Ralph Beiran

Construction Administration, May 2010

Please describe your academic background including the reason(s) for enrolling in the M.S. program at the School of Continuing Education. 

I received my undergraduate degree from an accredited architecture program with a strong focus on design.  After becoming a registered architect and obtaining my LEED accreditation (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), I had an opportunity to attend a seminar discussing the master's in construction administration (MSCA) program at Columbia University. Already knowing that someday I would like to start my own architecture firm, I was very interested in the MSCA program given its focus on today's evolving design and construction industry.

Please describe your professional background leading up to your current position.

For nearly 10 years I worked for a multi-national architecture and engineering firm where I became the design director of their office in New York City.  My design background has spanned research laboratories, academic buildings, art galleries, other commercial structures, and luxury residences. However, all of this started with my family's "mom and pop" construction company, a dynamic small business where I had been exposed and involved in construction from a very young age. As a result, I have always had a profound appreciation for design and construction. Therefore, when I learned of the MSCA program it seemed like a natural step in starting my own architecture firm. 

Approximately three years ago, I started RMBA (Ralph Michael Beiran Associates), and since then, despite the recession, we have grown slowly with the support of many satisfied clients. 2011 looks to be a very exciting year with new projects in West Palm Beach, London, and a luxury apartment in the Kenilworth Building on Central Park West. If the trend continues, I am considering an expansion of RMBA to include a division dedicated to providing full construction services for clients that are interested in working with a design/build firm.

What is a typical day like in your current position?

I spend about half of my time visiting with existing clients or developing business with potential clients, and the other half overseeing staff, designing, and running the office. A typical day consists of multiple meetings, reviewing designs and otherwise guiding my staff. Customer service is very important to me and I focus on being as available as possible to my clients. I take advantage of every opportunity to answer emails and phone calls on the same day that they are received, and later in the day I tend to the administrative aspects of my business. It doesn't leave me much free time, but I can't complain; it's been as rewarding and exciting experience as I'd hoped it would be.

How did the Construction Administration program help you prepare for your career?

The MSCA program offered many classes that have been invaluable to me in starting and sustaining my own practice. I maintain a very "hands on" approach to every facet of each project, from inception through design, and then through the administration of construction. The classes I attended groomed me to handle a variety of high-level aspects that are essential to building a business. For example, skills were developed in creating more defensible contracts, managing the finances of my practice more effectively, and even defining my company's brand. I could continue listing the benefits, but will end instead on highlighting one of the most important benefits I received, which is the large network of contacts I made through participating in the program. Even before graduating, and consistently since, I have collaborated on a number of projects with fellow students and others I met through Columbia. 

What advice would you give to students who wish to pursue careers in Construction Administration?

I would say that it is critical to have your end goal in mind so you can get the maximum benefit from the program, including electives you can take outside of the set curriculum. I can honestly say that I have benefitted from each class, in large part because I knew each one would help me in my end goal of forming and running an architecture firm.