CQAP = Certified Quality Assurance Practitioner

As I mentioned in an earlier post entitled, “When we build, let us think that we build forever,” last month I participated in a unique training program. OAC Management Incorporated’s founder and president, Erik Peterson, led a dozen of us through two days of intensive instruction in the methodology that he has developed to improve quality in the built environment. The methodology is known as Quality Assurance Observation.

I recently received word from OAC that I had passed the examination and am now a Certified Quality Assurance Practitioner, or CQAP. As OAC’s David Fjelstad states, designation as a CQAP is a step towards “bridging the gap between quality intent and quality delivered.” So what does this mean in practical terms? Based on the training I have received, I am able to assist project teams in implementing strategies that ensure quality assemblies. Unlike quality control, which is reactive, quality assurance is proactive. (See this blog post by OAC for more.)

Credit Where Due

While the certification is nice, it is only the icing on the cake. The true value, for me, came from the training sessions which were highly interactive. Erik Peterson’s true nature is as an educator, but the depth of knowledge and experience that my fellow trainees brought to the table elevated the experience well beyond my expectations. Collectively, I would estimate that the individuals attending the training have been responsible for billions of dollars worth of construction over the last several years. And they are implementing some of the most cutting edge approaches to successful project delivery that are possible. Everyone in the room had something of value to contribute that made this one of the most incredible learning opportunities I have experienced in recent years.

The picture that accompanies this post was taken at the conclusion of our training. Out of sincere respect for the amazing professionals that I learned with and from, I want to give credit for the contributions that these individuals made in my own understanding, as well as the contributions they have made to improving the built environment. Without further ado, here are their names (clockwise, starting in the back):

• Erik Peterson – OAC Management Incorporated
• Dann Coffey – Dann Coffey Photographics
• David Fjelstad – OAC Management Incorporated
• Matt Lewis – C.W. Contractors
• Todd Raper – GE Johnson
• Kevin Fone – GE Johnson
• Steve Hill – Steve Hill Construction Consulting (my father)
• Allan Arnason – GE Johnson
• Coleman Wise – R.A. Nelson
• Chandler Deimund – Davis Partnership Architects
• Eddy Cotton – OAC Management Incorporated
• Brian Hill – That’s Me!
• Leslie Peterson – OAC Management Incorporated (she was taking the picture)

Thanks again to the wonderful OAC family for providing an informative, inspirational and entirely enjoyable experience. I am grateful beyond words.