InTucker Magazine

Team Tucker – Kerry Caldwell

What do you do as a Plan Reviewer?
I review all construction plans that are submitted to the City for compliance to the currently adopted construction codes by the State of Georgia. I provide feedback to the applicants regarding any changes that need to be made to the construction documents when needed. Once I approve the plans, I record the results in our permitting software.

Tell us about your extensive background in building and permitting…
After I graduated from college in 1987, I worked as an Industrial Engineer for seven years for a precast concrete producer in Georgia. I became an estimator and a project manager for them until 2002. I began working for a general contractor at that time as a construction estimator and did that until 2005 when I decided to change careers and work as a building inspector and plan reviewer. Most recently, I worked for Jacobs Engineering as a chief building official and now as plan reviewer for the City of Tucker.

How have building processes and standards changed since you started back in the 80s?
The International Code Council publishes updated building codes every three years, and the State of Georgia adopts the new codes every six years. Each new iteration of the codebooks increases in size and complexity. The types of materials used in construction and construction practices have changed a great deal over the last 30 years. As technology and manufacturing capabilities continue to evolve, I expect that we will continue to see changes occur.

How is Tucker different from other places you’ve worked?
I have been very blessed in my career to work as part of some great teams. Tucker is no exception. I am excited to be a part of the great staff at the City of Tucker.

What do you like best about the job?
Doing my part to make sure that buildings are built correctly, making them as safe as possible for our residents or tenants.

Off The Wall

What are some of your favorite hobbies?
My wife and I both have Harley Davidson motorcycles. We love to ride with the Christian Motorcyclist Association and with other groups of friends and family.

Are you a pet lover?
We have two grand dogs that live with us. They are spoiled, but we love them.

If you could vacation in one place, what would it be?
I would love going on an Alaskan Cruise one day. 

What is your favorite movie?
Any movie with John Wayne would qualify.