Pat Guichet, NCIDQ # 017861 | Senior Planning, Design & Construction Project Manager

Organization: SSM Health 

Sector:  Healthcare

Can you briefly help us understand your current role? In my current role I oversee capital construction projects from conception through completion. I’m responsible for managing budgets, schedules, and teams of architects, engineers, and contractors. I work closely with stakeholders to ensure each project aligns with organizational goals, regulatory requirements, and user needs. My focus is on delivering high-quality, cost-effective facilities that support long-term operational success

What three words best describe you?  Innovative –resilient – experienced 

How did you get into project management?  I started my career as an in-house interior designer, where I was involved in the planning and aesthetics of our spaces. Over time, I found myself stepping into more of a leadership role—coordinating with contractors, managing timelines, budgets, and ensuring the design vision was executed effectively. That led me into project management, where I could combine my eye for detail with big-picture thinking to deliver functional, beautiful spaces in healthcare environments.  

What has been the most exciting project you've worked on?  One of my favorite projects was my first ground-up medical office build in Ferguson, my childhood community. It was a rewarding experience for several reasons: I had the opportunity to work with a great team, we successfully navigated some significant budget challenges, we created standards for pediatric spaces, and the project had a meaningful and lasting impact on the North County community. Being part of something that contributed to improving access to healthcare in that area made it especially fulfilling

How has project management been important to your organization?  In healthcare, project management is essential to delivering facilities that support patient care, safety, and evolving clinical needs. Effective project management ensures that planning, design, and construction align with regulatory standards, operational workflows, and future adaptability—all while staying on time and within budget. It’s about creating spaces that not only function efficiently but also enhance the patient and staff experience.

What is the single most crucial skill you look for in a project manager?   The most crucial skill I look for in a project manager is the ability to communicate effectively. Clear, consistent communication keeps teams aligned, builds trust with stakeholders, and prevents small issues from becoming major problems. It’s the foundation for successful project outcomes.

What is the best project management punchline you've heard?  I have always said that good design starts with a purpose, and function follows.  

What historical project do you wish you could have worked on?   If I could have worked on a historical project, I would have chosen to be part of the rebuilding team of Notre Dame Cathedral after the fire. As a person of faith, that project holds deep spiritual and cultural significance. The opportunity to contribute to restoring such an iconic and sacred place—one that has inspired people for centuries, including myself, would have been both humbling and profoundly meaningful. 

What is most rewarding about projects?  What I find most rewarding about leading and working on design and construction projects is the ability to bring a vision to life, transforming ideas and needs into functional, well-designed spaces. I enjoy guiding a project from concept through completion, collaborating with diverse teams, solving complex challenges, and seeing how the finished product positively impacts the people who use it. There’s a deep satisfaction in knowing that my work contributes to creating environments that serve a purpose and stand the test of time.

What is one fun fact we should know about you?  Fun fact about me: I love to create. I have a small vegetable garden, I’ve made a few quilts, and I enjoy painting and photography. My artwork has been displayed in various facilities throughout the St. Louis and Illinois region, and some of my photographs were even featured on the cover of Healthcare Design magazine, a national publication. Creativity is a big part of who I am—both personally and professionally.