Below Grade to Big Picture: Dave Girard’s Untraditional Path to Principal at Northstar
February 2026
Welcome to Northstar’s article series, ‘Meet the Partners of Northstar: Guiding Our Strategic Vision & Company’s Success.’ In this series, we explore the experiences and journeys of our partners who have played a pivotal role in shaping Northstar’s trajectory over the past fifteen years.
An Untraditional Path to Being a Principal at Northstar.
Dave Girard’s career journey began in the maze of Boston and Cambridge’s city infrastructures. With a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s in geotechnical engineering, Dave tackled complex below-grade projects in urban environments, which drove his need for creativity and precision in problem-solving. His early days were spent overseeing the below grade portions of multiple large-scale developments.
Dave honed his experience working on geotechnical and environmental projects at GEI Consultants and later with Haley & Aldrich. Advancing from engineer to senior engineer and senior project manager, he quickly moved up the ranks into management and mentorship as he obtained his professional engineering license. His portfolio includes managing complex below-grade, multi-building structures on Boston’s historic waterfront, where the buildings sit partially on land and overwater, coordinating up-down construction for a sensitive multi-use building with four levels below grade and five above; and overseeing the top-down construction of a 695-car, flat-slab, post-tensioned below-grade parking garage. Each project taught Dave something new and helped him become a critical thinker and problem-solver.
Transition to Project Management
Dave is driven by a desire to broaden his skill set and continuously seek new challenges and opportunities for growth. He made a strategic career pivot into project management, where he could drive team assembly for real estate initiatives and manage the overall budget, schedule, and quality of projects. Armed with his engineering training and a wealth of technical expertise, Dave shone by balancing the micro and macro management dichotomy, leveraging his background to inform his project coordination and oversight.
At Spaulding & Slye, which later became JLL after a merger, Dave distinguished himself as a dynamic and resourceful project manager. His ability to synthesize complex technical information and communicate effectively with stakeholders proved invaluable as he spearheaded multimillion-dollar real estate developments. From overseeing construction timelines to managing project budgets, Dave’s meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence set him apart in the competitive world of project management.
Founding Northstar
Fueled by a spirit of entrepreneurship and a vision for a client-centric approach to owner’s project management, Dave joined forces with like-minded colleagues, often meeting with Anthony Warren and Tom Fanning in Tom’s dining room and the occasional Starbucks, to found Northstar Project & Real Estate Services. Despite the challenges of starting a business, Dave and his partners found success by leveraging their collective expertise to attract their first client, Harvard University, and establish Northstar’s reputation as a trusted partner in project management. As a founding principal, Dave provides day-to-day strategic project management for Harvard University Housing while also taking on the role of establishing and managing the firm’s financials.
Financial Leadership and Growth
Dave’s financial acumen became a driving force behind the firm’s growth and success. With a keen eye for detail and a strategic mindset, Dave developed robust financial systems and processes that optimized operational efficiency, allowing the team to focus on growing the business and serving clients. During Northstar’s first year in business, it successfully supported 12 clients over 60 projects and maintained a positive bottom line.
From implementing budget tracking mechanisms to conducting financial forecasts, Dave ensured that Northstar remained financially sound and competitive in a rapidly evolving market. His innovative initiatives and proactive approach to financial management helped drive profitability and growth in Northstar’s first year while he co-managed the firm’s largest client. Profitability has steadily increased, as has employee headcount and client budget oversight, to over $6.0 billion in project budget oversight today.
Learning from Dave
Dave has successfully overseen hundreds of capital improvements for Harvard University Housing, from ground-up developments to annual capital improvements and Passive House projects, always bringing the same dedication and diligence. He co-leads the account with Chris Packard and manages a team of 8-10 Northstar project managers, mentoring by example and delivering exceptional service with a “no job is too small” mentality. His tenacious approach drives project management training for junior staff, setting clear expectations to ensure consistent, predictable outcomes. Many of Northstar’s shareholders began their careers on the Harvard account, gaining valuable experience under Dave and Chris’s guidance. The team leads projects from initial concept through completion and turnover, serving as the hub of the work. Nothing satisfies Dave more than training and guiding his team to take on greater ownership and responsibility for their projects.
Dave’s commitment to the Harvard account is unwavering, and he keeps his pulse on every project. He and Chris hold weekly meetings with their Northstar Harvard team to review project status and they meet weekly with Harvard to ensure collaboration. His dedication to team development is evident, as he consistently gives his team the opportunity to shine, recognizing that the work being done at Harvard is critical to Northstar’s success.
Unrivaled Expertise and Dedication
Dave’s commitment to excellence extended beyond project management. He actively contributes to his community and industry. In addition to his role at Northstar, Dave served on the Conservation Commission and chaired design and construction subcommittees for local schools and recreational facilities in his hometown, Winthrop. His passion for giving back to the community mirrored his dedication to his profession, earning him respect and admiration from colleagues and peers.
Continuing the Journey
As Northstar enters its next phase of growth and expansion, Dave remains committed to guiding the firm toward new horizons. With a relentless focus on innovation, integrity, and impact, Dave continues to shape Northstar’s future while staying true to the values that have defined its success. As the real estate landscape evolves, Dave’s unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that Northstar remains a trusted partner and industry leader for years to come.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories about the visionary partners who continue to shape Northstar’s journey and contribute to its ongoing success.
