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James Berroya

James Berroya

Los Angeles, CA, US

 
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About 

• Skilled in residential construction, estimating, interior decoration & home staging

• Well-organized, consistent and flexible problem solver who enjoys facing new challenges

• Demonstrates initiative – self-confident and conscientious

• Ambassador of the brand, values & ethics of the company I work for

• Verifiable track record of maintaining a positive & professional rapport with project teams and clients

Elsewhere:

Employment 

Combined Construction Services, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, US, Construction Project Manager / Estimator

Project Manager / Superintendent:
• Broad Beach Road, Malibu: 3-bedroom, 3.5 bath + Guest House, 2,838-ft2 renovation (Current)
• Brentwood Master & Guest suites renovation, 1,178-ft2. Architect: Edward Ogosta
• Wrightwood Ct., Studio City: Kitchen & “Glam Room” remodel. Designer: Chad Wood
• Completed the initial phase of fire remediation at a 3,200-ft2, Paul R. Williams home in Silver Lake

Estimating:
• Hillcrest Road, Beverly Hills: Budget for 6,200-ft2 renovation $3.7M. Architect: Cindy Grant
• Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades: Budget for 7,575-ft2 renovation $1.2M. Designer: Chad Wood
• S. Los Robles Avenue, Pasadena: Budget for 1,800-ft2 ADU $3.1M. Architect: TOLO Architecture
• Walgrove Avenue, Mar Vista: Budget for 2 bedroom 2 bath reno. / addition, 1,232-ft2 $.75M
• Rambla Vista, Malibu: Takeoff for multi-story update $.5M
• N. Arrowhead Drive, Hollywood Hills: Budget for 3,800-ft2 renovation $2.4M. Architect: TOLO Architecture
• Shadyglade Avenue, Studio City: Budget for 3,130-ft2 renovation $2.75M

In addition to the project management & estimating work above, my responsibilities have included the preparation of conceptual drawings, as-builts, site plans and proposed scope drawings using AutoCAD. I’ve also been responsible for completing the permitting process for projects through the City of Malibu. Executive-level experience includes drafting & proofreading correspondence for negotiating and coordinating with Owners, their legal / business representatives, & insurance adjusters on multiple projects.

Jun 2022 - current
 

Valle Reinis Builders, Los Angeles, CA, US, Lead Estimator / Construction Manager

Started with VRB as their first lead / dedicated estimator. Job list includes:

• Amalfi Drive, Pacific Palisades: Budget for 9,394-ft2 full-gut renovation $12M
• Alisal Lane, Santa Monica: Budget for 12,268-ft2 ground up $16M
• Coldwater Cyn. Drive, Beverly Hills: Takeoff for 10,000-ft2 historic renovation $11.5M
• Mandeville Lane, Los Angeles: Takeoff for 1,396-ft2 addition $1M
• Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills: Budget for 1,750-ft2 ADU renovation $2.5M
• Ridgedale Drive, Beverly Hills: Budget for 11,424-ft2 renovation $8M
• West Channel Road, Los Angeles: Budget for 2,914-ft2 renovation / addition $4M

Construction project management responsibilities include oversight of field crews, assisting senior managers & site superintendents with administrative work, developing scope of work & punch lists, preparing reports for clients, hiring & training temporary staff, site security & stakeholder management. On my own initiative, developed a master set of commonly-used estimating & project management templates for company-wide distribution.

Nov 2018 - Apr 2020
 

Little Green Airstream, Port Washington, NY, US, Design / Builder

This eco-friendly (“green”) renovation of a 200-ft2 vintage Airstream travel trailer required a great deal of hands-on work and coordination with specialty contractors and vendors, and culminated in a 9-month cross-country journey from New York to Los Angeles. Purchased in 2014 for $3,400, the Airstream’s current assessed value is $63,500, with a 36.5% ROI.

Tasks:
• Repairing the chassis with new welds & framing members
• Restoring the mechanical, electrical & plumbing systems
• Updating the interior using sustainable materials
• Recycling & replacing appliances
• Exterior polishing & weatherproofing (500 hours)
• Developing an educational blog, social media accounts, and sponsorships

Feb 2015 - Jan 2018
 

Interior Management Inc., New York, NY, US, Construction Manager / Superintendent

Completed Manhattan projects include:

• 1125 Park Avenue: 3 br., 3 bath, 2,268-ft2 full-gut renovation. Designer: Suchi Reddy
• 180 East 79th Street: 2 br., 3 bath, 1,778-ft2 renovation. Designer: Sandra Effron
• Park Avenue: 2-bedroom, 2 bath, 2,000- ft2 renovation. Designer: Virginia Tupker
• 7 Bond Street: 4 br., 3 bath, 3,067-ft2 eco-friendly renovation. Designer: J. Huniford

Also assisted in delivering a 7,500-ft2 townhouse on East 73rd Street designed by Michael S. Smith, trained & supervised junior managers, and completed many post-occupancy maintenance projects for our clientele – primarily uptown along 5th and Park Avenues & Central Park West (e.g., The San Remo).

May 2013 - Apr 2015
 

Interior Management Inc., New York, NY, US, Assistant Project Manager / Estimator

Demonstrated the ability to work effectively in the field with trades & project teams on larger renovation projects:

• 778 Park Avenue: 4,450-ft2 historical duplex apt. Architect: Sawyer / Berson
• 1060 5th Avenue: 7 br., 6.5 bath, 10,000-ft2 duplex penthouse. Designer: R. Stilin
• 880 5th Avenue: 2 br., 2.5 bath, 1,335-ft2 full-gut renovation. Designer: Al Martinez

In the estimating department, assisted in preparing approximately twenty-five budget proposals over a 6-month period. Of these, four were awarded, each valued between $2.5M and $6M. On my own initiative, created an updated Operations & Maintenance Manual template for our project managers & clients, incorporating more of Interior Management's branding and consistent formatting.

May 2012 - May 2013
 

Gelfran Associates, Roslyn, NY, US, Building Superintendent’s Assistant

Assisting the apartment building superintendent with interior renovations & routine maintenance, including management of junior staff. Renovation tasks: demolition, roofing, blacktop resurfacing, floor sanding and varnishing, finish painting & landscaping.

Jun 2008 - Aug 2011
 

Education 

Columbia University, Construction Management Specialization

5-month certificate program, covering:

• Construction Project Management
• Construction Scheduling
• Construction Cost Estimating & Cost Control
• Construction Finance

Aug 2018 - Jul 2020
 

New York School of Interior Design (NYSID), New York, NY, US, Continuing Studies

Coursework included AutoCAD, Revit, interior design & residential lighting basics.

Jul 2015 - Jul 2015
 

Pratt Institute, New York, NY, US, Continuing Studies

Studied HVAC basics.

Jun 2015 - Jun 2015
 

Yestermorrow Design/Build School, Waitsfield, VT, US, Sustainable Building / Design Certificate

• 6-month program with final practicum project.
• Coursework included hands-on carpentry & electrical projects, ecological design & remodeling, design fundamentals, and solar electric design & installation.

www.yestermorrow.com

Nov 2011 - May 2015
 

OSHA.com / 360 Training, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Industry Outreach Training

Sep 2013 - Sep 2013
 

Whole Systems Design, Moretown, VT, US, Permaculture Design Certificate

This certificate program, based on the core Permaculture Design curriculum, includes applications of permaculture in diverse settings, and techniques for meeting human needs that harmonize with ecological patterns. The program culminates with a series of iterative site designs completed as team projects.

www.wholesystemsdesign.com

Aug 2012 - Sep 2012
 

The New School, New York, NY, US, Bachelors, Liberal Arts

Sep 1998 - Jun 2000
 

Awards 

2021 AIA | LA Residential Architecture Award Citation: Adaptive Re-Use • Renovation • Historic Preservation, Other

"While serving as lead estimator at Valle Reinis Builders, I assisted with this 4-bedroom, 3 bath, 3,000-ft2 mid-century modern renovation off of Sunset Strip during the final months of construction. On my own initiative, I developed a punch list for the team with insights from the construction project manager. Responsibilities included overseeing concrete pours & finishing of the exterior decks / driveway, coordination & supervision of various trades, maintaining quality control, protecting finished work, & participating in site inspections with the client."

Citation
Project Name: Rising Glen Residence
Firm: Standard Architecture | Design
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Photographer: Benny Chan and Shade Degges
Instagram: @standardarchitecture

Jury Comments:
This renovation honors the classic mid-20th-century design by an important Korean-born Los Angeles architect [David Hyun].

www.aialosangeles.org

2021
 

International Property Awards: Highly Commended - Interior Design Private Residence (Americas / New York), Award

"I was construction project manager for this eco-friendly renovation, executed with Huniford Design Studio, which incorporated the installation of electromagnetic frequency blocking throughout. The use of non-toxic materials and reclaimed wood combined with raw and exposed materials were used to create a sensibility that emulates a Northern Californian design aesthetic."

Bond Street Residential Project

The Bond Street project and Huniford Design represented the U.S. on an international stage at the 2016 International Property Awards. The project was judged on criterion including quality of interior design, construction, and architecture. It was ultimately awarded as "Highly Commended" in the Interior Design Private Residence (Americas / New York) category, and named "one the most exceptional projects of 2016."

The International Property Awards rank amongst the most prestigious commendations in the residential and commercial property industries. The judging panel (including Lord Caithness, Lord Best, Lord Liverpool, and members of the House of Lords in the UK Parliament) consists of 70 experts focusing on design and quality, innovation, originality and commitment to sustainability.

www.propertyawards.net

2016
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills