Under the Hard Hat with Briana Allen

January 4, 2021

Under the Hard Hat with Briana Allen

At Clark, we are proud to be made up of individuals from a variety of backgrounds and talents. Our “Under the Hard Hat” series is designed to showcase the diverse perspectives of the dedicated men and women who make up the Clark team.

We recently sat down with Briana Allen, a design manager who joined Clark in 2020, to learn about her background and her role at the company.
 

What is your role at Clark? What are your responsibilities?

As a design manager, I am responsible for ensuring all project stakeholders are aligned during the design phase of construction for some of Clark’s most complex health care projects in the Mid-Atlantic region.  

At its core, I help bridge the iterative-nature of design with the metric-driven nature of construction to help deliver high-quality assets that all parties are proud of.

Additionally, I help develop innovative tools and processes that enhance the way Clark works with our design partners and clients during project development to achieve more efficient project delivery.

Tell us a little about your background and how you ended up at Clark.

Prior to joining Clark, I spent my career as an architectural designer working in the healthcare sector for firms in the City of Baltimore. 

While the bulk of my time was spent working in a technical capacity through construction documentation, I found that I really enjoyed the up-front planning and programming aspects of work where I was able to really get to know clients and help them turn their vision into a reality.

I joined Clark because of the impact I feel like I’ll be able to make as a design manager to benefit and improve the standards of healthcare design.

Seven months into my role, I keep thinking about how I wish the projects I'd worked on in the past had a design manager because it would have made our job as architects a lot easier!

What led you to pursue a career in the A/E/C industry? 

What I love about the A/E/C industry is how impactful our work is on the well-being of others and I enjoy knowing that the hard work I put into designing a building will help strengthen our communities. I see architectural design as the perfect outlet for passion, creativity, and service.

What is it like being an architect working for a construction company?

Working as an architect for a construction company feels like I've been given pieces to a puzzle that I didn't know were missing. 

I love being able to see first-hand what it takes to bring a project design to life and the coordination that comes with it!

What occupies your time outside of work? 

Outside of work, I love spending time with my friends and family, perfecting my graphic design skills, and finding ways to remain active in my community.

My community involvement ranges from coaching club volleyball for high-school-aged girls, singing at my church, and participating in service projects with my sorority.

What is one of your proudest moments (personal or professional)? 

Helping to start Dream | Design | Activate is definitely at the top of the list. We are a group of designers who aim to activate underutilized spaces in our community through creative design.

Our first project involved assisting the William S. Baer School, the only public school in Baltimore City for children with complex, severe, or multiple disabilities and/or fragile medical conditions. We transformed the school's deteriorating, inaccessible blacktop into a sensory-driven, educational space for all the students to enjoy. We used our expertise as designers to create a permanent, interactive track that mimics a miniature town and allows the children to learn about traffic safety as they exercise and play with each other.

Converting this outdoor space that previously went unused into an interactive "city" is a testament to how architectural design can bring art, creativity, and vibrancy to a space with minimal invasive construction and limited funding. With support from local organizations and individuals, we would like to continue to act as an advocate for the community of Baltimore by identifying and executing invigorating design projects that will improve and revitalize our neighborhoods. 

Who have been your strongest influences in life? 

My parents have definitely been my strongest influences in life. From them, I learned the value of hard work, the importance of family and community, and how my faith in God will always keep me grounded no matter what life throws my way. I would not be where I am today without their encouragement and the examples they have set for me.

What obstacles did you overcome to get where you are today professionally?

After graduating from Howard University, I struggled to find my place in the industry because the lack of representation often made my work environments uncomfortable for me. There were many days that I wanted to give up because I felt I did not belong. I quickly learned that in order to succeed, I needed to be bold about using my uniqueness to my advantage. I embraced the notion that if I was in a room, it was for a reason, and my contributions were valuable.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start a career in construction/design management? 

Treat your everyday experiences in the world as learning opportunities. As builders and designers, our clients rely on our expertise to bring their ideas to life. This industry moves forward with the innovative solutions we bring to the table and will provide you with countless opportunities to grow and expand your knowledge.