Austin O'Connell

Curious | Outdoor Explorer | DIY Enthusiast

"There is a wealth of knowledge here at Columbia, which enables me to constantly improve as a construction professional through daily collaboration. Columbia provides me with complex and interesting projects to work on, and it gives me great satisfaction knowing the work I am doing is making an impact."

Austin O'Connell

Estimator

Joined Columbia in 2026   

Austin joined the Preconstruction team in 2026, bringing experience across the academic, healthcare, and retail sectors. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from UMass Dartmouth and has long been fascinated by the design and construction of complex projects. As an Estimator, he partners with clients, architects, and trade partners to evaluate costs, develop accurate budgets, and provide financial insights that help drive project success. He enjoys the variety that preconstruction offers and the opportunity to collaborate with diverse project teams. Most rewarding to him is following a project from its earliest planning stages through construction and seeing the vision become a reality.

Outside of work, Austin enjoys tackling projects around his home and takes great satisfaction in learning new skills and completing projects himself. In the summer, he can often be found at his local pond swimming or paddleboarding, while the winter months are spent snowboarding and ice skating. He also maintains a shrimp tank, a unique hobby that reflects his patience and attention to detail. At the top of his bucket list is a trip to New Zealand, a destination he has always hoped to explore - once he works up the courage for the long flight.