Builders at Heart: Christine Bauk

This article is part of our Builders at Heart series, where we highlight the passions and backgrounds of the Clark team – the things that shape us – that allow us to tackle challenges head-on, solve complex problems, and build what matters.

Meet Christine Bauk, a superintendent with Clark Technologies currently working on a data center project in Virginia, as she tells us about her background and what inspired her to become a builder.

Tell us about your background.

I am from Leonardtown, a small town in Southern Maryland. I have three older siblings and am very close with my family. I attended the University of Virginia, where I received a degree in architecture. 

What led you to pursue a career in the construction industry? Did any early experiences influence your career path?

Growing up, I always enjoyed math and art classes and thought that architecture would be a good way to use those interests in a career. At a campus recruiting fair, I met the Clark team at their booth and was impressed by their work! After architecture school, I felt like I knew a lot about designing buildings, but I didn't fully understand how they were actually built. I have learned so much about the construction industry while working at Clark, and I love the building process!

What type of project are you currently working on? 

I currently work with Clark Technologies on a data center campus in Virginia. I am the superintendent managing the fit-out of two of the four buildings on the 57-acre campus. 

Why is Clark Technologies and its expertise important? 

Clark Technologies is building mission critical work to support our growing reliance on the internet and AI. We rely on data centers whenever we use our phones, email, or watch Netflix. Clark builds a lot of projects that are one-of-a-kind in design and construction. Data centers are unique because we build iterations of the same building multiple times, allowing us to become experts on the building type and directly apply what we learn to improve more and more as we build again and again. 

What do you like most about working at Clark?

I love the people I work with. The trade partners and Clark team bring many different perspectives and experiences to our projects, making every day different.

What are you most proud of accomplishing?

I am most proud of the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC. That was the first job I worked on from start to finish, and during that time, I grew from a project engineer to assistant superintendent to superintendent. It was one of the most complex jobs Clark has ever built, and working with veteran team members and tenured field leaders, I got to be a part of figuring out the puzzle pieces needed to take an existing building apart surgically and put it back together. It was so rewarding to see people enjoying the spaces I had worked so hard to bring to life. I am also so proud of the teamwork it took to make that project a success. That level of complexity was only possible with Clark and our trade contractors working as closely as we did.

I got to be a part of figuring out the puzzle pieces needed to take an existing building apart surgically and put it back together. It was so rewarding to see people enjoying the spaces I had worked so hard to bring to life.

What advice do you have for someone looking to start a career in construction?

Don’t be afraid to try new things! Whether you are building hospitals, schools, or data centers, every project is different, and you have to be ready to dive in and learn something new.

Why are you a builder?

I am a builder because I love the hands-on problem-solving nature of our work. I love seeing the physical results of my work grow and develop in the field every day. •