The UTSA CACP’s Rising Star Distinguished Alumni are those who are demonstrating bright promise in the first decade of their professional lives. They show evidence of outstanding professional progression, such as licensure or position increase over time in any field, and evidence of service to their communities or professions. Originally from Houston, Casey Johnson is entirely a product of UTSA, having earned Bachelor of Architecture (’09) and Master of Architecture (’12) degrees here, in addition to a Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation. He is a Project Manager with Jacobs Engineering Group, and has past experience with Corgan Associates, MG Architects, The MightyGroup and SA Partnership. Casey’s recent projects include a STEM Teaching Laboratory and a College of Engineering Masterplan for Purdue University. He also worked on UT Austin’s EEB Teaching Laboratory and he is working on a proposal for Amazon’s HQ2 in Dallas. Casey is a registered architect in the State of Texas, NCARB certified, PMI certified, LEED.
On returning to UTSA for his graduate education and pursuing the Graduate Certificate in Historic Preservation:
While obtaining my undergraduate degree, I served as UTSA AIAS president. This provided a sneak-preview opportunity, as I collaborated with upper graduate students and professors. An easy choice to be made! I personally enjoy restoring historic projects and push others in the profession to get involved. UTSA has a great program that offers many opportunities that allow the students to get their hands dirty and jump right into preservation.
On working with Jacobs Engineering as a Project Manager:
Jacobs has more opportunities than I ever imagined. We have been challenged to elevate the architecture group as a top design firm, and we’re growing fast. Not to mention, we are hiring! Co-workers and mentors really helped throughout the licensing process. It’s not easy. Over time, I gained experience in multi-discipline management of ground-up projects ranging in size from $1 million to $4 billon in construction cost, including one of the world’s largest data center campuses. My responsibilities embrace development and management of projects through all phases of design, production, and construction. This includes fast-track scheduling, executing proposals, and collaborating with clients and achieving strategic business goals.
On recent or notable projects:
Since graduating UTSA, I have practiced a wide variety of project types including critical facilities for the Fortune Top 10, higher education, financial institutions, retail, corporate, historic restoration, and marketing design strategies. I’m currently managing a handful of projects for Purdue University, including a new STEM Teaching Lab Building that will provide 118,000 square feet of laboratory space for the College of Science.
His advice for current students:
Market yourself and lock down an internship. When you land that first job, start volunteering for work outside your day-to-day task. Become a sponge and soak it all in! And most of all… try to have a little fun doing it! Laughter and a great personally goes a very long way.
The UTSA CACP Distinguished Alumni Awards were introduced at the college’s 15-Year Celebration in Spring of 2017 and are now awarded annually as part of the CACP’s Scholarship Banquet each fall semester. Distinguished alumni are nominated by faculty, vetted through a faculty committee, and voted on by faculty.