Regional Roots, Industry Leaders: Carolinas Division Co-Directors Marvin Coker and Kaye Smith

Just over a year ago, Palacio Collaborative launched a dedicated Carolinas division to support the firm’s expansion into the region.  At the helm? Co-Directors Marvin T. Coker and Kaye A. Smith, forward-thinking, trusted cost management leaders who consistently deliver outstanding results for clients while mentoring our next generation of cost estimators.

Get to know Marvin and Kaye as we share insight on their career paths, recent Carolinas projects, and the benefits of close cost collaboration.

Marvin Coker: Cost Estimating with an Architect's Eye

With an architectural background and hands-on construction company experience, Marvin’s 35 years in the industry yields a unique understanding of both design intent and construction reality. This dual perspective gives him an advantage, particularly in education projects.

Marvin knows what states require and what school districts want in their construction projects. His granular understanding of this work is continually reinforced by staying on top of the latest education construction pricing trends.

“I offer our K-12 and higher education clients guidance on how to achieve the same goals with simpler, more cost-effective solutions,” Marvin said. “It is gratifying when this guidance yields an estimate that lands right on top of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) or a negotiated cost.”

The proof is in the portfolio. Marvin’s cost management expertise recently guided two Wake County education projects—each with its own set of challenges, from a renovation on an active K-12 campus, to unlocking enough savings to cover design features previously thought to be out of reach for a community college.

Marvin’s role with Wake Technical Community College Southern Campus Building C Renovation started with developing a cost model for the renovation study for classrooms, offices, and an auditorium. He then provided Cost Management for the full design and construction effort. The margins were thin, but thanks to his close collaboration with the designer and Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMAR), Marvin helped keep the project under budget—while freeing up funds to add alternates.

Continuity was paramount for the Lockhart Elementary School Renovation and Addition, as was staying within a tight budget. The stakes were high. The designer was a first-time client, and the project involved a careful renovation and expansion of an existing facility without interrupting the school year. 

Marvin worked closely with the CMAR and architect to finalize a plan that didn’t compromise key facets of the design, just in time for summer break and the start of demolition.

Kaye Smith: Memorable Projects, Lasting Impact

Kaye's journey in the industry reads like a masterclass in determination and professional growth. Starting as an Office Manager with a South Carolina cost estimating firm 35 years ago, her curiosity motivated her to approach the firm’s owner, telling him "I want to learn how to read the drawings." 

He agreed, and in addition to teaching her how to navigate and interpret drawings, her on-the-job training included visits to project sites to “see how the jobs are built from the ground up.” 

Kaye was on a path that ultimately led to her promotion to Vice President at Palacio Collaborative earlier this year. Her strong reputation—especially among project owners—has helped expand the firm’s owner-direct work, including a growing portfolio of projects with Clemson University.

Clemson knows exactly what Kaye brings to the table, especially when budgets start to slip. On one $34 million sports facility project, the construction manager’s estimate came in $3 million over budget during design development—and by the 50% mark, the overage had climbed to $5 million. Enter Kaye and a revised estimate that cut the overage by $4.5 million— a number that stood firm during the follow-up reconciliation meeting.

In 2023, Kaye developed the cost model for the new Heart Center Tower at Spartanburg Medical Center, and the schematic estimate this past May.  A $200 million addition and renovation that marked the largest project of her career to date, the assignment was more than just professional; it was deeply personal. Kaye and her children were born at Spartanburg, and returning to the building stirred a mix of emotions, as it was also where she lost her mother to breast cancer in 1986. Working in a place so tied to her roots brought a profound sense of purpose to the work.

Collaboration in Action

Marvin and Kaye pair local knowledge with a sharp eye on what is next — from climate-resilient construction to evolving cost trends in one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. They emphasize the collaborative nature of their jobs, which demands equal parts skill and diplomacy. 

CMARs are willing to work with Palacio because the firm comes "from a place of deep experience, and a track record of success," Marvin said. This reputation stems from Palacio’s commitment to “keeping our ears open and hearing what the CMAR and Architect are saying." 

In other words, being true team players in the construction process.