Hannah Reagan serves as Assistant Project Manager at global real estate firm Lendlease. Working with the company’s Chicago construction team, she has been involved with construction of the Cirrus and Cascade residential towers in the Lakeshore East neighborhood, as well as the adjacent Cascade Park. She has also contributed to the construction of the riverwalk extension in Lendlease’s seven-acre Southbank development along the South Branch of the Chicago River.
Tell us about your background. Where did you grow up? Where did you go to school?
I am from Houston, Texas, and lived there until I attended Texas A&M University in College Station. Since I was young, I have gravitated towards math and science and had an interest in engineering. Outside of class, I enjoyed sports, camping, going to the lake and sailing. I am a Texas girl at heart but love my new home in Chicago.
How did you get your start in the industry?
I graduated with a B.S. in petroleum engineering, so my industry experience starting out was primarily in energy, specifically oil and gas. Upon graduating, I realized I had a spark of interest in project management but wanted to explore other industries, which led me to high-rise multifamily construction in Downtown Chicago with Lendlease. I am glad I took a chance on construction in Chicago because now I am doing what I love—working with great people to build beautiful cities.
Did you have a mentor who helped you get on your feet, or is there someone you turn to now for support?
I would not be where I am today without my manager, Monica Barsoum. She has been a teacher and advocate for me since I started at Lendlease. Her knowledge, experience and communication style combined with her work ethic are admirable and have been a model for me in my career.
What does an average day at work look like?
A day at work is never the same and usually depends on the stage of the project. There are days where I walk the site, problem solving and collaborating with my team. Other times, I am in the office on the phone with subcontractors reviewing scope and pricings. I enjoy that my job is always changing and bringing on new responsibilities and challenges.
What do you like most about your job?
Definitely the people I work with. Lendlease has a strong team mentality, and we often say we are “One Lendlease”! Not only my Lendlease team, but also the subcontractors, third-party owners and architects, have taught me different lessons and influenced my career. I love coming to work and getting to collaborate with everyone to build something together. It’s a beautiful ecosystem that I enjoy being a part of.
Looking to the future, what do you hope to achieve/work on that you have not already?
I would like to master managing the MEPFP trades (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection). While I have enjoyed managing the trades I have to date, I believe managing MEPFP would resurface more engineering concepts to my work. I appreciate that Lendlease moves us around so that we get to work with many different trades to get an understanding of all aspects of a job. I want to gain this experience so that in the future I will be ready to run a project with a team of my own.
How do you spend your time away from the office?
When I am not on the clock, I am likely working towards my goal to explore every U.S. National Park. I have now visited 50 parks out of the current 63 locations. I love to explore new places and have found putting a set goal to this hobby has allowed me to actively plan visits to new places with new and old friends across the Unites States.
