Carl Nelson
Chief Visionary Officer at visual- Claim this Profile
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
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Bio
Danica Hauser
Carl supported me and my team at Starbucks with a large scale project over the course of 2+ years. His team performed surveys, design drawings, permitting, and Smart-Sheets data management for over 5000 retail locations. During the project, Carl displayed great talents in technical applications, such as Smartsheets and several other data visualization tools. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with his design, organization, technical skills and knowledge of my companies interior layouts, but during the time worked together, his understanding of data analysis and the tools of the trade allowed my team to track the status of thousands of projects with the added ability of instant reporting. With the complexity of any large scale rollout, Carl ensured our data was properly formatted so that it could be effectively analyzed and visualized. Carl was a joy to work with because of his amazingly positive attitude and eagerness to stick tightly to deadlines. His can-do attitude and team-building skills were also necessary and valued not just by myself, but by my peers, who often relied on him and his team to get the impossible done. Carl brings the kind of skills and experiences you’re looking for in a seasoned professional. Rarely do you come across someone talented at both big picture ideas and executing the small details — Carl is just that person. He pitches plans to clients and then manages the client relationship from ideation through execution while building strong relationships, and ensuring successful programs. Thanks, Danica Hauser Program Manager Starbucks Coffee Co
Paul Spieckerman
As a general contractor, our ability to perform successfully on any project is defined by the preconstruction process. Our team had the opportunity to work with Carl and his team on a initiative for a major National Brand. This initiative involved 6,500 plus locations across the U.S. and our team was responsible for 2,000 plus locations. When a contractor is orchestrating this volume of work in the time frames required, the information provided has to be accurate and timely. Through the use of 360 technology, Carl's team delivered scope of work documents consistently throughout the duration of the program. Stores were surveyed timely, design changes were made immediately, and the communication between all stakeholders was top notch. Roll-outs of this nature require strong leadership and Carl delivered throughout the execution of the program. He always made himself available to ensure all parties had what they needed to successfully deploy their teams. On a personal note, I have worked with Carl on a few initiatives through the course of my career and the experience has always been a pleasure. Timely communication and the ability to collaborate with various subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers requires an organized professional who can perform under pressure on a consistent basis. Carl is a true professional and an example of what is required to deliver at the highest level.
Jenn Miller
My husband and I hired Carl to design an addition for our home. We had a general idea of what we wanted to do but needed Carl to fill in the blanks with his expertise and creativity. He did just that! In a very short time we had our final design back and it was everything we had hoped for and more. Carl was prompt and communicated with us very well. He was extremely easy to work with and since then I have recommended him to many clients of mine!
Danica Hauser
Carl supported me and my team at Starbucks with a large scale project over the course of 2+ years. His team performed surveys, design drawings, permitting, and Smart-Sheets data management for over 5000 retail locations. During the project, Carl displayed great talents in technical applications, such as Smartsheets and several other data visualization tools. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with his design, organization, technical skills and knowledge of my companies interior layouts, but during the time worked together, his understanding of data analysis and the tools of the trade allowed my team to track the status of thousands of projects with the added ability of instant reporting. With the complexity of any large scale rollout, Carl ensured our data was properly formatted so that it could be effectively analyzed and visualized. Carl was a joy to work with because of his amazingly positive attitude and eagerness to stick tightly to deadlines. His can-do attitude and team-building skills were also necessary and valued not just by myself, but by my peers, who often relied on him and his team to get the impossible done. Carl brings the kind of skills and experiences you’re looking for in a seasoned professional. Rarely do you come across someone talented at both big picture ideas and executing the small details — Carl is just that person. He pitches plans to clients and then manages the client relationship from ideation through execution while building strong relationships, and ensuring successful programs. Thanks, Danica Hauser Program Manager Starbucks Coffee Co
Paul Spieckerman
As a general contractor, our ability to perform successfully on any project is defined by the preconstruction process. Our team had the opportunity to work with Carl and his team on a initiative for a major National Brand. This initiative involved 6,500 plus locations across the U.S. and our team was responsible for 2,000 plus locations. When a contractor is orchestrating this volume of work in the time frames required, the information provided has to be accurate and timely. Through the use of 360 technology, Carl's team delivered scope of work documents consistently throughout the duration of the program. Stores were surveyed timely, design changes were made immediately, and the communication between all stakeholders was top notch. Roll-outs of this nature require strong leadership and Carl delivered throughout the execution of the program. He always made himself available to ensure all parties had what they needed to successfully deploy their teams. On a personal note, I have worked with Carl on a few initiatives through the course of my career and the experience has always been a pleasure. Timely communication and the ability to collaborate with various subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers requires an organized professional who can perform under pressure on a consistent basis. Carl is a true professional and an example of what is required to deliver at the highest level.
Jenn Miller
My husband and I hired Carl to design an addition for our home. We had a general idea of what we wanted to do but needed Carl to fill in the blanks with his expertise and creativity. He did just that! In a very short time we had our final design back and it was everything we had hoped for and more. Carl was prompt and communicated with us very well. He was extremely easy to work with and since then I have recommended him to many clients of mine!
Danica Hauser
Carl supported me and my team at Starbucks with a large scale project over the course of 2+ years. His team performed surveys, design drawings, permitting, and Smart-Sheets data management for over 5000 retail locations. During the project, Carl displayed great talents in technical applications, such as Smartsheets and several other data visualization tools. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with his design, organization, technical skills and knowledge of my companies interior layouts, but during the time worked together, his understanding of data analysis and the tools of the trade allowed my team to track the status of thousands of projects with the added ability of instant reporting. With the complexity of any large scale rollout, Carl ensured our data was properly formatted so that it could be effectively analyzed and visualized. Carl was a joy to work with because of his amazingly positive attitude and eagerness to stick tightly to deadlines. His can-do attitude and team-building skills were also necessary and valued not just by myself, but by my peers, who often relied on him and his team to get the impossible done. Carl brings the kind of skills and experiences you’re looking for in a seasoned professional. Rarely do you come across someone talented at both big picture ideas and executing the small details — Carl is just that person. He pitches plans to clients and then manages the client relationship from ideation through execution while building strong relationships, and ensuring successful programs. Thanks, Danica Hauser Program Manager Starbucks Coffee Co
Paul Spieckerman
As a general contractor, our ability to perform successfully on any project is defined by the preconstruction process. Our team had the opportunity to work with Carl and his team on a initiative for a major National Brand. This initiative involved 6,500 plus locations across the U.S. and our team was responsible for 2,000 plus locations. When a contractor is orchestrating this volume of work in the time frames required, the information provided has to be accurate and timely. Through the use of 360 technology, Carl's team delivered scope of work documents consistently throughout the duration of the program. Stores were surveyed timely, design changes were made immediately, and the communication between all stakeholders was top notch. Roll-outs of this nature require strong leadership and Carl delivered throughout the execution of the program. He always made himself available to ensure all parties had what they needed to successfully deploy their teams. On a personal note, I have worked with Carl on a few initiatives through the course of my career and the experience has always been a pleasure. Timely communication and the ability to collaborate with various subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers requires an organized professional who can perform under pressure on a consistent basis. Carl is a true professional and an example of what is required to deliver at the highest level.
Jenn Miller
My husband and I hired Carl to design an addition for our home. We had a general idea of what we wanted to do but needed Carl to fill in the blanks with his expertise and creativity. He did just that! In a very short time we had our final design back and it was everything we had hoped for and more. Carl was prompt and communicated with us very well. He was extremely easy to work with and since then I have recommended him to many clients of mine!
Danica Hauser
Carl supported me and my team at Starbucks with a large scale project over the course of 2+ years. His team performed surveys, design drawings, permitting, and Smart-Sheets data management for over 5000 retail locations. During the project, Carl displayed great talents in technical applications, such as Smartsheets and several other data visualization tools. When we first met, I was immediately impressed with his design, organization, technical skills and knowledge of my companies interior layouts, but during the time worked together, his understanding of data analysis and the tools of the trade allowed my team to track the status of thousands of projects with the added ability of instant reporting. With the complexity of any large scale rollout, Carl ensured our data was properly formatted so that it could be effectively analyzed and visualized. Carl was a joy to work with because of his amazingly positive attitude and eagerness to stick tightly to deadlines. His can-do attitude and team-building skills were also necessary and valued not just by myself, but by my peers, who often relied on him and his team to get the impossible done. Carl brings the kind of skills and experiences you’re looking for in a seasoned professional. Rarely do you come across someone talented at both big picture ideas and executing the small details — Carl is just that person. He pitches plans to clients and then manages the client relationship from ideation through execution while building strong relationships, and ensuring successful programs. Thanks, Danica Hauser Program Manager Starbucks Coffee Co
Paul Spieckerman
As a general contractor, our ability to perform successfully on any project is defined by the preconstruction process. Our team had the opportunity to work with Carl and his team on a initiative for a major National Brand. This initiative involved 6,500 plus locations across the U.S. and our team was responsible for 2,000 plus locations. When a contractor is orchestrating this volume of work in the time frames required, the information provided has to be accurate and timely. Through the use of 360 technology, Carl's team delivered scope of work documents consistently throughout the duration of the program. Stores were surveyed timely, design changes were made immediately, and the communication between all stakeholders was top notch. Roll-outs of this nature require strong leadership and Carl delivered throughout the execution of the program. He always made himself available to ensure all parties had what they needed to successfully deploy their teams. On a personal note, I have worked with Carl on a few initiatives through the course of my career and the experience has always been a pleasure. Timely communication and the ability to collaborate with various subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers requires an organized professional who can perform under pressure on a consistent basis. Carl is a true professional and an example of what is required to deliver at the highest level.
Jenn Miller
My husband and I hired Carl to design an addition for our home. We had a general idea of what we wanted to do but needed Carl to fill in the blanks with his expertise and creativity. He did just that! In a very short time we had our final design back and it was everything we had hoped for and more. Carl was prompt and communicated with us very well. He was extremely easy to work with and since then I have recommended him to many clients of mine!
Credentials
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NCARB IDBP Certification
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)Jan, 2002- Nov, 2024
Experience
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visual
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United States
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Architecture and Planning
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1 - 100 Employee
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Chief Visionary Officer
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Jan 2021 - Present
@Frankbuh and Carl were working in the design and construction niche that served a specific segment of corporate America when the world shut down in 2020. Their architecture firm, which represented the biggest coffee chain in the world, had managed thousands of projects across North America with a custom process they had designed and developed for the chain. However, when their work came to a screeching halt, they found themselves without a job. During those challenging times, they began to research how their diverse set of skills, perspectives, and experiences could be applied to other niches of the design and construction industry. They soon realized that the single family residential market was the perfect fit. Both Frank and Carl have deep experience in residential projects not only from the design and construction side but also as homeowners themselves. Carl can share all the lessons he learned while doing a major renovation and addition of his home during lockdown with his family of five doing school and work from home while the contractors pounded away for months. It was a challenging experience that tested everyone's patience. From all these experiences, they identified many problems in the residential market that didn't exist or were not as deep of a problem in the corporate world they came from. They spent nearly two years building back end process, outlining what they believe can bring some order to the chaos. They recognized the frustration that homeowners experience during remodeling projects. It costs too much, takes too long, and is confusing and frustrating. Simply put, it's no fun. That's the big problem they aim to solve: make it fun for everyone involved, including themselves and the team they work with. They achieve this by helping educate and navigate homeowners through a simple 4 step process that alleviates their frustration and makes the remodeling experience enjoyable for all. Show less
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PM Design Group, Inc.
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United States
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Architecture and Planning
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Project Manager
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Aug 2014 - Jan 2021
Direct planning/implementation activities for this full-service architectural and engineering firm serving clients in the Restaurant, Retail, Banking, Pharmacy, Fuel, Shopping Center, and Grocery/Convenience Store verticals. Serve as key liaison to client construction and real estate leaders, partnering with them in the construction/remodeling of facilities throughout North America—in addition to providing ancillary services in the areas of surveying, permitting, engineering, and regulatory compliance. • Manage delivery of over 20,000 projects, simultaneously, ensuring the crews, supplies, and planning documents are in place to ensure on-time, on-budget completion • Lead ongoing business development, account management, and deal negotiation activities with potential customers • Own the relationship with the company’s largest client, Starbucks, working with Director-level leaders at the organization to coordinate thousands of annual construction and equipment installation projects • Hire, mentor, and lead teams of 20-50 cross-functional staff (e.g. project managers, job captains, drafters, architects, engineers, contractors, subcontractors) in performing all project-related operations • Lead the Survey and Development Services division of the company, utilizing state-of-the-art laser measuring systems to analyze client stores/facilities • Developed and launched a new cloud-based system to take the company’s project management capabilities to the next level, greatly improving collaboration and transparency in scheduling, quality control, and expense tracking • Collaborated with ownership team on developing an appropriate response to the COVID-19 crisis, engaging in various cost-cutting methods to preserve corporate cash flow Show less
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Stantec
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Canada
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Design Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Project Manager
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Sep 2010 - Aug 2014
Rejoined the company in a PM role, supervising teams of up to 50 staff/subcontractors, as well as various outside vendors and specialized tradespeople. Primary focus of the role was supporting the high-profile rebranding of all McDonalds in Canada, redesigning and remodeling 200+ stores, inside and out, throughout BC, AB, SK, and MB. • Spent almost three years successfully completing the re-imaging program, supervising teams in 6 major cities across four Canadian provinces and coordinating with production teams in both the Redmond and NorCal office Show less
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Northwest Home Design Studio
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Greater Seattle Area
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President - Architectural & Remodeling Consultancy
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Oct 2008 - Oct 2010
Launched independent architecture/remodeling business as a means of generating income and keeping skills sharp during the 2008 market crash and recession. Worked with a diverse range of small clients, helping them with various architecture needs and leveraging a passion for revitalizing and adding value to peoples’ homes. • Prepared designs and construction drawings for clients to support small-to-large-scale home remodels. • Built exceptional relationships with clients, ensuring their satisfaction and generating frequent referral business • Successfully weathered the market downturn, demonstrating resiliency and acquiring various new business skills Show less
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CA | James
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Greater Seattle Area
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Project Engineer and Designer
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Jun 2007 - Sep 2008
Sharpened skills in the engineering and construction area by taking on a role with CA James, a general contractor specializing in the completion of residential, multifamily and light commercial projects. • Engaged in bidding and contract negotiation activities with clients, in addition to providing in-house design services • Managed office operations, ordered materials, and scheduled/deployed construction crews and subcontractors • Provided direct hands-on support on construction projects, as needed, during team shortages and absences—gaining an in-depth understanding of construction-side activities and project-related GC perspectives/challenges Show less
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Stantec
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Canada
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Design Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Project Coordinator
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Mar 2005 - Jun 2007
Team lead for one of the company’s clients, a national drug store corporation building new locations in the Northwest. Prepared due diligence on prospective sites for the corporation. When sites were approved, followed project through the entire process from planning to final occupancy. Was part of the team that developed CAD program to make the production for this client more effective and was in turn used for other clients within the company. Team lead for one of the company’s clients, a national drug store corporation building new locations in the Northwest. Prepared due diligence on prospective sites for the corporation. When sites were approved, followed project through the entire process from planning to final occupancy. Was part of the team that developed CAD program to make the production for this client more effective and was in turn used for other clients within the company.
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US Army
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United States
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Armed Forces
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700 & Above Employee
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Force Protection
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Feb 2004 - Feb 2005
Took sabbatical from professional career track to serve the country; received activation from the Washington National Guard and traveled to provide force protection at various U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Took sabbatical from professional career track to serve the country; received activation from the Washington National Guard and traveled to provide force protection at various U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
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The Architecture Group
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Greater Seattle Area
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Project Coordinator
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Feb 2000 - Jan 2004
Recruited to take on a more senior project management role overseeing an enormous range of responsibilities under intensive deadlines—including site visits, schematic design, design development, permit and construction document preparation, construction management, and client relations management. • Helped develop RFP responses/presentations to clients to share ideas, close deals, and obtain final design approval • Managed construction of 100+ projects of various types—including light commercial, residential, and mixed-use • Oversaw two drafters and gained end-to-end experience from pre-design through construction management Show less
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Tom Herstad Building Design
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Greater Seattle Area
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Job Captain
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Mar 1995 - Jul 1999
Gained invaluable early-career experience working for an independent residential and light commercial architect, supervising a team of three draftsmen responsible for developing complete sets of working drawings for projects. • Gained extensive skills using AutoCAD to prepare plans from schematic design to construction drawings • Received mentoring from owner in design processes, architectural concepts, and effective business management • Interacted with clients to discuss their vision/requirements and help create customized building designs Show less
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Education
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Olympic College
General Studies -
2020 -
WiLD Leaders
Leadership Development Program
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