BU’s Planning, Design & Construction VP Talks Future of Building and Project Management on MET’s Newest Podcast
For Boston University Associate Vice President of Planning, Design & Construction Michelle Maheu, a project manager’s leading role on a bustling construction site is somewhat symphonic. Allow her to explain.
“As you’re developing the design of a building, you’re working with several different trades. So, you have an architect, who’s doing the design. You have a structural engineer. You have an electrical engineer. You have an energy person, maybe a sustainability person,” she says. “And the project managers’ job is to be, what I always call, the orchestra leader. The orchestra leader who’s bringing together all of these different disciplines and making sure everyone’s coordinated and communicating with one another.”
Ms. Maheu made the comparison during her recent appearance on MET Makes Conversation, the podcast series that examines a wide array of topics through a Metropolitan College prism. In the latest episode, “Drafting the Blueprint for Project and Construction Management’s Future,” Ms. Maheu joined BU MET Administrative Sciences Master Lecturer Richard Maltzman and Administrative Sciences Visiting Professor of the Practice Dr. Anil Sawhney for a sprawling discussion about the challenges and innovations shaping project and construction management today, what tomorrow looks to bring, and the unique role higher education can play in the industry.
It’s a conversation that those interested in or pursuing the MS in Construction Management & Technology, the MS in Project Management, or even the MS in Supply Chain Management at BU’s Metropolitan College won’t want to miss, particularly as it covers topics that include the critical role emerging technologies like AI and 3D scanning will play in the evolving landscape of construction management; the ways the field can adjust to challenging dynamics like skilled labor shortages, changes in workforce expectations, equipment and material volatility, and increased lead time; and the impact recent developments like the pandemic and tariffs have had on the industry.
One element of the modern landscape that was bound to come up in this report on the construction field’s cutting edge is the role artificial intelligence is likely to play in reshaping the future of the industry. On this, all three experts agreed—AI is here for good, and aspiring future leaders will need to adjust and become data fluent accordingly. “I think more and more that the role data, tech, and AI [are] playing in our sector is getting enhanced.” Dr. Sawhney says.
“If you think about it, you can’t build a building or an infrastructure asset without data,” he adds. “So having data skills—knowing where the data resides, how to keep the data updated, curate it, maintain it, and use it wisely—is very crucial. That’s a good skill to have.”
The unique role higher education plays in construction management was a major focal point of the discussion, which also touched on the importance of framework planning, public-private partnerships, mixed-use spaces, sustainable housing, and the benefits of modular versus prefab approaches to construction—all topics that are not only critical to educational institutions but also to the world beyond. They’re all part of what Ms. Maheu says makes her so passionate about working in the planning, design, and construction arm of BU.
“I’m really drawn to the mission of higher ed. I truly believe in it. And it brings me great joy to wake up in the morning and know that’s what I’m going to do,” Maheu says. “Project management is a great, fundamental underlying background to have and [can be] applied in so many different types of careers.”
To listen to the latest episode of MET Makes Conversation, “Drafting the Blueprint for Project and Construction Management’s Future,” click the embedded link above or visit your preferred podcast platform, like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or even YouTube—and be sure to subscribe for all future episodes.