Gilbane Builds Chicago
Gilbane brings more than 150 years of Gilbane company leadership and proven expertise across the country to our work in Chicago, a city we have called home for more than four decades. We live here; we work here; we build here. We are creating economic opportunity and forging meaningful relationships – one hospital, one school, and one community-based project at a time. But it's not just the buildings that set Gilbane Chicago apart—it's the people. In our new profile series, Gilbane Builds Chicago, we look behind the curtain and share stories from the talented and diverse team that make it possible for us to build more than buildings.
Meet Joseph Good, Virtual Design and Construction Manager
Impact Today, Inspiration Tomorrow: Joseph Good Motivates Teams and Mentors Youth to Drive Progress in the Industry
Starting college can be overwhelming, so when Joseph (Joe) Good was a freshman, he wanted a program that offered flexibility for the future. He chose architectural engineering and construction management, not yet knowing what career pathway he would follow.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I got into college. I had too many interests, and that’s pretty dangerous when you get into college,” Joe said.
But Joe found a way to bring those interests together. As Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) Manager at Gilbane, he describes his work as a “mosaic.”
“You’re working on so many different projects. Your day is compiled of the hottest priority tasks, and the day is constantly changing,” he said.
From leveraging technology like laser scanners, drones, or reality capture to supplement projects at various stages to working on preconstruction projects like writing contracts, developing risk profiles, or helping a superintendent, Joe is never bored. He always has something new to learn or tackle and a long list of projects to support, making communication with his team members essential.
“It’s critical to have strong communications skills in my department and this realm because we get to interact with everyone, between labor and the field, to business unit leaders and executives," he said.
As VDC Manager, Joe often acts as a bridge between different departments within Gilbane. This connectivity lets him directly see the impact he and his team are making, solving complex problems, and providing immediate value to projects.
“When you’re in construction management, your impact is almost immediate, and you can see it in the daily work you’re doing,” he said.
By working across departments, Joe and the VDC team at Gilbane create opportunities for innovation in the construction industry. One of his favorite parts of his job is integrating new solutions and implementing them into how Gilbane operates.
“I love helping people see the bigger piece and get motivated behind VDC," he said.”
Outside of Gilbane, Joe is also working to motivate another audience: high school students. Gilbane is deeply involved in the ACE Mentor Program Chicago, which connects architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to high school students interested in pursuing a similar career. Joe is one of these mentors, and he hopes he can inspire other young people to consider opportunities in the industry.
“One of the things I am passionate about is teaching; showing by example,” he said. “Showing high school students that architecture doesn’t just mean being an architect and construction management doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a guy in the field pouring concrete; it’s very fulfilling.”
