Mr,
Bhavin Lakhani, Project Controls Specialist Lead, PMP, CCM, & Chartered
Engineer, DACK Consulting Solutions
With academic roots in
India and advanced training in the U.S., Bhavin blends resourcefulness with
innovation. His dual exposure allows him to champion sustainable, practical
construction methods—advocating for green materials, efficient planning, and
environmentally responsible project delivery.
How has your global academic journey shaped your
perspective on sustainable construction and project delivery?
Bhavin
Lakhani: My global academic journey has profoundly shaped my
perspective on sustainable construction and project delivery. I began my
education in India, where I studied civil engineering and was exposed to
practical, cost-effective construction methods, often working with limited
resources and learning how to do more with less. Later, I pursued a Master’s
degree in Environmental Technology and Sustainability in New York, where I was
introduced to advanced technologies, strict environmental regulations, and
cutting-edge sustainable practices.
This cross-continental
experience helped me develop a balanced, adaptable approach to construction.
From India, I carry a strong sense of resourcefulness and efficiency. From the
U.S., I gained a deep appreciation for sustainability, innovation, and
regulatory compliance. I now combine both perspectives to advocate for
environmentally responsible and economically viable solutions.
For example, I encourage
the use of green materials such as recycled steel and low-carbon concrete, and
I design work sequences that minimize waste, such as repurposing excavated soil
for landscaping. I strive to create project plans that reduce environmental
impact while still meeting performance, cost, and quality objectives.
How did your formal education and certifications like PMP
and CCM prepare you for the practical challenges in large-scale project
controls?
Bhavin
Lakhani: My formal education (Civil Engineering &
Environmental Technology & Sustainability) provided a solid foundation in
Civil engineering principles, reviewing the drawings, project planning, and
cost estimation, which are all essential in project controls. It gave me an
analytical mindset and technical background to understand the complexities of
heavy civil engineering & large-scale projects.
The PMP certification
reinforced my knowledge of standardized project management processes,
particularly in areas like scope management, risk mitigation, scheduling, and
stakeholder communication. It helped me adopt a more structured and
process-oriented approach to managing projects.
On the other hand, the CCM
certification added a layer of depth specifically related to construction
management. It emphasized cost control, contract administration, quality
assurance, and life-cycle project thinking—all of which are critical in large,
multi-stakeholder infrastructure or capital projects.
Together, these credentials
not only validated my skills but also equipped me to handle real-world
challenges such as aligning baseline schedules with financial forecasting,
managing change orders effectively, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and
safety standards while maintaining project objectives on time and within
budget.
Can you share a project where your project controls
expertise directly impacted cost savings or timeline efficiency?
Bhavin
Lakhani: Absolutely. One example that stands out is a $48 million
residential project I worked on, where I was responsible for overseeing project
controls, including cost tracking, schedule management, and risk analysis.
About six months into the
project, I noticed that certain procurement delays and untracked scope creep
were threatening both the budget and timeline. I conducted a detailed variance
analysis and implemented an earned value management (EVM) system to monitor
performance more precisely. This allowed us to identify underperforming
subcontractors early and realign procurement activities with critical path milestones.
Additionally, I led a
cost-to-complete forecasting workshop with key stakeholders and introduced a
more proactive change management process. As a result, we were able to recover
approximately 5% in projected budget overruns, amounting to over $2.4 million
in savings, and brought the project back on track to meet key milestones.
It was a clear
demonstration of how robust project controls, when applied strategically and
collaboratively, can mitigate risks and drive measurable value.
How have you leveraged modern tools like Primavera P6, AACE
29R-03, and EVM to drive better decision-making and outcomes?
Bhavin
Lakhani: I actively leverage modern project control tools such as
Primavera P6, AACE 29R-03, and Earned Value Management (EVM) to enhance decision-making,
improve efficiency, and deliver measurable results on construction projects.
Primavera P6 is fundamental
in my scheduling strategy. It helps me break down complex projects into
manageable activities, establish logical relationships, and maintain a clear
critical path. For instance, on a recent commercial project, I used P6 to map
out every phase from foundation to roofing. When a steel delivery was delayed
by a supplier, I quickly rescheduled related tasks to minimize downtime and
ensure that resources were utilized efficiently.
EVM is crucial for
performance tracking. It provides real-time insight into cost and schedule
variances. On the same project, EVM revealed that labor costs were trending
under budget, allowing me to reallocate funds to accelerate priority activities
without compromising quality or scope.
AACE 29R-03, as a cost
estimate classification system, helps me forecast and manage cost risks
effectively. It enables me to identify areas of uncertainty—such as fluctuating
material prices early in the project lifecycle and build contingency plans
accordingly.
These tools not only
improve internal decision-making but also support clear communication with
stakeholders by providing accurate data and visuals. This transparency builds
trust, supports accountability, and ensures projects stay aligned with scope,
budget, and timeline objectives. They’ve truly made complex project
environments more manageable and outcomes more predictable.
What do these awards like ‘Employee of the Year’ and ‘Outstanding
Civil Engineering Achievement’ mean to you, and how do they reflect your
professional journey?
Bhavin
Lakhani: Receiving awards like Employee of the Year and
Outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement is deeply meaningful to me. These
recognitions go beyond being just accolades, they represent the hard work,
commitment, and passion I’ve put into my profession over the years. Each one is
a reminder of the challenges I've faced, the teams I’ve collaborated with, and
the meaningful impact our work has had.
The Employee of the Year
award followed my leadership on a major commercial & residential project
that involved managing complex scheduling, monitoring progress and
productivity, and ensuring that both time and resources are aligned with
project goals. It highlighted my ability to manage teams effectively, respond
quickly to design challenges, and maintain strong communication under pressure.
One pivotal moment was resolving a critical design defect on-site, which could
have caused significant delays. Addressing it promptly not only kept the
project on track but also reinforced the trust of both the client and my team.
The Outstanding Civil
Engineering Achievement award was particularly meaningful to me, as it
recognized my professional contributions in civil engineering, specifically in
the field of project controls. My role involved developing detailed project
plans, ensuring that projects stayed on schedule and within budget, and
aligning technical execution with strategic goals. This award validated the
critical role of effective planning and cost control in delivering high-quality
infrastructure.
Beyond project delivery,
I’ve also contributed to the advancement of the profession through various
avenues. I’ve served as a judge for STEM competitions, provided peer reviews
for respected civil engineering journals, and earned recognition as a Fellow
and Senior Member in esteemed professional associations such as ASCE, PMI, APM,
and IEEE.
What motivates you to stay connected with the academic and
research communities alongside your industry work?
Bhavin
Lakhani: Staying connected with the academic and research
communities is deeply important to me, it keeps me grounded, inspired, and
continuously learning. My involvement as a judge in prominent science and engineering
fairs reflects my commitment to supporting the next generation of talent and
advancing innovation in STEM and business.
Through judging roles at
events such as the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF),
New Jersey Academy of Science (NJAS), Terra NYC STEM Fair, New York State
Science & Engineering Fair, and the Virginia Junior Academy of Science
Research Symposium, I’ve had the opportunity to evaluate student research based
on creativity, originality, and real-world applicability. These experiences
allow me to contribute meaningfully by offering constructive feedback,
encouraging young minds, and helping them refine their work.
What motivates me most is
seeing the passion, ingenuity, and fresh perspectives these students bring.
It’s a reminder that engineering is not only about solving today’s problems,
but also about empowering future leaders to shape tomorrow. My continued
engagement with academia also strengthens my own industry practice, as it
exposes me to emerging trends, research developments, and innovative thinking.
Ultimately, it’s about
giving back to the community that helped shape my own journey, and ensuring
that the bridge between education and industry remains strong and impactful.
Interview
By:
Simran Punjabi
