Building Smarter: Construction Management Basics

The high-intensity closing process is complete! Now the fun part of development begins: construction, where the building finally takes shape. What are the roles during the construction phase, and what are the best practices to successfully navigate this phase of the project?

In this training, we will cover the fundamentals of construction management. You will gain an understanding of:

•         An overview of key parties involved, their roles, and how to effectively run OAC meetings
•         Construction budgets, schedule delays, and risk management
•         The draw process and coordination with lenders
•         Wrapping up construction and transitioning into lease-up

Whether you are preparing for your first construction project or looking for a refresher, this session will provide practical guidance, foundational knowledge, and tools to help you manage construction with confidence.

NPH Trainings and other workshops are now completely free for members! To take advantage of this opportunity, please make sure to register with your work email, or reach out to NPH Programs & Events Associate, Andrew Wong, for assistance at Andrew@nonprofithousing.org.

Speakers Include:

Erin Carson, ECarson Consulting, LLC

Erin Carson, LEED AP, established her own Construction Management consultancy, ECarson Consulting, LLC in July of 2022 after 28 years in the industry, and currently provides Construction Management and Development Consulting Services, for multifamily housing (predominantly affordable) development teams and lenders. Prior to forming ECarson Consulting, Erin spent 9 years as the Director of Construction Services at the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (“MOHCD”), overseeing all new construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing funded by the City of San Francisco. Prior to her work at MOHCD, Erin had a diverse career in public and private affordable and market rate housing 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.

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.

Kate Conley, Principal, Architects FORA

Kate Conley, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, is a Principal at Architects FORA, a multidisciplinary architecture and community engagement firm that’s 100% women-owned and fully virtual. Kate leads Building Excellence initiatives at FORA. Employing her strong technical and design expertise gained from her world-class mentors in architecture and construction, she continuously brings learnings from the job site back to her team to level up their skills in delivering high-quality homes to the communities they serve.

Kate’s practice is anchored in advocacy. You’ll regularly find her at a podium advocating for policies that create housing abundance in state capitols and city councils. Kate co-founded YIMBY Fort Collins, a pro-housing advocacy organization in her home town. She also promotes affordable home ownership access serving as Board Chair of Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity.

Samantha Meyer, Associate Director of Real Estate Development, Eden Housing

Samantha Meyer joined Eden Housing in 2020 after completing her master’s degree at UCLA in design and development, with a focus on affordable housing policy and development. In 2023, she completed Eden’s first modular and first 100% permanent supportive housing project in Vallejo, and recently built a 72‐unit new construction project for families in Castro Valley. She’s currently working on Eden’s first LGBTQ+ seniors project. Samantha’s previous work includes policy analysis for Los Angeles Mayor’s Office of City Homelessness Initiatives, promoting accessory dwelling units (ADUs) for Bay Area jurisdictions, and advocating for low-income residents of San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood.