FOURTH YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Katie Dang—General Contractors Association of Toronto Award
![]()
Katie Dang—General Contractors Association of Toronto Award
About the Award
General Contractors Association of Toronto Award:
For overall excellence and a demonstrated interest in project management is presented to four, fourth year students.
As a fourth-year undergraduate student within the Department of Architectural Science, I have found and fostered an immense passion for design and construction across all phases of project delivery throughout my time studying at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). My exposure to both the academic and practical sides of the industry thus far has bolstered my interest in construction and further led me to study under the Project Management stream. In this way, I hope to begin finding footing within this dynamic, interdisciplinary industry where I can play a part in developing impactful spaces.
Originally having set my sights first and foremost on architectural design, my undergraduate years and additional work experience in the co-operative education program have broadened my understanding of architecture as a practice and its place within the AEC industry as a whole. While design is by no means a simple nor short lived process, my steady experience working collaboratively within competitions and design-builds has provoked further thought into what it means to develop, construct, and maintain a building beyond the design process.
This has ultimately led to not only insight into what it takes to manage and collaborate with a team of designers, planners, and stakeholders, but also an appreciation for witnessing the entire lifecycle of a project. My role as an executive in TMU's AIAS chapter further exposed me to the challenges and rewards of teamwork, especially during the remote, early years of my undergraduate studies due to COVID-19. These fulfilling challenges have fueled my desire to deepen my understanding of architecture and construction and to develop a well-rounded competence in project delivery.
On an academic side, I have built a strong foundation in both project management and the technical aspects of construction and building systems through courses exploring the AEC industry, core construction principles, building systems, and procurement. I continue to build on this knowledge through the specialized project management courses under my concentration stream, including those dedicated to construction project economics, technologies and information systems used within the industry to streamline construction management between trades, and procurement-specific project takeoffs and proposals.
I also gained the invaluable opportunity to further develop my knowledge through on-site experience during my 16-month internship in healthcare construction management at North York General Hospital’s Capital Planning & Redevelopment department.
During this time, I adapted to and managed key aspects of various renovation and new construction projects within the complex built environment of healthcare facilities. My responsibilities included supporting capital projects through financial forecasting, contract administration, and developing RFP and RFQ documents.
Additionally, I facilitated communication between stakeholders, represented the hospital in OAC meetings, and coordinated construction efforts among external contractors and internal clients, including hospital stakeholders and clinical staff. Furthermore, I oversaw project closeout, including permit closure, financial closeout, and project handover. This experience taught me how to navigate high-stakes environments where timelines and on-site activities directly impact patient care.
Throughout both my academic and internship experiences, I have demonstrated my ability to work collaboratively in both leadership and supportive roles to ensure successful project delivery. At the hospital, I managed conflicting priorities among stakeholders throughout all project phases, effectively adapting and learning on the job while applying the knowledge and skills I gained during my undergraduate studies. These experiences have sharpened my leadership skills, communication, and agile work approach, which I believe are core elements of excellence in project management.
General Contractors Association of Toronto Award:
For overall excellence and a demonstrated interest in project management is presented to four, fourth year students.
As a fourth-year undergraduate student within the Department of Architectural Science, I have found and fostered an immense passion for design and construction across all phases of project delivery throughout my time studying at Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). My exposure to both the academic and practical sides of the industry thus far has bolstered my interest in construction and further led me to study under the Project Management stream. In this way, I hope to begin finding footing within this dynamic, interdisciplinary industry where I can play a part in developing impactful spaces.
Originally having set my sights first and foremost on architectural design, my undergraduate years and additional work experience in the co-operative education program have broadened my understanding of architecture as a practice and its place within the AEC industry as a whole. While design is by no means a simple nor short lived process, my steady experience working collaboratively within competitions and design-builds has provoked further thought into what it means to develop, construct, and maintain a building beyond the design process.
This has ultimately led to not only insight into what it takes to manage and collaborate with a team of designers, planners, and stakeholders, but also an appreciation for witnessing the entire lifecycle of a project. My role as an executive in TMU's AIAS chapter further exposed me to the challenges and rewards of teamwork, especially during the remote, early years of my undergraduate studies due to COVID-19. These fulfilling challenges have fueled my desire to deepen my understanding of architecture and construction and to develop a well-rounded competence in project delivery.
On an academic side, I have built a strong foundation in both project management and the technical aspects of construction and building systems through courses exploring the AEC industry, core construction principles, building systems, and procurement. I continue to build on this knowledge through the specialized project management courses under my concentration stream, including those dedicated to construction project economics, technologies and information systems used within the industry to streamline construction management between trades, and procurement-specific project takeoffs and proposals.
I also gained the invaluable opportunity to further develop my knowledge through on-site experience during my 16-month internship in healthcare construction management at North York General Hospital’s Capital Planning & Redevelopment department.
During this time, I adapted to and managed key aspects of various renovation and new construction projects within the complex built environment of healthcare facilities. My responsibilities included supporting capital projects through financial forecasting, contract administration, and developing RFP and RFQ documents.
Additionally, I facilitated communication between stakeholders, represented the hospital in OAC meetings, and coordinated construction efforts among external contractors and internal clients, including hospital stakeholders and clinical staff. Furthermore, I oversaw project closeout, including permit closure, financial closeout, and project handover. This experience taught me how to navigate high-stakes environments where timelines and on-site activities directly impact patient care.
Throughout both my academic and internship experiences, I have demonstrated my ability to work collaboratively in both leadership and supportive roles to ensure successful project delivery. At the hospital, I managed conflicting priorities among stakeholders throughout all project phases, effectively adapting and learning on the job while applying the knowledge and skills I gained during my undergraduate studies. These experiences have sharpened my leadership skills, communication, and agile work approach, which I believe are core elements of excellence in project management.
