Meet Metropolis . . . Tina Duran, Dedicated to Details

This article continues our series on the men and women who make magic happen here at Metropolis Group. If you would like to recommend someone for a future employee spotlight, please email us with your nomination and let us know why you love working with this team member.

Tina Duran

Filing Representative

Metropolis Team Member Since . . .

April 2007

Industry Experience

Tina joined the construction industry as an expediter in 2004. At the time, she was working as a supervisor in retail clothing. One of her regular customers was married to the owner of an expediting firm. After nine years in retail, she was intrigued by the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the construction industry.

Immediately, Tina knew she had made the right move. “I knew this was what I wanted to do,” she recalls. “I enjoyed the work and the people—my clients, my co-workers, the people at the Building Department. It’s about building relationships.” Her customer service skills, honed during her retail career, served her well in her role as a liaison between the project team and the Department of Buildings (DOB).

After four years, she had learned a lot and wanted to advance her career further. She turned to Metropolis Group.

Role at Metropolis

Tina describes herself as the “boots on the ground,” working directly with the city agencies. She prepares the filing packages for submission and meets with plan examiners, making sure they have everything they need. During the craziness caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, her role has become more crucial, as Tina continues to serve as an intermediary for tasks that can’t take place virtually.

“Tina’s dedication to Metropolis is only surpassed by her dedication to her craft,” says Senior Vice President Andrew Pisani. “She is a professional in all aspects of the job and respected by the DOB personnel she interacts with on a daily basis.”

Director of Project Management Bruno Caligara echoed Pisani’s sentiments. “Tina shows true professionalism, which reflects on Metropolis as a whole. She is a valuable member of the Metropolis family.”

Favorite Project

Like a doting mother, Tina can’t single out a favorite among the many projects she’s shepherded through completion during the past thirteen years. “I’m really into my work, and I like all the projects,” she says. “I get really excited when I get a project approved and can deliver permits so clients can do the work.”

Best Part of the Job

Tina’s love of details makes her a natural fit for her position. “My favorite part of the job is checking all the paperwork, making sure that everything is correct, and putting it all together,” she says. “I enjoy going down to the DOB and submitting a solid package.”

Little-Known Fact

In her spare time, Tina enjoys going to the gym several times a week—a habit she’s maintained her entire life. Exercise keeps her in shape and allows her to blow off steam. “I do a little bit of everything—cardio, weights—to keep it exciting.”