ELPN: Value Engineering Basics

Costs got you down? Value engineering, or VE, in the affordable housing industry is a systematic and iterative process that aims to reduce costs while maintaining quality by analyzing a project’s design, materials and construction methods. We will discuss how to approach VE from various perspectives, including that of a developer, architect, construction manager, and more. Each stakeholder provides a unique contribution to build an aesthetically and structurally sound project that fits a local jurisdiction’s requirements within budget.

Through this training, attendees will gain a basic understanding of what value engineering is, how it is contemplated by different stakeholders involved, efficient design rules of thumb, and common questions that arise during the VE process.

Catherine Etzel, Director of Development, The John Stewart Company

Serving as a Director of Development for the John Stewart Company, Catherine oversees a variety of multifamily affordable housing development projects across the greater Bay Area and Sacramento including new construction, preservation of affordable units, and mixed-use projects with multiple funding sources including public financing, private debt and equity.

Hasan Demirkol, Director of Preconstruction, Guzman Construction Group

Hasan Demirkol brings over a decade of hands-on experience in project management and preconstruction, focusing on affordable housing in the Bay Area. Driven by a strong commitment to creating high-quality, accessible housing, Hasan has contributed to the successful development of a wide range of projects, from single-family homes to large-scale multifamily communities.

A graduate of San Jose State University with a degree in civil engineering, Hasan leverages his technical expertise and creative analytical skills to drive cost containment, foster innovation, and enhance overall value for clients. Proactive in identifying opportunities to optimize schedules and manage costs, he ensures projects are efficient, sustainable, and aligned with client goals. With a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach, Hasan delivers safe, appealing housing that supports the needs of the community.

As Director of Preconstruction, Hasan Demirkol oversees the day-to-day management and coordination of the preconstruction phase to ensure projects meet cost, schedule, and quality objectives. His responsibilities include preparing detailed estimates, developing preliminary construction schedules, and managing bidding and contracting processes. Hasan collaborates closely with clients, design teams, engineers, and stakeholders to identify cost- and time-saving opportunities and evaluate potential risks. He works alongside the Principal-in-Charge and Project Executive/Operations Director to ensure all project goals are aligned and achieved efficiently.

Ryan VanZuylen, Senior Project Manager, San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development

Ryan VanZuylen is a Senior Project Manager at the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD). He manages and oversees several joint development projects for vertical and horizontal development including Sunnydale HOPE SF, Balboa Reservoir and Excess Sites projects. Ryan earned his Master of Public Affairs degree from Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs with a focus on housing and domestic policy. He holds an undergraduate degree from UCLA.

Erin Carson, ECarson Consulting, LLC

Erin Carson, LEED AP, established her own Construction Management consultancy, ECarson Consulting, LLC in July of 2022 and currently provides Construction Management and Development Consulting Services, for multifamily housing (predominantly affordable) development teams and lenders. Prior to forming ECarson Consulting, Erin was the Director of Construction Services at the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (“MOHCD”), where she led a Construction Services team, overseeing all new construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing funded by the City of San Francisco. In this role, Erin also collaborated with and managed public and private relationships within the City to streamline the permitting and construction processes and improve the quality and speed of housing delivery. Prior to her work at MOHCD Erin was the Director of Housing and Construction Manager at the Marin Housing Authority where she oversaw the housing activities for MHA including multi-family modernization, BMR Loan and For-Sale programs. Erin also served for 9 years at the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency and the Public Initiatives Development Corporation (a non-profit wholly owned subsidiary of the SFRA), prior to which, she worked at AF Evans as a Sr. Project Manager and with a small independent developer. Erin has over 30 years of experience in housing development, with a passion and commitment for developing housing that is efficient, sustainable, cost effective, comfortable, and welcoming. Erin is a LEED Accredited Professional, was honored in 2017 with SPUR’s Good Government Awards, has completed thousands of innovative and award-winning housing units, and prioritizes value added service and superior results for owners, lenders, and residents.