Year One, in Their Words

A first year at Palacio rarely looks the same for any two people.

Some join to explore a new side of the industry. Others arrive ready to build new departments, or stretch their skills in ways they hadn’t imagined. What connects them all is a shared curiosity—and a team that prioritizes learning and connection.

We asked Michelle, Matt, Shay, and Andrea to share what stood out most from their first year at Palacio. Here’s what they had to say:

Michelle Cook, Director of Learning and Development, reflects on what it’s been like to build a department from the ground up while finding her footing in a new industry.

This first year at Palacio Collaborative has been incredibly exciting. The support I've received from both leadership and my peers has been remarkable, which made the transition to a new industry—while certainly a big adjustment—feel manageable and rewarding. I've loved learning about this industry and am thrilled to have the backing I need to develop a department that truly embodies a culture of learning. Being able to provide the training and support our company needs for both professional and personal development is deeply fulfilling. 

I feel so blessed to be here—this is literally my dream position.

Matt Pesci, Cost Manager II, shares how a decade in construction management prepared him for a rewarding transition into estimating—and what he’s learned along the way.

This past year has been an exciting and rewarding transition into my new role as a construction estimator after spending the last 10 years primarily in the construction management field within the greater NYC area. I have truly enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of a different side of the industry and growing into this position. I am grateful to be part of such a knowledgeable and supportive team and I sincerely appreciate all the guidance, mentorship, and encouragement I’ve received so far. 

I am looking forward to continuing to learn and contribute alongside such great people at Palacio. 2025 was a tremendous year and I am excited to see what 2026 will bring! 

For Shay Sweeney, Cost Estimator II, the year brought both a new job and a new town. Between projects, parks, and plenty of local discoveries, she found energy in the variety that defines Palacio’s work.

Having moved to the Lake Norman, North Carolina area this past year, I have been surprised by the variety of experiences, activities, hikes, parks, restaurants and new friends Charlotte and the surrounding areas has to offer; sand volleyball, craft nights, swimming, ziplining, local coffee shops, concerts, dog-friendly baseball stadiums, a packed football stadium, and all the holiday festivities throughout the area to name just a few! Some of my favorite projects our team has worked on during my first year at Palacio include K-12 schools, playgrounds, athletic fields, commercial markets, municipal buildings, university and college buildings, and multi-purpose community centers. The variety of site features, complex building designs, project types, and diverse exterior facades and mechanical systems keep this work interesting every day. 

I look forward to continuing to work with the dynamic Palacio Collaborative team in 2026. 

Andrea Taggart, Senior Project Manager, reflects on how her first year pushed her to trust her instincts, refine her process, and see each project as an opportunity to grow.

Over the past year with Palacio Collaborative, I’ve grown both professionally and personally by sharpening my attention to detail and strengthening my confidence in decision-making. I’ve learned to balance speed with accuracy, communicate more clearly with project teams and individuals, and better anticipate risks before they impact budgets or schedules. Each project has pushed me to trust my judgment, consider all inputs at reconciliation, adapt to changing information, and see the bigger picture beyond the numbers. 

Overall, I am excited about the opportunity to help Palacio grow and evolve while also being grateful for the continued educational support Palacio provides.

Each of these stories captures something different about what it means to grow at Palacio: curiosity, teamwork, and the confidence that comes from learning by doing. As we move into a new year, we’re proud to keep building a culture where people can explore new paths, stretch their skills, and shape what’s next together.