Strategic Vendor Management & Technical Integration

3D Map Installation

Leading Complex Multi-Phase Projects Through Strategic Pivots

The Challenge

Situation: Lead a complex 5-month fabrication and technical integration project requiring coordination between multiple external vendors, internal teams, and cross-institutional stakeholders while maintaining artistic vision and technical specifications.

Project Scope:

  • 23' x 9' large-scale physical installation

  • Multi-phase project: external fabrication + internal technical integration

  • Complex stakeholder management across institutions

  • Budget optimization requirements mid-project

  • Technical specifications requiring specialized fabrication expertise

Key Constraints:

  • Original fabrication approach proving cost-prohibitive

  • Technical specifications requiring precision manufacturing

  • Timeline pressures with multiple dependencies

  • Cross-institutional approval processes

  • Integration of physical and digital components

Strategic Planning & Vendor Management

Vendor Evaluation & Selection:

  • Conducted comprehensive vendor analysis for specialized CNC fabrication capabilities

  • Evaluated technical capabilities against artistic requirements

  • Managed vendor relationships through daily communication protocols

  • Created vendor performance monitoring and quality assurance frameworks

Requirements Analysis:

  • Translated artistic vision into technical specifications

  • Identified critical path dependencies between fabrication and integration phases

  • Established quality standards for large-scale precision manufacturing

  • Created detailed project timeline with milestone tracking

Process Optimization & Strategic Pivots

Mid-Project Strategic Redesign:

  • Challenge: Original laser cutting approach proved cost-prohibitive and technically limiting

  • Analysis: Evaluated alternative manufacturing methods and material options

  • Solution: Pivoted to CNC fabrication with strategic material substitution

  • Process: Managed stakeholder communication and approval for significant approach change

Cost Optimization:

  • Shifted from expensive architectural panels to painted MDF substrate

  • Negotiated with new fabrication vendor for optimized pricing

  • Result: Achieved 50% cost reduction while maintaining artistic integrity

  • Created reusable cost-benefit analysis framework for future projects

Quality Assurance:

  • Established design iteration protocols for continuous refinement

  • Created file modification and version control systems

  • Implemented real-time problem-solving processes

  • Maintained quality standards through manufacturing approach changes

Cross-Functional Team Leadership

Stakeholder Management:

  • Managed daily communication with multiple external fabricators

  • Coordinated cross-institutional stakeholder approvals

  • Balanced artistic vision with technical and budget constraints

  • Created transparent communication channels for complex decision-making

Multi-Phase Project Coordination:

  • Phase 1: External fabrication management and quality control

  • Phase 2: Internal technical integration and multimedia implementation

  • Seamless handoff protocols between external and internal teams

  • Resource allocation optimization across project phases

Technical Integration Leadership:

  • Led internal team through complex construction and technical implementation

  • Coordinated integration of CNC-fabricated elements with projection systems

  • Managed precise technical specifications for multimedia components

  • Created documentation for complex technical assembly processes

Technical Innovation & Problem Solving

Manufacturing Process Innovation:

  • Developed hybrid approach combining external specialized fabrication with internal technical integration

  • Created workflow optimization for large-scale physical-digital integration

  • Established quality control protocols for precision manufacturing

  • Built knowledge management systems for complex technical processes

Technical Integration:

  • Designed integration system for 3 vertical projectors with physical installation

  • Created precise coordination protocols for construction and technical elements

  • Developed testing and calibration procedures for multimedia components

  • Established maintenance and troubleshooting documentation

Results & Organizational Impact

Project Delivery:

  • Successful completion of complex 5-month multi-phase project

  • 50% cost reduction through strategic process redesign

  • Maintained artistic integrity while achieving technical optimization

  • On-time delivery despite significant mid-project strategic changes

Process Innovation:

  • Created reusable vendor evaluation framework for complex fabrication projects

  • Developed cost-benefit analysis methodology for strategic decision-making

  • Established quality assurance protocols for large-scale manufacturing

  • Built stakeholder communication framework for complex multi-institutional projects

Team Development:

  • Enhanced cross-functional collaboration between creative and technical teams

  • Improved vendor relationship management capabilities

  • Developed agile project management competencies for complex pivots

  • Created knowledge documentation for technical integration processes

Organizational Capabilities:

  • Demonstrated strategic flexibility in response to project constraints

  • Improved cost optimization processes for future projects

  • Enhanced technical integration capabilities

  • Strengthened vendor management and relationship building

Key Skills Demonstrated

Strategic Decision-Making: Successfully pivoted manufacturing approach mid-project Vendor Management:Coordinated multiple external fabricators with daily communication Cost Optimization: Achieved 50% cost reduction through strategic redesign Cross-Functional Leadership: Managed both external fabrication and internal technical teamsTechnical Integration: Led complex physical-digital system integration Stakeholder Management: Balanced artistic vision with technical and budget constraints Quality Assurance: Maintained standards through significant process changes Project Coordination: Successfully managed complex multi-phase project timeline