#dcamm

[bac-connex]

DCAMM Day 1:

Ellie W.

Day 1 at DCAMM, we started off by meeting our DCAMM representatives, Brenna, Dyana, and Liz who gave us a presentation on what DCAMM does. It was very informative! It was interesting to understand just how big the scope of DCAMM’s projects were and to learn about how DCAMM manages projects that involve multiple departments or secretariats in state government as well as private design and construction firms.

We also took a tour of the Massachusetts State House (which is one of DCAMM’s projects) and learned about the challenges of maintaining such a historic building.

After a fun lunch in the canteen with some of the DCAMM staff, we discussed how the office of planning operates. Since DCAMM is a government agency, the changing of governor administrations can have a big impact on projects and funding, and it was interesting to hear about how the priorities of DCAMM are shifting to focus on carbon neutral buildings now that Governor Maura Healey is in office.

[bac-connex]

An Enthusiastic Buddy

It was so special to experience this externship alongside two wonderful peers from the BAC. Going through the program together, along with having Brenna as our supervisor, made the experience feel all the more meaningful and grounded. We felt so immersed in the world of DCAMM, from day-to-day office culture to high-level meetings and site tours, and it was amazing having people to debrief and share my thoughts with at the end of each day.

Moving forward, I will strive to better myself as both a mentor and mentee. As a mentee, I aspire to actively seek out mentors and to have more than one mentor. I believe networking is crucial, especially when it is personal and tailored to my goals. By intentionally building those relationships and finding a “board” of sponsors who also wish to see me grow and prosper, I am confident that I will have the support needed to make it happen. As a mentor, specifically in my upcoming TA position, I will communicate expectations and determine tools and processes for success. I know how important clarity is for a successful experience, and as both a mentor and a peer, I must always be someone who can provide that clarity and help determine the best workflow for success. Ideally, no matter what position I am in, these kinds of relationships can truly benefit both parties, and I look forward to expanding my network.

[bac-connex]

Kind-hearted Buddies

Over the past week, I've had the opportunity to dive into the world of public sector work and at the same time, build friendships with my peers from the BAC. Being a transfer student, returning to college after a gap year, this externship has given me all the more appreciation for the BAC network for such a seamless transition back into my studies.

Having the chance to spend this week with Bianca and Adi has been such a pleasure, and such a rewarding experience. Learning about where they come from, their backgrounds, and their future goals has truly inspired me. I hope to have more experiences like this again with them and continue to be curious together.

[bac-connex]

A Considerate Mentor

From the first day that Brenna greeted us at DCAMM, all the way to the end of this externship, Brenna has always been so eager to make sure we all had insightful experiences. While always showing her own eagerness to learn, she constantly made the effort to ensure we also got the most out of this experience. She made this externship so much less intimidating, which made it so hard to accept that I only have this opportunity for a week. I'm so grateful to have had this experience with Brenna as my mentor, especially here at DCAMM. Along with all of the DCAMM staff who I was able to cross paths with; it's so reassuring to know that we have such great people devoting their careers to helping the Commonwealth of Massachusetts achieve their goals.

[bac-connex]

A Deserving Client

Over the past few days at DCAMM we've been hearing bits and pieces of a wide range of ongoing state projects. To focus on one, the Holyoke Veterans Home, which is set for completion in summer 2028, will be a long-term care facility with a copious number of amenities for our veterans.

This is a collaborative project with Commodore Builders and Walsh Brothers. The future users of this project are left in great hands as Commodore is a veteran owned construction management firm, and Walsh Brothers has significant experience with clinical institutions. It's really exciting to see contractors use their connections within the community to build bonds and instill a relationship with the users during this phase in the project.

The future of this space includes the capacity to house and care for 234 veterans to enjoy amenities such as dinging and social spaces, as well as outdoor pavilions with therapeutic elements. Emphasizing connection and comfort, there are efforts to encourage outdoor usage of gardens and greenhouses that can become grounds for rehabilitation for many of the occupants.

Previously in meetings we have heard bits and pieces of his project such as the inclusion of these veterans. Presenting different options of traditional and modern style monuments to the veterans themselves has also allowed the users to feel like they are a part of the planning process. As they lean towards a more traditional style, they will be able to feel heard and feel like they have a place that belongs to them is a really strong element that I find so important to this project.

[bac-connex]

A Mentor with a Wealth of Knowledge

Brenna often says that those she works with offer a “wealth of knowledge”, having learned from them on the job and turning to them when unsure about something. After this past week, it became clear to me that Brenna herself embodies that same wealth of knowledge. It was amazing to see how, in every team overview and ultra-specific project discussion, Brenna was not just aware of the goings on but was extremely informed and knowledgeable. She would often chime in and add to the conversation with confidence and clarity as though she were involved in those developments herself. I was very motivated after seeing how immersed Brenna is in the Department as a whole; her understanding extends far beyond her role, and the way she becomes involved in every nook and cranny of DCAMMS operations is the way she introduced us to the firm, and is the kind of professional I aspire to be. It was truly a privilege to sit in on the high visibility projects meeting with the commissioner, learn about decarbonization from someone on the state council, and learn the ins and outs of how DCAMM functions. Most importantly, Brenna never shied away from answering my many, many questions, always doing so with patience and encouragement, which made my experience at DCAMM all the more impactful and inspiring.

[bac-connex]

An Evolving Client

Chelsea Veterans Home Utilizing Elevated Solar Panels

DCAMMS employees are constantly busy, working on multiple projects with various departments or agencies. Even without outwardly prioritizing engagement, every DCAMM employee that we spoke with explains that they are never bored and always have something interesting to work on. This is largely because the wide range of projects they work on keeps everybody in the office excited and involved. Further, DCAMM's commitment is clear: to “care for the people of our state and the future of our planet”, which is why their client is truly the state of Massachusetts. One way they are committing to this mission is by setting specific energy goals, which will be pioneered on DCAMM projects and eventually incorporated into bylaws and regulations. Through a meeting with someone on the Decarbonization Council, we were educated on embodied carbon and the significant emissions it produces compared to operational carbon. DCAMM is heavily involved in making suggestions and company changes that will help shape the future of greener building strategies. With the knowledge around energy always changing, DCAMM is forced to evolve with it and be up to date, making it an adaptable and forward-looking firm. 

Chart showing embodied carbon in cradle to cradle design philosophy.

[bac-connex]

It Looks Like Progress

Today, we sat in on a High Visibility Project Meeting with the commissioner of DCAMM. Being able to sit on this meeting was an eye-opening experience to say the least. It was incredible to hear about these ongoing projects and how far they've come, especially where they may go in the future. From hospitals to masterplans of campuses, there is so much progress being made on our state buildings.

To sit at this table meant to be included as an outsider. Having information be explained and shown to us as externs made me feel like I have a role, even if it's just as a listener, this opportunity showed me the importance of the work being done here at DCAMM. That is another important factor I think adds to the strength of this team, is that everyone sits at the table, and everyone can speak at the table. Even when speaking on subjects and projects that hold so much value, everyone was able to crack jokes and find time to be friends.

Intercultural competence in these offices isn't just something you see, it's something you feel. As an extern, having the chance to introduce myself and for the staff to take the time to explain these complex ideas, highlights the care and inclusivity of this team.