Jim Quinn

As a seasoned Civil Engineer with a passion for project management and site administration, I’ve been able to build a firm from the ground up - starting with 3 part time employees and growing to a staff of 17 and counting. Capacity is a small engineering firm working primarily in Consulting Engineering and Project Management. Our work includes the analysis and design of diverse structures, preparation of maintenance programs, detailed structural condition assessments, roof anchor testing and inspection as well as forensic investigations and fire engineering. In only 10 years, we have been able to complete almost 1900 projects. As Founder, CEO, and Principal Engineer, my role runs the gamut - from creating policy, to new business development and working with existing clients.

As Project Director, I was responsible for overseeing a large portfolio of realty properties. This included project management and architectural & engineering services for various clients. I managed a team of up to 30 engineers, architects and other professionals, while writing policy, making big picture decisions, and ensuring overall client satisfaction.

As Chief Engineer, I was an integral part of Construction Services delivering over 100 projects in over 40 countries. I oversaw all aspects of projects, from pre-feasibility studies, cost estimating, calling proposals, supervising designs, calling tenders, inspection of construction, to post-project assessments. I organized multi-disciplinary teams, requiring skills outside engineering and architecture, to utilize in-house resources and/or consultants.

As Senior Contract Officer, I acted as departmental specialist for all aspects of construction & consulting. Advised Department Managers on contract administration and management issues. Played a major role in contracting - including conducting reviews & audits, recommending financial settlements for contract disputes and training departmental contract officers on the process. With over 2500 contracts annually, I researched and formed appropriate policies, standards and procedures for each contract.

As Senior Resident Engineer, I supervised the construction of a critical water supply system (including deep wells, pumping stations, reservoirs, transmissions mains, distribution piping, etc.) for Kabul, Afghanistan with a population of ~1m, at the time. This was step one of a large program to provide the city with comprehensive water, sewer and storm drainage systems. I managed a staff of 20 and oversaw the construction piece which included over 400 workers.

As a Resident Engineer, I was in charge of a handful of large building complexes in Saudi Arabia, as well as a highway in the Sultanate of Oman. Played an integral role in property negotiations committees for highway alignment land needs. Supervised staff in their inspections, testing, surveying, and other related duties. Acted as chair of a joint scheduling group, led progress meetings with contractors, developed inspected and reporting procedures, initiated design modifications, and dealt with payments for consultants & contractors.

As a Construction Engineer, I planned, organized, and executed all activities related to my construction projects. Typically, these projects were ~50% water & sewer systems and ~50% industrial/commercial buildings and other contracts. I estimated the cost of construction materials, from plans to specs, and submitted tenders. Managed operations via the project superintendents and negotiated and executed “Design-Build” contracts.