PPM Profiled: Meet Eamon Pickard
Seattle Regional Director
For many months now, our team has been carefully planning the July 2021 launch of our newest Seattle office and looking forwarding to providing the best in As-Built Surveying services to the local architecture community. At PPM, great team members are vital to our success, and more importantly, the success of our clients. Therefore, finding just the right person to lead our Pacific Northwest office has been the most important and thrilling piece of the expansion puzzle! Today, we are proud to introduce you to our Seattle Regional Director, Eamon Pickard!
Read on to learn more about Eamon, how he landed in Seattle, his architectural background, why he’s the best person to lead our newest office, and his favorite Seattle hangouts when he’s not busy surveying buildings and managing projects for our clients.
Before we dive into your AEC work experience, where did you grow up and what brought you to Seattle?
“I grew up in a small town an hour north of New York City. I eventually went to college in NYC and continued to work and live in Manhattan thereafter. About four years ago, I briefly moved to Seattle for about six months and enjoyed my time, but an opportunity led me to leave Seattle. Although I moved away, the city drew me back. I love the combination of nature and urban life. It’s one of the few cities in the U.S. with rich green outdoors and mountains only minutes from Downtown. Coming from a pure concrete jungle like NYC, I appreciate that balance.”
What is your experience in the AEC industry?
“I went to college in NYC pursuing a Masters in Physics, but I started my career at an architecture and engineering firm. I always wanted to build my own home, so after college, I was reintroduced to an old family friend who was an architect. He just so happened to be looking to hire someone in his firm. He taught me the basics of architecture and 3D modeling. I soon fell in love with the work and couldn’t put it down. I moved on to become a junior drafter and worked towards project management at the firm. I eventually went into construction as an estimator and project manager for both new construction and reconstruction.
During my time there, we had engaged in finding alternative housing options for clients. We considered yurts, which were basically a nomadic Mongolian hut. After making some connections, I decided to travel to Mongolia to find manufacturers. My time in Mongolia led me down an interesting path developing intracity transportation in the capital city. I then worked for a private equity firm upon my return to the states and received an unexpected education in financial training.
Looking back, all of my experiences combined have provided a great foundation for my new role at PPM with a well-rounded understanding of the AEC industry as well as experience in project management, drafting, and the financial aspects of running an office. I’m fascinated by how much goes into architecture. It has so many complex pieces that somehow fit together. I’m looking forward to working closely with architects to ensure they have the most accurate set of As-Built plans to kick-start their remodels.”
Of all the things you learned working at your first architecture firm, what was the most important?
“My mentor was very articulate in his training. He taught me how every line counts in architecture and that it’s vital that you express a drawing precisely as it is. He would explain it as if I were a doctor and that every stitch or every cut could make or change a life.”
How will you be supporting our Seattle metro clients?
“I’ll be managing all Seattle area projects ensuring our clients receive their As-Built plans with accuracy, timeliness, and strong communication. I’ll be working closely with our clients all the way from the proposal stage to final delivery, ensuring they receive deliverables drafted to their preferences and scope of work. I’ll also be handling much of the laser scanning and site visits. While I’ll be capturing the point cloud and other site data, our Production team will handle all drafting, modeling, and quality assurance through our CAD/BIM office in Salt Lake City. Our main goal is to support Seattle-area architects, designers and property owners with Worry-Free As-Built plans they can count on to ensure their remodel runs smoothly.”
What areas of Washington will you cover?
“We’ll be serving clients in areas around Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Everett, and other surrounding cities all the way to the west coast. We’ll be focused mainly on the western side of the state, but as far east as Skykomish…possibly further depending on the project.”
What are you most excited about in your new role as Regional Director in regard to supporting our clients?
“I am a huge advocate of supporting people and their dreams. Helping create a PPM branch in Washington and helping to bring people’s ambitions to reality is very exciting. I feel that everything in my career has prepared me to lead this region.”
What are you most excited about in coming onboard with the PPM team?
“I’m thrilled and eager to work alongside the PPM team. The most exciting aspect is the community culture they have created within the company. My whole experience with PPM so far has shown only good things. The team is driven and very professional, but at the same time, very fun and personable.”
What would you like to learn or develop in this role?
“I’m excited to work with architecture firms in the Pacific Northwest. I look forward to the new experience and knowledge this will bring. I’m also happy to hone my project management skills and drive the success of our newest office.”
All right, work aside, we have a just a few more questions to get to know you better!
What is one thing people wouldn’t guess about you?
“I whistle as well as the birds in Disney movies.” (If you see Eamon on site, make sure to ask him to whistle his favorite tune!)
How do you like to spend your time off?
“Most of my time is spent rock climbing, camping, or spending time with the people I care about most.”
What’s your favorite thing about Seattle?
“Seattle is a true gem of a city. It’s ability to be so green and luscious while being a major metropolis is an incredible feat. I can stare out the window every day and feel nature.”
Do you have a favorite Seattle neighborhood?
“So far, my favorite neighborhood is First Hill – spectacular views of all parts of southern Seattle and Rainier.”
In your opinion, where’s the best cup of coffee in Seattle?
“I love going to Tougo. It’s in First Hill’s Yesler Terrace Park. The owner is extremely friendly, and the area is so nice to just sit down and sip coffee.”
If you’re preparing for a remodel project in Seattle, Eamon and our team of seasoned As-Built professionals would love to help ensure your As-Built plans are up to date and ready for your project’s success. We’re currently accepting As-Built Surveying projects in the Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia and western Washington areas.