News & Insights

ask the expert

How do you execute seamless implementation?

Implementing a mission-aligned project doesn’t happen by accident. It takes a deliberate blend of strategy, communication, and on-the-ground leadership—traits that define Senior Project Manager Kate Acker’s approach to helping clients bring complex projects to life. For more than 16 years, Kate has worked across civil engineering, K–12 systems, and municipal environments, guiding teams from early design decisions through construction and closeout. In this month’s Ask the Expert, she shares how thoughtful planning and authentic collaboration create the conditions for seamless, successful implementation.

B&D: Tell us a little about your professional background.

Kate Acker (KA): I’ve been with B&D for a little over ten years, helping implement complex projects for K–12 systems and municipalities. But my roots are in civil engineering. I graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and started out working for general contractors, traveling around the country building projects. Eventually, I knew I wanted to make a real impact on school infrastructure in Baltimore, and that led me to B&D—specifically through my interest in the Baltimore 21st Century School Buildings program.

B&D: Tell us more about that program.

KA: Before I joined B&D, I spent about eight years consulting with Baltimore City Public Schools, so I was already deeply connected to the city and to understanding how facilities impact communities, families, and students. The 21st Century program was a billion‑dollar initiative that replaced or renovated nearly 30 schools. I had the privilege of managing three of those projects from planning through construction and closeout. I’m incredibly proud of that work—you can see its impact across Baltimore City.

B&D: What strategies have you found most effective in managing the many moving parts of a project?

KA: Small things can make a huge difference. A direct conversation helps everyone get on the same page and prevents miscommunication later. Weekly site walks with the contractor’s superintendent are also invaluable—they’re in the field every day and notice things I might not catch from the office. Hearing challenges firsthand helps me prioritize what’s critical and solve issues before they snowball. At the end of the day, no one builds a project alone. Open, honest communication among a collaborative team is everything.

B&D: What are the keys to enabling a seamless integration from project planning to implementation?

KA: Three things stand out.

Start by engaging your community and stakeholders early. I spent ten years working closely with B&D’s Communication and Public Engagement team on 21st Century, and they’re incredible. The way they connected with students, parents, and community members—facilitating meetings, gathering feedback—made a huge difference. Early engagement ensures your project genuinely reflects the community’s needs.

Make sure you bring in the right subject matter experts at the right time. On one project, we held a whiteboard session to map out the schedule. Having all the key players in the room allowed us to collaborate in real time, test ideas, and build a plan everyone believed in.

And don’t forget to pick up the phone. With so much communication happening over email or text, a quick call can cut through confusion and strengthen relationships. That personal connection—whether it’s walking the site together or talking one‑on‑one—goes a long way in keeping a project moving.

B&D: You’ve spent nearly two decades working with city schools. What keeps you excited about this work?

KA: Honestly, it’s seeing the impact these buildings have on their communities. These schools aren’t just places for instruction—they’re community hubs that serve students, parents, teachers, and neighbors. I also love the collaborative nature of the work. Construction is complicated—there are lead time issues, material delays, design hurdles—but everyone is ultimately working toward the same goal. As a trusted advisor at B&D, I get to help keep everyone aligned. Strong relationships and a shared purpose always lead to a better project and stronger partnerships.

—

Many thanks to Kate Acker for sharing her insights in this month’s column. Ask the Expert is B&D’s monthly Q&A series where we sit down with leaders across the firm to explore emerging trends and best practices shaping the built environment. If there’s a topic you’d like one of our specialists to weigh in on in a future column, we’d love to hear from you. Submit your questions here.