Kathryn Emtman is the project manager for the $102 million 929 Office Tower project in Bellevue, Washington. The 20-story concrete office building is scheduled for completion in December 2015. Emtman oversees all aspects of planning, execution, cost management, and closeout for the project. She manages a team that includes over 35 subcontractors and project engineers. Emtman finds the most rewarding part of the project to be the collaborative team working to deliver a high-quality building ahead of schedule.

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KathrynEmtman
929 Office Tower
Construction
NAWIC Chapter: Puget Sound Chapter #60
Company: Lease Crutcher Lewis
Job Title: Project Manager
A degree in Mechanical Engineering wasn’t enough for Kathryn
Emtman. She returned to school a year later to complete an Engineer-
ing Management masters degree program. After that, Emtman joined
Heery International, a project management company, and was as-
signed to manage new construction projects that were part of the Se-
attle School District Building Excellence I and II bond programs. Emt-
man said, “The images of the kids racing through their new building
on the first day of school will stay with me throughout my career and
are what keep me motivated.”
Emtman then had the opportunity to join Lease Crutcher Lewis as
a Mechanical Engineer on the iconic Four Seasons Hotel Project. That
was 10 years and many projects ago.
Emtman’s current project is a 20-story concrete framed class A of-
fice building adjacent to a 14-level parking garage, known as the 929
Office Tower. This project was designed to meet LEED Gold certifica-
tion. The $102 million project is scheduled for completion in Decem-
ber of 2015. Emtman is the Project Manager for the 929 Office Tower.
She has the overall responsibility for the successful planning, execu-
tion, cost management and closure of the project. She said, “Working
side by side with my project superintendent I provide the information
and resources needed to maintain the project schedule and address
any obstacles that prevent successful execution of the work. I man-
age over 35 subcontract agreements and have a team of project engi-
neers that I work with to clarify scope concerns, track procurement
and respond to issues. “
Why will NAWIC members be interested in this project and your
role in it?
“The 929 Office Tower kicked off a series of mid- to high-rise office
projects in the City of Bellevue. The 929 Office Tower was the first
project to break ground last year and will be the first one to market
in the rapidly changing Bellevue skyline. As more and more of these
projects are constructed, the opportunities will expand for women to
have leadership roles.”
What do you like best about being a part of this project?
“The team. The owner, designers, subcontractors and Lewis team
members have been instrumental partners to the success of this proj-
ect. The team is aligned to deliver a high-quality project in record time
always aiming towards continuous improvement. I learn more and
more everyday through the collaboration and interactions with my
team members and I look forward to building on these experiences
with future projects.”
What challenges do you face as a woman in construction, ei-
ther on this specific project or generally?
“More so than being a woman, the biggest challenge I face is be-
ing a working parent in construction. Construction is a high-stress,
time-sensitive and demanding environment. The project is constant-
ly moving and evolving and there is little room for flexible schedules.
Working in Bellevue has had its benefit, as it is a shorter commute,
allowing more time for work and family. As much as possible I look
for ways to combine efforts. For example, my 5 year old was the kin-
dergarten student of the week and I was able to convince my concrete
supplier to drive a truck through the parking lot for the kids to tour
after recess. The tour was a success, I was able to build on the relation-
ship I have with my concrete supplier and my son thought I was the
coolest mom ever. It was a win-win.”
What will you be working on next?
“To be determined. There are several large projects in our compa-
ny’s backlog along with several more that we are chasing. With con-
struction you often don’t know your next assignment until the shovel
meets the dirt. Whatever the project, I look forward to building on the
successful outcomes from the 929 tower.”
Kathryn Emtman, a Project Manger for Lease Crutcher Lewis, is currently
overseeing construction of a 20-story office building. Phot courtesy of Kathryn
Emtman.