David Fanuele

RA, LEED AP BD+C

Project Architect

At SMMA

  • Dave is a project architect with extensive experience on academic, institutional, and healthcare projects; his responsibilities include overseeing all phases of the design process, with a specific focus on construction administration 
  • As the chair of SMMA’s Construction Administration Committee and member of the Quality Steering Committee, Dave raises awareness about constructability issues, and improves construction documentation, processes, and standards  
  • Serves as day-to-day contact for construction administration questions and issues   
  • Thrives at ensuring design ideas are buildable and that drawings are interpreted correctly by all team members 
  • Known for his approachable, dedicated, and practical demeanor—as well for restoring a 1975 BMW

Focus on Relationships 

Dave stresses the importance of strong working relationships with contractors and subcontractors from the very start of a project. “I strive to demonstrate that I am a problem solver and an invested team member that shares their intent—to deliver a succesful project,” he explains. 

“Not only do I enjoy learning from contractors and seeing how they work to build our design, I also find that gaining their trust makes the process smoother for everyone. We establish a partnership where we’re working toward the same goals.” 

#WhatIsIt?  

“I love being out in the trenches, seeing how things are built, and solving problems on the fly,” says Dave. “I’ve been very fortunate to spend a lot of time on the sites and learn firsthand."

To address this, the CA Committee has created an office-wide standards manual, a resource for employees with limited construction administration experience. He’s also using a more light-hearted approach to keep constructability top of mind: the “What Is It?” series on SMMA in-house knowledge-sharing platform, The HUB. “I post photos of construction materials, tools, and conditions—a simple metal stud, a complex plumbing fitting, etc.—and employees guess what it is. It inspires conversation and more educated drawings. There’s been a lot of positive feedback.”