Awards and Testimonials
Testimonials
Our team had the privilege working alongside James on a major construction project throughout 2022-2024. His clear communication coupled with his extensive construction experience and adaptive leadership skills ensured a seamless project execution. James would be an asset in any major construction project.
- Craig Chequis, President, Chapman Mechanical Ltd.
“I had the privilege of working closely with James as our Project Manager at the Mackenzie Village Developments in Revelstoke BC and I can confidently say that he is a true standout in his field. James had an unwavering commitment to safety and continuously provided valuable input on safety initiatives for our Health & Safety program. His support was paramount for our 2+ year project to close out without a single lost time incident occurring. As a safety professional it was truly reassuring to know that under James’s leadership, safety was always a top priority.
Beyond his diligence for safety, James’s approachability and innovative thinking were effective in bringing a level of cohesiveness for our project team that I have rarely seen in my 20 years of construction. Expectations were clearly communicated, followed up with and support was always provided along the way. James set a tone that provided a collaborative and a creative solutions-based approach to all the unexpected challenges that came with building a large development in a small and remote location. I personally look forward to the opportunity to work with James for many years to come.”
- Tyler Jones, NCSO, Safety Solutions Specialist, Chandos Construction Ltd.
“The TransLink Bike Parkades project involved the construction of five structural steel-framed, glazed enclosed bike parkades at four municipalities across the Lower Mainland.
James Zago and Kyle Casey from Bird were great team players and presented themselves in the highest professional manner. Throughout the construction process, the team worked in a highly collaborative manner and were very organized.
I would not hesitate to recommend Bird as a contractor. I look forward to the opportunity to work with them again on future projects.”
-Basil Aljanaby, Project Manager, Binnie, TransLink Consultant
“Bird Construction was the GC on the Surrey Transit Centre Project for TransLink from 2016-2018. As the Project Manager for TransLink on that project, I dealt with Bird on a daily basis, and found them to be consistently professional and engaged throughout the project.
On a challenging project involving extensive renovations to an active maintenance facility, Bird’s measured approach through thoughtful planning ensured that the client’s needs were prioritized while balancing the need for productivity on the project. Their proactive and collaborative approach to resolving issues as they arose on site was essential to the success of the project.”
- Cormac Linehan, P. Eng, Project Manager, Core Project Management, TransLink consultant
“The Expo Line Re Roofing Project involved the scaffold access and reroofing of six stations and ten substations along the Skytrain Expo Line.
It was a great experience to work with the Bird team. From the onset of the project, Bird’s team members presented themselves in the highest professional manner and worked in a highly collaborative approach with our team throughout the construction process.
I have no hesitation in recommending Bird as a contractor and look forward to working with them again on future projects.”
- Chattan Manchanda, Project Manager, Core Project Management, TransLink Consultant
"James is one of the most on point people I know - very bright and always willing to help. His philanthropy efforts, both on and off campus, have continued to pay dividends in the community over the years. This rare mix of leadership and selflessness sets a great example for the rest of the team, and explains why everyone loves working with James. I have only optimistic predictions for his career trajectory."
Education Awards
Top Academic Award
Awarded by Psi Upsilon UBC in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015
The Francis C. Hardie, Omicron-Zeta 1918 Award
Awarded by the Psi Upsilon Foundation in May 2014
The Albert C. Jacobs, Phi 1921 Award
Awarded by the Psi Upsilon Foundation in May 2013
J. K. Zee Memorial Scholarship
Awarded by UBC Engineering in March 2013
The Jerome W. Brush, Jr, Delta Delta '39 Award
Awarded by the Psi Upsilon Foundation in May 2012
Trek Excellence Scholarship for Continuing Students
Awarded by UBC in 2010 and 2012
J Fred Muir Memorial Scholarship in Engineering
Awarded by UBC Engineering in December 2010
Governor General's Academic Medal
Awarded by The Governor General of Canada in June 2009
The University of Toronto National Book Award
Awarded by the University of Toronto in June 2009