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The Process in Architecture and Future LCCS Renovation!
Who did you meet with today?
Today I had the opportunity to meet Cyrus Amani-Talesh from LCA Architects, Keivan Abidi from Pacific Charter School Development, and Kelly Mecca from Bjork Construction Company.
Where do they work? What does the company do?
Cyrus, Keivan, and Kelly all work in different firms; they focus on various fields all related to architecture. Cyrus works at LCA Architects which provides design services for projects. Cyrus in particular is an architect who establishes how projects are to be designed as well as the planning behind how they can be maintained moving forward. Kelly is mainly out in the field; Kelly works at Bjork Construction company, a women-owned construction company that works with great craftsmanship to create sustainable high-quality constructed builds to satisfy their clients. Keivan is a project director for PCSD, a non-profit organization that works to support community charter schools in funding and developing high-quality schools for under-resourced communities.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
Today I was able to be educated on the process behind constructing and creating a project. I got insights into architecture that aren’t discussed as much, highlighting the importance of planning a design before constructing, whether or not it would be ideal to move forward, as well as agreeing that projects can proceed financially because there is only so much money that can be invested into certain projects. Furthermore, we were also able to see future improvements coming to Lighthouse Charter; these improvements were said to give Lighthouse more enclosed space for teaching, which I personally agree would be a great improvement.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
Having the opportunity to learn about the future plans for Lighthouse was insightful as far as how that plan can be attainable. Being able to see if the design process was definitely an insight because I wasn’t aware of how building codes can come into conflict with other elements that also make the project safe, sustainable, and overall reachable.
What did you find the most interesting about the field after today?
In the field what I found most interesting was the design process and after today I feel much stronger about it because it’s what makes the construction process come to pass. Designing the elevations of something like a school building is a very important factor that ties everything together. I liked that I was able to see the thought process and the plan.
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Uncovering the World of Real Estate Development: PCSD’s Recent Adventure at Lighthouse Community Public Schools
The journey for the right career path is what makes events like job fairs an invaluable resource for students. Recently, Pacific Charter School Development (PCSD) had the privilege of participating in the Lighthouse Community Public Schools job fair, where I was able to present alongside toy designer, Mr. Chip.
The focus of my presentation? Real estate development – a field that offers an incredible array of opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets. Whether you’re starting at the entry level or aiming for the C-suite, there’s a place for everyone in this dynamic industry. As I was able to highlight, you can choose to work out in the field, in an office setting, or even find a role that combines the two.
High school students, known for their candid and curious nature, were eager to engage with us. Their questions ranged from the practical, “What’s a day in your life like?” to the ever-important, “What’s the salary?” But it was one question that truly resonated – “Is this something you always wanted to do?” I shared my personal journey, revealing that my passion for economic development as a way of supporting the community wasn’t discovered until my junior year in college. This just goes to show that finding your true calling doesn’t always happen overnight, and it’s okay to explore different paths.
PCSD is committed to breaking down the barriers to entry in the world of real estate development, making it accessible to all who are interested in exploring this exciting industry.
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PCSD Interns: What I Learned from a Project Manager
Who did you meet with today?
Today I met with:
Mary Grace Houlihan, Project Manager, PCSD
Jennifer Afdahl Rice, Executive Director, Northern California, PCSD
Where do they work? What does the company do?
The Pacific Charter School Development [Northern California] team is located in Downtown Oakland, supporting the community of Oakland with more accessible schools. The PCSD team works with many different branches of design and project management, using space that benefits the community with nearby schools, working out plans, such as architectural designs, facilitating community meetings, and writing up the numbers.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
Today I met with the PCSD staff through Zoom, speaking on the topic of “Entitlements” and “Architectural Design” – the layout of how a historical building can be repurposed for a school.
Highlights:
Being able to see the process of making a new school through the use of the “Schematic Design”.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
I gained an awareness of how a school’s present and future problems can limit/cap the “nice to haves” (ex. library, swimming pool, gym) a school can include.
What did you find the most interesting about the field after today?
I found the ability to repurpose a historical building very innovative and intriguing because it makes up for wasted space that now supports its community.
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PCSD Interns: First Day Experience
Who did you meet with today?
We met with the following people from Colliers and PCSD.
Colliers
Tony Burnett, Head of Office, Regional Managing Director
Rebecca Scalfaro, Senior Client Services Officer
Shayla Mellenthin, Marketing Manager
Gregory Hunter, Vice President
Pacific Charter School Development
Jennifer Afdahl Rice, Executive Director, Northern California
Where do they work? What does the company do?
The company is a real estate development firm; based on my takeaways from the experience it is a non-profit company that helps out communities with local and charter schools, as well as providing support with funds for charter schools. In addition, PCSD advocates by managing the outlook of the design, finance, and construction of facilities.
What did you learn today? What were some highlights?
My experience was exceptional, I gained an understanding of the different fields related to design and architecture. Specifically, I highlight the perspective of being a broker, brokers uphold a significant amount of responsibility to the company, which gained a majority of my attention. Moreover, the team also taught me a lot about the different requirements and opportunities that could allow us the ability to be able to work and involve myself in other careers related to their company.
What insights did you gain into the field of real estate development?
I had the ability to get a little more insight into the school’s perspective on the different fields. Moreover, we got insight on how college would be a lot more beneficial to get a career related to real estate development, and the managing, marketing, etc. We discussed the correlation between different positions and the levels of education you might need; ultimately, we determined that 2-4 years of college experience is best.
What did you find the most interesting about the field after today?
Overall, I would say I was very intrigued by what everyone at Colliers and PCSD does. Personally, I was pulled to what the background of Vice President Gregory’s career at Colliers. It was similar to what I wanted to do which pulled my interest towards his position. The team in general all gained my attention, and all of the different fields they work for are just as similar to what I want to do after college. It was just so interesting to overall learn how much goes into the management and coordination of being a part of a company like Colliers.
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A Landmark Moment for Voices Academies: Groundbreaking at the New Morgan Hill Campus
At Pacific Charter School Development, we are thrilled to have participated in the recent groundbreaking ceremony held by Voices College-Bound Language Academies. This event marked a significant milestone for Voices, a network of public charter schools dedicated to serving primarily Latino communities in Santa Clara, Contra Costa, and San Joaquin counties. The ceremony took place at the construction site of their new Morgan Hill campus, a project that signifies much more than just bricks and mortar for this community.
Voices College-Bound Language Academies was founded by educator Frances Teso in 2007. Its mission is to prepare all students for higher education while fostering pride in their cultural heritage. This dedication to academic excellence and equity has made Voices a beacon of hope for many families in the region.
On September 30, Voices celebrated a “landmark moment” at the construction site of their future Morgan Hill campus. The event, attended by city officials including Morgan Hill Mayor Mark Turner, community leaders, families and supporters, underlined the importance of this new venture. The Morgan Hill campus will be Voices’ first owned campus, and it represents a significant step in securing the organization’s legacy for years to come.
The vision behind the new Voices Morgan Hill campus is more than just new buildings. Aldo Ramírez, the CEO of Voices College-Bound Language Academies, captured the essence of this project when he stated, “Voices is more than a collection of schools—we are a familia united in our shared commitments to excellence, equity, and fostering a love for learning.” The new campus demonstrates the powerful strength of the community that supports Voices, and it is a symbol of what can be achieved together, not only in the present but also for future generations.
The Morgan Hill campus will serve students from TK to 8th grade, offering 18 new classrooms, an outdoor covered lunch area, a quiet garden, and two playgrounds. The construction of this campus began last month after several years of planning, advocacy, and community partnerships.
At Pacific Charter School Development, we are honored to be a part of this project for Voices College-Bound Language Academies. We share their commitment to academic rigor, cultural pride, and educational excellence. This new campus in Morgan Hill symbolizes a brighter future for the students and families it will serve, and it stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this campus will have on students, families, and the community as a whole. It is indeed a landmark moment, and we look forward to witnessing the transformative journey that Voices is embarking on.
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