expresso 14 - en

expresso 14 | winter 2018

Rachael welcomes us to the construction site in San Diego, California.

bui lding cl ient relationships Rachael Sampson, PE Senior Project Manager | San Diego, California

Rachael Sampson is a straight shooter. You’ll always know what’s on her mind and where you stand. Her confidence and candor have helped develop strong, long-term relationships with her clients. “I don’t like to sugar-coat things. People don’t always expect that in the construction industry, but many find my confidence a refreshing change of pace.” In the spotlight: Illumina Illumina is a company based in San Diego, California that creates sequencing solutions for genetic research. Rachael coordinated and managed many challenging projects, including the tenant improvement construction of a three building, 360,000 square foot campus in Foster City, California, and two new buildings located at their corporate headquarters. At first, Rachael started with smaller projects, connecting with influential decision makers. Now, she is the lead contact for all of their new projects. “I started when Illumina leased a three-building campus in San Diego, where they decided to do an entire remodel. As time went on, I started to grow in my role and became lead-mechanical project coordinator for their first two new building projects at that campus.

“By getting to know them, and working with them in a more senior position, I was able to become their main point of contact.” What’s her secret? Working specifically in the development of pharmaceutical and research facilities, Rachael shares her experience and expertise with all her clients. She has worked on various projects for ARE, BioMarin Pharmaceuticals, Biomed Realty, Gilead and Pfizer, to name a few. “It’s simple,” Rachael says. “Strike up conversations, the kind that build rapport and genuine relationships with your clients. Be personable and professional.” Finding work/life balance Her open and honest approach to her job has helped her make a plan for her home life, too. Rachael insists that her greatest career achievement has been to balance her work and personal life. “I’ve always wanted a family, and when I finally had one, it was very difficult for me to find that balance as I was always so focused on work before having my first born. It is important to perform well at work, but finding a balance between time with your family and time at work is an even greater accomplishment.”

“It’s simple. Strike up conversations, the kind that build rapport and genuine relationships with your clients. Be personable and professional .

women at EXP | 11