago), and has been with Templeton ever since. He is a Project Superintendent overseeing jobs and he says that he loves what he does. Best thing about the job: "it puts gas in his Harley." Worst thing: "dealing with those who don't take pride in their work or who try to take 'short cuts.' " Currently, Kent is the Project Superintendent for the YMCA Addition.
Wade: Born and raised in San Angelo, went to Central High School. Has been with Templeton since 1992 doing carpentry work of all types. Best thing about job: "pays his bills." Worst thing (he says with a laugh): "has to wake up early each morning to get to work." Currently, Wade is working on the YMCA Addition and the Kinney Franke Office Building..
Steve: Born in Paris, Texas but has lived in San Angelo most of his life. Went to high school and then "the oilfield." Has been in construction for nine years, working for Templeton. Likes the Green Bay Packers. Best thing about his job: Steve says that he enjoys all aspects of his work and the people around him. Worst thing: "there are no worse things, it's all good." Drives a Harley. Currently, Steve is working on the YMCA Addition and the Kinney Franke Office Building.
Snake: Grew up in Lampasas, Texas. Went to TSTI to learn the electrical trade. Has been with Wesley Crow electric for twenty years. Travels throughout Texas to different jobs. Loves his work because every day brings something different. Likes working on the River Revitalization because its outdoors.
McCrae Construction: The McCrae family has been hard at work on the Concho river for a long time. L.B. McCrae (father) went into business for himself in 1964 and built the original fountains that line the river in 1983. Today, in our current 2012 River Revitalization project, these fountains are being "re-invented" by his sons. Mickey is the current owner of McCrae Construction and Randy McCrae is the Project Manager. Danny McCrae is the mason in the field (with his son-in-law Brandon and a nephew, Justin) interpreting the plans and doing some phenomenal work that transcends the drawings. Their work has been particularly inventive and creative. Danny says that the river project has been one of the best things he's worked on. He enjoys seeing the continuation of the family history in the masonry work at the fountains...and he loves being outdoors. The old and tired existing fountains look new and full of life. Here are some before and after photos:
Caleb: Grew up in a town near Waco, Texas. Graduated from Angelo State University and went to work for Reece Albert in 2000. Worked in the office for a few years, worked in the field for a few years and now manages projects around the state. Absolutely loves the river project because its outside...and because its different than anything Reece Albert (typically, they do road construction) has ever done. He says "there is a lot to learn here."
Rex: Born and raised in Cairo, Georgia. Worked for his dad in the construction industry before joining the Air Force, flying cargo planes all over the world. Moved to San Angelo where his wife's family lived in the early seventies. Rex has worked with Templeton for thirty two years doing all different types of work. Is working as Project Superintendent on the River Revitalization project and enjoys the variety of the work...and being outdoors. Also likes that there are fewer trades to coordinate.
Thomas: A native San Angeloan, Thomas was born into a family of craftsmen. He has worked for various companies through the years and is currently with MidTex of Midland, working as the Superintendent for our Glenmore Elementary School Addition and Renovation. Thomas is a master of the barbeque and has won several statewide competions for best in show. We can verify that he is indeed gifted with barbeque...among other talents!
- Monday, December 3, 2012 at 2:02PM