Celebrating Growth at Entuitive: Dana Bonner's Career Journey

Every career journey is unique, and Dana Bonner’s path is no exception. As a Contract Administrator at Entuitive, she’s contributing to some of our most exciting projects, including the country’s most complex historic restoration in Centre Block. Today, we’re excited to share her story and the impact she’s making. Dana, thanks for chatting with us! Can you tell us a bit about your role and how you first joined Entuitive?  Absolutely! I joined Entuitive in August 2023 as a Contract Administrator, after working with a major contractor on projects like the Kingston Third Crossing bridge, Ottawa LRT, and the 417 Rapid Bridge replacements. I wanted to experience the consulting side of the industry, and I’ve been able to do just that, while also getting hands-on with design work. It’s been two years, but it feels like I just started! What does a typical day look like for you as a Contract Administrator?

Honestly, there’s no such thing as a typical day. Some days I’m on site, witnessing operations like jacking at Centre Block; other days, I’m in the office working on modeling or design. Sometimes, it’s a mix of both—inspections in the morning, design work in the afternoon. I always have my PPE and laptop ready, because you never know what the day will bring.

Team site visit at Centre Block.

Do you have a standout moment from working on site? 

One of the most rewarding moments was seeing a design I worked on come to life. The first time this happened for me was on the Les Terrasses de la Chaudiere recladding project in Gatineau, I designed a support for a window washing system.  

Standing in front of something I’d only seen on my computer screen was surreal, especially knowing people would rely on it for safety. More recently, I helped with the design and structural modelling of the temporary shoring below the House of Commons at Centre Block, which was a huge milestone for me.

On site at Les Terrasses de la Chaudiere.

How have you grown professionally since joining Entuitive? 

When I started, I had no design experience outside of school. Now, with two years under my belt, I’m balancing contract administration and design, and I’m working toward my professional engineering license in both Ontario and Quebec. I’m keeping my options open and enjoying the variety in my role.  

I’m grateful for the entire Ottawa team and everyone at Entuitive. It’s easy to reach out for help, and I’ve learned so much from colleagues like Mohammad Mirmoezi, Matt Clemente, Aleksander Szulc, Veronica Morse, Hailey Todd, Greg Woltman, Megan Rhind, and Jonathan Hendricks. 

 Ottawa Office Whitewater Rafting Social.

What excites you most about your future at Entuitive? 

My current projects, like Les Terrasses de la Chaudiere and Centre Block, will keep me busy for the next few years. I’m excited to take on more projects in Quebec and continue developing my design skills, while still getting to see the results built in the field.

Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Dana! We’re excited to see where your career at Entuitive will take you next. If you have questions for Dana or want to learn more about her projects, feel free to reach out to her here.