Employee Spotlight:
Kyle Kawar
Exceptional people build a great business; as a service-based consultancy, our people are our brand. This month, OCMI features Kyle Kawar, a Senior Cost Manager in our Irvine/Riverside offices. Kyle is competent and knowledgeable in all aspects of cost estimating, having worked on a wide range of construction projects, including both ground-up and renovation projects, at all levels of estimating (conceptual through construction documents), and across various types of construction (K-12 and higher education, civic, athletics, and infrastructure). In recent years, he has led and focused on several military and air force base lodging facilities projects across the US. His adaptability to take on new challenges is second to none. Follow below to learn more about Kyle!
“Consistency is key to long-term success. Staying consistent with producing great quantity and quality work is what marked my success at OCMI.”
Q: How has your role evolved since you joined the team?
A: I earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and began my career as a site engineer overseas, managing on-site construction activities. In 2015, I joined OCMI as an Estimator 1 after meeting our CEO, Ciaran O’Connor, and quickly advanced from performing takeoffs under supervision to leading full MEP estimates across California. Ten years later, I’ve grown into a Senior Cost Manager, overseeing a team of estimators, mentoring colleagues, and engaging with clients while continuing the core estimating work that started my journey.
Q: With positive economic growth in the Inland Empire, how have you seen your community change in recent years?
A: The COVID pandemic was a major turning point for the Inland Empire. Having lived here for nearly a decade, I’ve seen rapid population growth as people moved from Orange County and Los Angeles seeking more affordable housing and space while working remotely. Low interest rates at the time and lower real estate costs fueled a real estate boom—home prices nearly doubled. This growth sparked widespread construction activity across all sectors, including education, healthcare, hospitality, civic, and infrastructure projects. The Inland Empire has since become a key area of focus with strong, ongoing opportunities for development and investment.
Q: What do you enjoy most about working at OCMI?
A: I enjoy working at OCMI for its relaxed, family-oriented, and mostly stress-free environment, where every day offers opportunities to learn and contribute. The company provides flexible hours, a supportive and collaborative team of top construction professionals, and invests in staff development through mentoring, education, and professional certification support. I also value the strong team culture and traditions, including Halloween costume contests, company-paid lunches, an annual pool tournament, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and the festive holiday party, all of which make OCMI a unique and engaging place to work.
Q: Who are some of your biggest influences?
A: Personally, I’m inspired by my mother, a hardworking and successful woman, and my wife, who transitioned from banking to serving the community as a social services practitioner for Riverside County. Professionally, I look up to my OCMI colleagues for their expertise and support, especially John Mauk, our Senior Vice President and my supervisor, whose 25+ years of experience in estimating and construction make him an exceptional mentor.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I enjoy soccer, working out, hiking, and, most recently, cycling—a passion sparked by commuting by bike for nearly five years. Over time, I upgraded from an entry-level bike to high-end professional-level gear, even building my own “dream bike” this year. Between 2018-2021, I participated in several local cycling events and races, enjoying the experience more than the competition.
