Focused on Community: Q&A with Lindsey Jackson

Tell me about your career arc and what led you to Gray? 

I was studying interior architecture construction management at Washington State University and learned about an internship opportunity with Gray near my hometown in Southern California. I had the absolute best experience and got to do so many things that most interns don’t get to do. I was able to go to job sites, produce drawings, and be out in the field. After I went back to school and finished my last semester, I was offered a full-time position as architectural technician at the Gray Southwest office. 

Describe your normal workday or your “day in the life.”   

It can vary quite a bit. If I’m on the jobsite, I could be assisting the site team with RFIs and submittals. When I’m in the office, I work on gaining permit approvals with the city, coordinating with our project engineers on construction documents, and ensuring our architectural models align with our consultant’s models. 

What do you enjoy most about working at Gray? 

The thing I enjoy most about working at Gray is the people. I love everyone that I’ve worked with, and although I’ve been with Gray my whole professional career, I have friends who tell me how much they wish their companies had Gray’s culture. The people here really care about you, and I know any of my co-workers will be there for me if I need help or support.

What’s been your most memorable experience since joining Gray? 

My first visit to a jobsite as a full-time employee was a very memorable experience. There were several people looking at the drawings and discussing the design, and I just thought it was so cool watching my drawings come to life as an actual building. 

What do you think sets Gray apart from other service providers in the industry? 

The way we really care about our people is what makes Gray special. Every company says that they care about their customers and their team members, but at Gray, it’s genuine. There’s a reason I like coming to work every day and have stayed here for my entire career. Team members care about each other and the communities where we live and work through philanthropy and charitable giving. 

What does philanthropy mean to you? 

I have been involved in my community since I was very young in Girl Scouts. I continued to be engaged in philanthropy as I grew older, volunteering with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. I really appreciate how Gray partners with local organizations to make a difference in the communities where we live and work. The Southwest office has partnered with a local women’s shelter and a child advocacy center, among other organizations, and I feel we’ve made a positive impact in our community through those volunteer opportunities.  

In one word or phrase, how would you describe Gray?   

Committed. Committed to the people and committed to producing great projects.

What’s the most valuable advice you’ve ever been given? 

Someone at Gray once told me: “Rest at the end, not in the middle.” I really liked that piece of advice, because it reminded me to not only push through but to then take time after completing the project to enjoy and celebrate my accomplishments. 

If someone was visiting the Gray Southwest office, what activities should they do? 

I would say you have to go to Newport Beach and rent a Duffy electric boat. Bring some food and go with a group out on the water for a few hours. It’s really fun! 

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I’m a huge hockey lover and a diehard LA Kings fan. My grandpa has been a season ticket holder since the 1990s. I was there when they won their first and second Stanley Cup—I even got to touch the Stanley Cup once. I remember my dad taking us to the Kings practices and the players signing autographs on my hat and other memorabilia. My parents have season tickets now and will often give me tickets when they can’t make it, so I still attend around 10 games every season.