Nova Holdings

What is the biggest operational challenge that you will face in the upcoming year? Our biggest operational focus in the coming year is strengthening the systems that support a growing portfolio of complex projects. We are continuing to invest in project controls, technology, and a strong internal team so information moves faster, decisions are better documented, and every client has clear visibility at every stage. The goal is to keep raising the standard for how owner’s-representation services are delivered—more proactive, more transparent, and more coordinated.

What trends are currently shaping the construction industry? I think the biggest trend is that construction has become less forgiving. Labor, material costs, and schedules are all more unpredictable, so owners need stronger planning and better control from the start. Technology is helping, but it does not replace experience or communication. The firms that will succeed are the ones that catch issues early, keep owners informed, and protect the project before small problems become expensive ones.

How are you implementing sustainable building practices? We see sustainability as protecting the long-term value of a building, not just selecting “green” products. Our role is to help owners make smarter early decisions—choosing durable solutions, avoiding rework, coordinating systems properly, and planning for the building’s operating and maintenance needs before construction begins. By bringing design, construction, and permitting perspectives into the same conversation, we help reduce waste, prevent costly changes in the field, and deliver projects that perform better long after turnover. That is how we make sustainability practical: through better decisions, better coordination, and buildings designed to last.

What challenges are you facing with labor shortages or supply chains? The biggest challenge is not simply finding labor or materials—it is managing the uncertainty around them. Skilled trades remain tight, and pricing and lead times can move quickly, especially for specialized mechanical and electrical equipment. Our response is to get involved early, validate pricing before commitments are made, identify long-lead items upfront, and maintain close communication with the project team. As the owner’s representative, our job is to make sure those risks are visible early enough for the owner to make a smart decision, rather than discovering them after they affect the budget or schedule

How do you ensure safety on your job sites? Safety starts with active field oversight, not just paperwork. Our team members monitor site activity to help ensure workers are following OSHA requirements and applicable local guidelines. Using our proprietary field app and project-management platform, they document site conditions with photos, log observations in real time, and track safety concerns through resolution. This creates accountability, gives the full project team visibility, and allows us to address issues early—before they become incidents or affect the project.

What role does technology play in your planning and execution? Technology is central to how we plan and execute projects. Our proprietary project-management platform gives our team access to project documents from anywhere and real-time visibility into project status, progress, open items, and field conditions. Our field app allows team members to capture photos and document conditions as they occur. On the design side, we use BIM and LiDAR scanning to create more accurate existing-condition information, improve coordination, and identify conflicts before they reach the field. Together, these tools help us make faster decisions, reduce surprises, and give clients a clearer view of their project from design through construction.

Can you describe a recent project that stood out to you? A project that stood out involved repositioning a landmark building into luxury residential use. It was the client’s first project of that kind, so they were navigating preservation requirements, approvals, existing-condition surprises, design coordination, and the challenge of modernizing a historic property. What made it especially meaningful was that the client initially did not realize our team had experience with multiple landmark buildings across design, expediting, and construction. That background allowed us to anticipate issues, guide the client through unfamiliar decisions, and bring a more practical perspective to a complex project.

What advice would you give to someone entering the construction field? My advice is to learn the entire process, not just one role. Spend time in the field, understand the drawings, learn how budgets and schedules are built, and pay attention to how permits and approvals affect the work. Construction is a relationship-driven business, so be reliable, communicate clearly, and do what you say you are going to do. The people who grow fastest are the ones who stay curious, take ownership when problems arise, and understand that every decision affects the client’s investment.