Project Controls Engineer, Rinkesh Gajera is a force of nature in TOCCI’s Planning & Scheduling department.

As a project controls engineer, Rinkesh is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing projects. Rinkesh is an expert at ensuring a project is completed on time and on budget. This month, we take a moment to see how he’s doing: 

Which projects are you on right now? Which ones have Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)?

I am working on the 1515 Commonwealth Ave. project right now, as well as the BMC Crosstown one, which is an IPD. I’ve also been working on the CHA Cambridge Health Alliance project.

What has been one of your favorite projects?

When it comes to 1515 and healthcare jobs, I like the scheduling part, where I can update the schedule with Superintendents & Project Managers. I work with the Estimators & Operations team to create general conditions and job site requirements, as well as track the project’s change orders during the execution phase.

So far, 1515 has been my favorite project, because I am involved from the design phase management stage to its final phase. I understand the 1515 project well. In other words, I’m able to best implement my knowledge to this project, better than projects from past jobs. My role is diverse here at TOCCI. I am good with numbers which makes my job more interesting.

How would you describe your way of getting things done?   

I usually make a list of who would be the right person to answer a particular question, if I have a particular problem with a job. This is to make sure I’m getting the best and most reliable answer, while not asking the same person too often. Depending on the difficulty of the situation, I prefer talking to someone in person, because ideas are easier to explain face-to-face.

Also, it’s better to be the dumb one in the room, rather than the genius – that way, people will explain things better and not expect you to know everything. There’s no question too dumb to ask.

What do you like about your role here at TOCCI?  

I like how my role here at TOCCI isn’t limited to scheduling. TOCCI has a great support system – my manager, Marvin, mentors me in my role.

What do you like to do for fun?  

I enjoy cricket and watching thriller, mystery, and horror movies. I love to cook (Indian food typically) for my wife and me, but when I eat out, I enjoy trying new, different foods.