Siena’s Project Manager Becca Patnode joined us in 2016 while completing her Bachelor’s degree at Wentworth Institute. Becca has overseen dozens of commercial interior projects in a variety of industry sectors: life sciences (Vedanta), healthcare (Mass General Brigham), entertainment (Legendary Entertainment), banking (First Republic), and transportation (JetBlue). As Siena’s Permit Coordinator Becca is a critical part of the preconstruction team – gathering necessary documentation and coordinating between Siena, our clients, and municipal building departments. Becca is energetic, organized, and great at developing relationships with our clients and industry partners. We recently asked Becca about her work and life experiences. Thanks for all you do for Siena, Becca!

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What was your first job ever, and what did you learn?

My first job was in high school, where I was the first mate on a sailboat in Newport, RI. We took guests out on five sails a day through Narragansett Bay, sailing around and sharing the history of the things we passed along the way. I learned that if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I also learned that smooth seas never make a skillful sailor. Challenges are essential for developing confidence and expertise.

How did you choose construction as a career path?

My mom was a civil engineer, DPW director, and ISD commissioner. I always thought I wanted to be an engineer, given that I was good at math. I always took a liking to art and crafting, so I combined the two and thought being an architect was the perfect mix. I even took an autoCAD class in high school to prepare. After a year in the Wentworth architecture program, I learned I was wrong. After I switched majors, I met a former employee from Siena and started working here part time while finishing school. Ten years later, I’m still here!

What do you like best about working in construction?

The best part of construction in general is working together to see a project go from nothing to a beautiful finished space. It amazes me how many hands are in the pot for every project we complete. It truly is a team effort. The Boston construction industry is full of people I’m proud to have by my side.

What do you like most about working at Siena?

The best part about Siena is the people! We have a great team here, and a variety of personalities which keeps the day fun and energetic. We also have great subs, clients, and architects that we work with.

If you weren’t in construction, what do you think you’d be doing instead?

I’d either be working on boats, running a dog rescue, making things to sell on Etsy, planning weddings, running the Eras tour logistics team, or running Becky’s Bakery, which is an unofficial unprofitable “business” I already have. Not much would change, honestly. I’d be busy having fun.

Work-life balance is important in a stressful, demanding industry like construction. How do you enjoy your spare time?

It depends, but I’m either fully burning the candle at both ends or hitting “yes I’m still watching” on Netflix multiple times. In the summer, I like sailing, golfing, and listening to live music, and in the winter I’m probably skiing, or complaining about being cold. I love being on the go, so using my flight benefits to take as many weekend trips as possible is always a nice challenge.

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Becca’s Favorites

Favorite Movie or binge-worthy show – The Parent Trap (1998)

Favorite Music (style or band) – Country Music

Favorite Area Restaurant – Bostonia Public House or Kava Neo Taverna

Favorite Vacation Getaway – Wherever I went last.

Hidden Talent or Fun Fact – I can play guitar!