MADISON — JLA Architects is pleased to announce the addition of David Woodbeck (PMP) as their Director of Project Management. In this role, Woodbeck will be focused on maintaining the quality & consistency of JLA’s project management at all phases of a project’s lifecycle. He will provide regular, structured support to all JLA project managers encouraging a sound & consistent project management approach across the firm, evaluating how projects are tracking with workplan & schedule expectations, and proactively identifying project challenges & strategizing about potential solutions. He will also work with JLA’s clients early in the project lifecycle as the scope is defined and the project team is assembled.
Although based in Wisconsin, Woodbeck will work closely with all of JLA’s office teams. Internally, he will assist with team development, playing a key role in onboarding new project managers and implementing a professional development track to support existing team members who are aspiring to become project managers.
Adam Fredendall, JLA’s Senior Vice President & Director of Architectural Operations, is pleased to welcome Woodbeck to the team, “We are excited to continue our firm’s evolution as we constantly strive to improve everything we do. Dave’s addition as the Director of Project Management is going to be a big leap forward in improving our Project Management quality and consistency.”
With 30+ years of experience, Woodbeck has worked in various industries from commercial real estate development to utilities and public infrastructure, bringing a well-rounded perspective to the JLA team. In his past roles, he’s worked with large, cross-functional teams assisting with business strategy, data analysis, and project management.
When asked what he’s looking forward to in his new role, Woodbeck explained: “Here at JLA, I’m looking forward to being heavily involved in the project lifecycle process, being on the pulse of the project rather than just the structure behind it. I’m excited to learn more about each project manager to uncover their existing skillsets and areas they want to grow in. Building on JLA’s culture of listening and collaboration, I hope to establish communication channels that facilitate knowledge sharing across the project management team. As time goes on, I hope to map out and improve the firm’s project management practices & processes. I want the project managers to have the right tools available at their fingertips, so they may work more efficiently and ultimately provide better client service.”
Woodbeck graduated with an Associate Degree in Architecture from Madison College. He is an accredited Project Management Professional (PMP).
Learn More About Dave
What drew you to project management? What do you love about it?
Being a project manager is all about communication, relationships, and working with people to get the job done. I’ve always preferred working with people, rather than just technical matters.
I enjoy process mapping & improvement, problem-solving, building consistencies & efficiencies, and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. Effective project management brings these together to create a well-oiled machine.
What’s your favorite (or most unique) project you’ve worked on and why?
I was the project manager for a tech office buildout that involved converting a previous industrial space into an office area. We brought in old railroad shipping containers covered with graffiti into the building, creating a maze of different sizes and colors, then outfitted them with sliding glass patio doors, shelving, desks, lighting, etc. to use as leasable office and studio spaces. We also cut the sides out of a couple of them and sandwiched them together to make conference rooms. To create an open co-working area, we removed one side off some containers and installed desk areas that members could check out. Overall, it created a truly unique office environment for multiple businesses to coexist and thrive off each other.
What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I’m still knocking around the volleyball court a little (against doctor’s orders after a knee replacement last year, but we can keep that ‘on the QT’!). Other than that, I like golfing and anything on the water — from boating and sailing to paddleboarding and kayaking.
Are you involved in the community? If so, what causes/organizations mean the most to you?
I’m not as much as I’d like to be, so I’m hoping to make some headway there with the time JLA offers. I’m a dog lover even though I don’t have one of my own, at the moment, so maybe volunteering with the Humane Society or another organization that supports animal welfare. I’ve also wanted to get involved with Habitat for Humanity for a while.
