Aaron Lawson
Design Execution Manager
San Diego,CA
Summary
Accomplished multi-discipline design leader with over three decades of experience in delivering mission-critical infrastructure projects across energy, healthcare, and federal sectors. Expertise in leading $30M+ programs, integrating cutting-edge BIM/Revit workflows, and ensuring designs meet the highest standards of safety, sustainability, and efficiency. Currently spearheading the adoption of AI tools and guiding employees throughout the US on leveraging AI to streamline design and risk management. Passionate about solving complex technical challenges and building the next generation of AI-driven infrastructure.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
5
5
Certifications
Work History
Senior Discipline Project Manager
Coffman Engineers
San Diego, CA
01.2020 - Current
- Disciplinary design teams delivering over $30M In project contract value across energy, sustainability, healthcare and federal sectors.
- Subject matter expert for Critical power systems, Alternative energy and building information management, providing oversight on complex critical infrastructure projects.
- Directly manage client relationships and project execution for national accounts; oversee scheduling, budget and QA/QC for MEP, Civil, Structural, and Fire Protection design packages.
- AI Task Force Lead:
- Spearhead integration of AI tools across Coffman management systems to improve design efficiency and risk management.
- Mentor engineers and coordinate with architects, contractors and stakeholders to design Agents and Prompt Libraries with technical solutions that support business objectives and sustainability goals.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Project Engineer
Michael Wall Engineering
San Diego, CA
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Project Lead and designer responsible for over $4 Million in contract volume in Design-Build and Plan-Bid-Build projects, building relationships with prominent developers, architects, and contractors in San Diego County.
- Broad range of project experience including High-rise, Higher-education, K-12, Broadcasting, Hospitality, Theme Parks, Public Works, Medical Office, and Commercial Office Buildings.
- Developed detailed project plans to ensure timely completion and deliverables were met.
Engineering Manager
Morrow Meadows Corporation
San Diego, California
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Direct all Design-Build, BIM, and Electrical Detailing efforts and staff for San Diego Division, current work volume of $120M per year, staff of 16 Detailers & BIM Specialists.
- Manage Engineering Software implementation and develop standards for Revit / BIM implementation and pdf Electronic Document Control.
- Provide Training and Research for new Title 24 Compliance and digital Lighting Control systems.
- Supervise compliance and changes to new 2013 CBC Seismic & Anchorage requirements.
- Improved engineering processes by streamlining workflows and implementing efficient project management techniques.
BIM Manager
Gould Electric
San Diego, California
01.2008 - 01.2013
- Direct all BIM, Detailing and Prefabrication efforts for $40M per year volume operations, managing schedule, cost and quality controls.
- Perform BIM duties for the company's Design-Build projects.
- Developed company Standard Procedures manual for Field Personnel.
- Mentored junior staff members on proper modeling techniques, fostering professional development within the team.
Project Manager
Laser Electric
San Diego, CA
01.1998 - 01.2008
- Manage Contract Projects, $1-$3 Million annual volume.
- Directed labor dispatch for 70 electrician workforce.
- Implemented training course for CA State Journeyman’s Testing.
- Maintain Operations Department (warehouse/deliveries) to support all San Diego projects.
- Developed Journeyman Test training program for all JW Electricians, based on NEC.
Skills
Project Design Management
AI Prompt and Agent Design
Program Management, Basis of Design
Last Planner System Scheduling
Specification Writing
Value Engineering and Cost Analysis
Constructability Review
Code Consulting
BIM Coordination
Certification
Interests
Distance running (half marathons), backpacking, travel, Khan Academy supporter, and outreach work in India and Nepal
Awards and Achievements
Feb 2025, AI Task Force - Appointed lead member of Coffman’s AI Task force, devoting 50% time to testing, development and training on AI resources for the company’s 900+ employees.
June 2024, Tana Ambassador - Early adopter and online growth partner with Tana PKM software, an AI integrated notetaking software company based in San Francisco.
May 2023, Knowledge Work Studio - Started online writing studio, experimenting with the development of AI tools and practices with collaborating creators from the worlds of Productivity Apps, AI, and Notetaking.
Aug 2019, IES, Award of Merit - For lighting design at the Southwestern College Aquatics Center
Dec 2013, Speaker at Autodesk University - Panel on AutoCAD MEP Fabrication software
Aug 2013, Publication with AIA - BIMForum LOD Specification; National standards for electrical BIM content, based on level of development phases.
Feb 2013, Work Order Database & CRM - Designed to track, schedule and budget all work assignments
Jan 2013, BIMForum Committee on AIA Document E202 revisions, setting new guidelines for BIM contract language, and developing LOD standards for Electrical Modeling requirements.
May 2012 (DBIA Conference) Panel discussion on BIM efficiency and workflow for Design-Build
Mar 2012 (SDCC BIM Standards) Models used for example and illustration in the San Diego Community College District’s “BIM Standards for Architects, Engineers & Contractors”
Feb 2012 (ASHE-PDC Conference) Co-authored whitepaper on “BIM for Facilities Management” for the annual ASHE-PDC Conference in Phoenix, AZ.
April 2011 (ENR Magazine) Work featured in April Edition of (ENR), for advances in Site/Civil BIM Coordination, at the SDCC Miramar Student Union
Qualifications
Electrical Design Expertise, Single-Line & Grounding, Lighting Design, Photometrics, Basis of Design, 2016 Title 24 and CALGreen Compliance, Lighting Controls, 2017 NEC Compliance, Uniformat Spec and Submittal Review, Low Voltage Systems, PLC & HVAC Motor Controls, Constructability, Cost Review and BIM Clash Detection.
Design Software Expertise, REVIT MEP, AutoCAD Design Master, Energy Pro, AGI, SKM Power Tools, Bluebeam, Navisworks, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Evernote.
Management Expertise, Lean Construction, GTD Methodology, Schedule Development, Estimating, Work Tracking, Team Management, Technical Writing.
CM-BIM Certificate of Management, Associated General Contractors, 2012
Journeyman Electrician, State of California, 1998
Timeline
Senior Discipline Project Manager
Coffman Engineers
01.2020 - Current
Project Engineer
Michael Wall Engineering
01.2016 - 01.2020
Engineering Manager
Morrow Meadows Corporation
01.2013 - 01.2016
BIM Manager
Gould Electric
01.2008 - 01.2013
Project Manager
Laser Electric
01.1998 - 01.2008
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