Constructing Dignity: A Summer of Service in Costa Rica

As a student with a growing passion for construction—particularly in healthcare infrastructure. Last summer, my family and I departed San Antonio, Texas, for San José, Costa Rica, where we participated in a transformative service project through the volunteer organization Máximo Nivel. Our objective: to renovate a decades-old nursing facility into a space that could accommodate 23 additional residents with accessibility and dignity at its core.

Immersing in Costa Rican Culture

We arrived in Liberia and traveled to San José, where we were welcomed into the home of our hosts, Doña Flora Gonzalez and her husband. Over plates of gallo pinto and stories steeped in local tradition, we were introduced to the phrase pura vida—"pure life"—a mindset that encapsulates the Costa Rican ethos of resilience, community, and balance.

Orientation at the Máximo Nivel campus included a Spanish language assessment and cultural briefing, which emphasized the value of interpersonal warmth and a relaxed attitude toward time. We embraced this cultural shift fully as we began our work, traveling daily by the ever-delayed yet spirited public buses of San José.

Assessing the Facility: Opportunity Amidst Obsolescence

The nursing home, built in 1972, was structurally sound but visibly outdated. Security protocols at the entrance underscored the level of care and protection extended to the residents. Led by our foreman, Señor Oscar, we surveyed the space. Some areas required full demolition—outdated tile, dilapidated walls—while others needed deep cleaning and cosmetic updates. Despite the challenges, the potential for transformation was clear.

Costa Rica's strong legal stance on elder protection—punishable offenses for elder abuse—deeply resonated with my parents, both physicians. Their familiarity with Texas medical protocols, including extensive training on elder abuse detection, found an echo in Costa Rica’s cultural respect for its aging population.

Demolition and Reconstruction: Engineering Accessibility

With safety as a priority, we arrived each day equipped with personal protective gear and the tools of the trade: jackhammers, sledgehammers, extension cords, and determination. We erected dust barriers, shut off utilities, and carefully preserved existing plumbing and electrical systems. Each swing of the hammer dismantled physical obstructions, but more importantly, paved the way for accessibility.

Guided by ADA standards and Costa Rica’s Law 7600, we restructured the facility with accessibility at the forefront:

• Doorways: Expanded to a minimum width of 32 inches for wheelchair compatibility

• Thresholds: Made flush to eliminate tripping hazards

• Bathrooms: Outfitted with ADA-compliant grab bars, lowered sinks, and appropriate clearance for mobility devices

• Common Areas: Installed slip-resistant flooring, assistive seating, and wide corridors to foster both movement and interaction

Moisture-resistant drywall, sanded subfloors, and two coats of commercial-grade paint ensured durability and hygiene. These updates were not merely technical enhancements—they represented restored agency for the residents.

Bridging Medicine and Architecture

While we worked on the building, my parents provided medical consultations alongside the nursing staff, helping evaluate treatment plans and resident care needs. This intersection of physical space and patient wellbeing underscored a key lesson for me: healthcare infrastructure is not just about walls and wiring; it is about creating environments conducive to healing.

Lessons in Design and Humanity

From the cultural richness of our host family to the bustling local parks and slow-paced daily rhythms, Costa Rica emphasized human connection over precision timing. This journey taught me:

1. Regulations Preserve Dignity: Whether it’s NFPA 101’s mandate for 8-foot hospital corridors or Law 7600’s call for barrier-free design, codes exist to protect lives.

2. Space is a Silent Caregiver: Accessible hallways, well-placed grab bars, and smooth flooring aren’t just specs—they’re enablers of autonomy.

3. Construction Must Serve People: Buildings are not merely structures; they are frameworks for living and healing.

Vision Forward: A Career in Healthcare Construction

At Bietz Development, our mission is to create spaces that prioritize both functionality and human dignity. This Costa Rican experience validated my aspiration to pursue a career in construction science with a specialization in healthcare environments. From Texas’s 25 Administrative Code §133 to international standards like ADA and Law 7600, thoughtful design ensures safety, accessibility, and respect.

Retrofitting the nursing home taught me that rehabilitation projects are not simply cost-effective solutions—they are exercises in empathy and technical precision. In the future, I aim to design and build healthcare facilities that meet the highest codes and standards, ensuring that every patient and provider experiences both safety and respect.

Our work in San José ended with paint-streaked clothes, aching limbs, and the knowledge that our efforts contributed to something lasting. The nursing home now stands ready to welcome new residents, and I return with a renewed commitment to build spaces that heal—one accessible entrance at a time.

Interested in making your next project both structurally sound and socially impactful? Reach out to us at bietz.development@gmail.com  . Let’s build something that lasts.

My First Week as an Intern at Malitz Construction, Inc.

From Office Tasks to Construction Tech: A Look Inside My Internship Journey

In my first week as a paid intern at Malitz Construction, Inc. in San Antonio, Texas, I quickly transitioned from administrative support to hands-on construction tech. From organizing compliance documents to learning Viewpoint and Trimble Pay, here’s a day-by-day look into what I accomplished and learned on the job.

Day 1: Taking Initiative with Administrative Work

My internship began with a task many wouldn’t rush to do: creating a detailed Christmas card list. It was originally projected to take two days—but I completed it in just six hours. I saw a chance to take initiative and jumped on it.

Afterward, I pivoted to organizing critical company documents for my supervisors. Though these tasks were behind-the-scenes, I quickly learned how important organizational work is in keeping projects and communication flowing efficiently.

Day 2: Diving into Construction Software

On my second day, I shifted gears and entered the technical side of the construction world. I was introduced to two platforms central to company operations: Viewpoint and Trimble Pay.

I began by checking vendor compliance—making sure required documentation was accurate and up to date. Although I ran into a few tech hiccups, I handled them calmly and stayed focused. I also reorganized files by job number, helping streamline access to key information and saving valuable time for the team.

Day 3: Strengthening My Compliance Skills

By midweek, I was deep into compliance work and gaining confidence. I focused on mastering Viewpoint and Trimble Pay, becoming more efficient with each hour.

I refined how I approached vendor documentation, learning what to look for and how to verify it accurately. It was satisfying to see how this behind-the-scenes work impacts real construction outcomes—ensuring teams get paid, vendors stay on track, and projects move forward without delay.

Day 4: Wrapping Up and Reflecting on Growth

On Thursday, I completed my compliance project. What had seemed complex on Day 2 now felt second nature. I could navigate both platforms smoothly and independently, which felt like a major win in just my first week.

Finishing this task reinforced the value of learning by doing—and reminded me that growth can happen fast when you're willing to ask questions and stay curious.

Final Thoughts: What I Learned in Week One

From clerical duties to construction software, my first week at Malitz Construction, Inc. was packed with learning and hands-on contributions. I learned that even the smallest tasks have value when they support a larger mission—and that initiative and adaptability are key in this industry.

I’m proud of what I accomplished in four short days and even more excited for the weeks ahead.

Want to keep up with my internship journey?

Stay tuned for next week’s update as I take on new challenges in the construction world—from job site visits to budgeting tools and beyond.

What I'm Currently Working On: 

The Texas Ramps Project

  One of the most meaningful volunteer activities I participate in is working with the Texas Ramp Project. This organization builds wheelchair ramps for people with disabilities and older adults who have difficulty entering and leaving their homes safely.

  I first became involved because I wanted to use my interest in construction to help people in my community. Through the Texas Ramp Project, I have had the opportunity to work alongside skilled volunteers to build ramps that provide accessibility and independence for those who need it most.

  What makes this experience special is seeing the impact a simple ramp can have on someone's life. Many of the homeowners we help struggle with stairs every day. Once the ramp is completed, they can safely leave their homes, attend appointments, visit family, and enjoy greater freedom. Seeing their smiles and gratitude reminds me that construction is about more than building structures—it is about helping people.

  Working on these projects has taught me valuable skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and the importance of serving others. It has also given me a greater appreciation for accessibility and the challenges that many people face every day.

  As someone interested in construction and community service, the Texas Ramp Project has shown me how these two passions can come together to make a real difference. Every ramp we build is more than just wood and screws; it is a pathway to independence and a reminder that even small acts of service can have a lasting impact.

  I am grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with the Texas Ramp Project and look forward to continuing to help make homes more accessible for people throughout our community.

Building My Future at Texas A&M Camp ARCH

When I first arrived at Texas A&M's Camp ARCH, I knew I was excited to learn more about construction. By the end of the week, I left with something much greater: a clearer vision of the career I hope to pursue and a deeper appreciation for the people who make the built environment possible.

Camp ARCH introduced me to construction science through hands-on experiences that extended far beyond the classroom. Throughout the week, we visited two major construction projects where industry professionals explained how planning, communication, and teamwork transform an idea into a completed structure. Walking active job sites gave me a new appreciation for the level of coordination required to keep projects moving safely and efficiently.

One of my favorite experiences was working with my team to build a model garden shed. Every measurement and every decision required collaboration. We quickly learned that successful construction depends just as much on communication and problem-solving as it does on technical skills.

Beyond the project itself, we learned how estimators develop project costs, why safety is the foundation of every job site, and how sustainable building practices continue to shape the future of the construction industry. These lessons connected many of the concepts I have explored through my construction internship and volunteer work with Texas Ramps.

Throughout the week, I made a point to ask questions during presentations and conversations with professors, construction professionals, and Texas A&M students. Every discussion strengthened my understanding of the field and reinforced my desire to pursue Construction Science in college.

At the end of camp, my group presented everything we had learned. I enjoyed helping organize our presentation into a clear story that reflected each teammate's contributions and highlighted our growth throughout the week. Watching our team confidently present reminded me that communication is just as important as technical knowledge in the construction industry.

Camp ARCH confirmed that construction is about much more than buildings. It is about improving communities, solving problems, and creating opportunities that last for generations.

I am incredibly grateful to Texas A&M University, the faculty, and the professionals who invested their time in teaching us. The experience strengthened my passion for construction science and motivated me to continue pursuing opportunities that will allow me to build a better future for others.