Lauryn Tacoronte is a project manager for Preservation Construction (PresCon), a division within Related Affordable that oversees preservation and construction projects at Related Affordable sites across the nation. Since joining the company just over two years ago, she’s served as the primary point person on roughly two dozen major projects at affordable properties around the country. Related Affordable sat down to learn a bit more about what she does and how much she enjoys working with colleagues onsite.
Hi Lauryn. Tell us a little bit about how you got into this work.
I have a family history of being in construction. My dad and my brother are union electricians. I’m a lifelong New Yorker and grew up in Staten Island. Before Related, I was a mechanical engineer. I did a lot of commercial work at a construction engineering firm--mostly restaurants, hotels, and high-end luxury stuff. It got a bit rote after a while and what drew me here specifically was the affordable housing piece. I personally feel very passionate about affordable housing and the need for it. I like the idea of being useful in that world and using my skills to be able to provide people with upgraded, dignified places to live—places that aren’t just affordable but also really feel like home.
What makes a great project manager in the affordable construction space?
I think it’s someone who is willing to work collaboratively with all different parties from all different types of professional backgrounds. It takes some technical skills and some people skills, and I put a large focus on the people part. There’s only so much I can do from New York without building a real level of trust with our people on the ground. I travel to the sites I’m responsible for at least once a month, but I have to be able to build a sense of confidence that we all have the same goal in mind and that we’ll all get there together.
What else would you like your colleagues to know about you and your work here?
I think the day-to-day will probably look very much the same and we’ll stay committed to communicating with the management teams on the ground because they’re so integral to our success here. I’m extremely fortunate to already have a range of great relationships with so many of our site staff and know how talented they are. I’m eager to continue that work and form new relationships. It’s a collaborative effort, and in many cases my site colleagues have been truly instrumental in making my job possible and easier. They’re the onsite eyes and ears. I couldn’t do my job without them.
