FOURTH YEAR UNDERGRADUATE
Mahin Haynes—General Contractors Association of Toronto Award
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Mahin Haynes—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.
I took an interest in project management through my courses at DAS, such as Construction Documents and Project Management, which taught principles of building systems, procurement, and project economics. These courses trained me to read and produce coordinated drawings, link details to schedules and budgets, and understand how decisions cascade through scope, time, and cost.
My focus and dedication in these areas led me to qualify for the Architectural Science co-operative program, where I secured an extended internship.During my placement, I adapted to and managed key aspects of active projects across multiple phases, from schematic design through permit and tender, and into construction support. My responsibilities included supporting fee and schedule tracking, assisting with contract administration, and developing RFP and RFQ documents for consultant and trade procurement. I facilitated communication between stakeholders, represented the firm in coordination and OAC-style meetings, and helped align external consultants with client goals and constraints.
I actively monitored document quality and scope compliance, ensuring drawing sets reflected current decisions and met Ontario Building Code and client standards. I assisted with submissions to authorities having jurisdiction by preparing permit packages and organizing responses to review comments. During tender, I assembled addenda and clarifications, maintained transmittal logs, and tracked inquiries to keep the record auditable. Toward closeout, I supported the preparation of handover materials and updates to record drawings. Working within these timelines taught me to manage competing priorities.
This opportunity to first assist and shadow experienced colleagues, and then to manage my own workstreams, instilled values of accountability, adaptability, independence, and clear communication. As responsibilities grew, I put these skills into practice by structuring agendas, documenting decisions, sequencing tasks, and closing loops with concise follow-ups. After graduating, my next goal is to earn the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) to formalize my training and strengthen my ability to deliver projects from kickoff through closeout. Across both my academic and internship experiences, I have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively in leadership and supportive roles to ensure successful project delivery.
General Contractors Association of Toronto Award:
For overall excellence and a demonstrated interest in project management is presented to four, fourth year students.
I took an interest in project management through my courses at DAS, such as Construction Documents and Project Management, which taught principles of building systems, procurement, and project economics. These courses trained me to read and produce coordinated drawings, link details to schedules and budgets, and understand how decisions cascade through scope, time, and cost.
My focus and dedication in these areas led me to qualify for the Architectural Science co-operative program, where I secured an extended internship.During my placement, I adapted to and managed key aspects of active projects across multiple phases, from schematic design through permit and tender, and into construction support. My responsibilities included supporting fee and schedule tracking, assisting with contract administration, and developing RFP and RFQ documents for consultant and trade procurement. I facilitated communication between stakeholders, represented the firm in coordination and OAC-style meetings, and helped align external consultants with client goals and constraints.
I actively monitored document quality and scope compliance, ensuring drawing sets reflected current decisions and met Ontario Building Code and client standards. I assisted with submissions to authorities having jurisdiction by preparing permit packages and organizing responses to review comments. During tender, I assembled addenda and clarifications, maintained transmittal logs, and tracked inquiries to keep the record auditable. Toward closeout, I supported the preparation of handover materials and updates to record drawings. Working within these timelines taught me to manage competing priorities.
This opportunity to first assist and shadow experienced colleagues, and then to manage my own workstreams, instilled values of accountability, adaptability, independence, and clear communication. As responsibilities grew, I put these skills into practice by structuring agendas, documenting decisions, sequencing tasks, and closing loops with concise follow-ups. After graduating, my next goal is to earn the Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) to formalize my training and strengthen my ability to deliver projects from kickoff through closeout. Across both my academic and internship experiences, I have demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively in leadership and supportive roles to ensure successful project delivery.
