Karla Butler
CLIENT DELIVERABLE PROFESSIONAL
I am a Senior Technical Editor, Document Control, and Deliverables Specialist who collaborates with the project management team to deliver client submittals, provide technical editing, and document management services. I assist project engineers and task leads with client deliverables, technical editing, quality audits, and document all project-related design and construction information.
With over 20 years of experience in engineering, architectural design, and construction projects, I have managed, maintained, and archived electronic and hard copies of all project-related records in addition to information for capital improvement projects. As the Project Administrator, SharePoint Developer, and Communications Specialist, I manage user access, conduct training sessions, provide technical editing support, develop a project submittal matrix, maintain data collection files, retrieve as-builts and project files for the client and consultant team as requested.
I have assisted in the initial start-up of new projects by training project engineers, contractors, and consultants in the utilization of construction management software for retrieval and processing. Beyond my abilities in document controls, I have been tasked to serve as a Communications Specialist on project deliverables through writing, formatting, and editing technical reports for client submittals.
As an efficient, highly organized, and detail-oriented consultant, I apply my organizational and technical experience to all project tasks. In addition to Document Control/Data Management, I create client-specific writing style guides and project templates for technical report utilization and submittals. I continuously update and monitor the project status of documents on SharePoint in addition to compiling and organizing financial and technical data using Microsoft Excel to produce client reports.
Education
- BA in English Language and Literature from South Bank University, London.
- Diploma in French Literature and Culture from the Sorbonne University in Paris.
- Diploma from the Institut Catholique University in Paris for French Literature and World Cinema.
Certifications
SBE SMALL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CERTIFIED
MBE MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE CERTIFIED
OMWBE OFFICE OF MINORITY WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESS CERTIFIED
WASHINGTON STATE LICENSED NOTARY PUBLIC
Mission
Document control is the conduit between the consultant and the client. Ensuring that all project information is kept in safe hands and that files are stored efficiently from the inception of a project to archiving it for future reference. Safeguarding material and maintaining a high caliber of submittals that will benefit both the consultant’s reputation and the client (agency’s) reputation.
Why Is Document Control Needed?
For a successful project, you need a well-organized document process to track submittals, the review process, and design concurrence. Keeping track of contractual documents and ensuring that they are well maintained helps a project to run smoothly.
How can effective document control mitigate legal risks?
A person with good documentation wins the best arguments. They can ensure claim avoidance and project resolution. A document controller can retrieve any information, with the knowledge that all design issues and decisions have been tracked effectively during and after the project. The client can be assured that their project is in safe hands.
What are uncontrolled Documents?
Uncontrolled documents are not tracked through a document control process. If certain design decisions are made without the knowledge of the management team, or if reports have not undergone a team quality check, there could be content that could be damaging to the project. Streamlining the information means that both the design consultant and client are both in concurrence on design issues. A document control specialist will keep track of any design issues that could come up later on in the life of a project. Good documentation enables transparency, transparency mitigates risk.
How easy is it for a document controller to set up a project site?
A document controller will meet with both the consultant and client to come up with an efficient file system. The objective is to set up a project database that is easy for the team to navigate. Thousands of files are stored on project sites and it is necessary that they are organized so that they can be easily retrieved for future use.
“Karla is a joy to work with. Her thoroughness and attention to detail enable the team to do their work with the confidence that the organization and control of project documents and files are well in hand. She’s unflappable and brings lightness and good humor to her work.”