Driving Clarity and Confidence with Project Controls: A Conversation with Hector Arvizo, HPM’s New Director
Successful delivery of large-scale projects often hinges on more than great design and execution. It also requires detailed, transparent oversight of budget, scheduling, and overall progress throughout the entire project lifecycle. Without a team of experts dedicated to this oversight, owners run the risk of running over schedule and budget on their projects. That’s where Project Controls comes in.
HPM has seen the value Project Controls brings to projects and clients’ overall goals so much so that we are expanding our capabilities in the service with new capabilities and leadership. To strengthen this vital discipline across our growing portfolio, HPM recently added Hector Arvizo as our new Director of Project Controls.
With more than three decades of experience managing cost, schedule, and risk on complex projects across the petrochemical, civil, and infrastructure sectors, Hector brings a depth of expertise and leadership that will elevate HPM’s project delivery capabilities. We sat down with him to talk about his career journey, his perspective on the value of Project Controls, and what excites him most about leading this effort at HPM.
Q: Can you share a little about your career journey and what led you to specialize in Project Controls?
Hector: I began my career as a Civil/Structural Designer at a major engineering firm, where I was first exposed to the critical question of how design changes impact project cost and schedule.
That experience sparked a realization: I could make a more meaningful contribution by managing change and scope with those factors in mind. This led me to pivot early in my career into Project Controls, where I gained deeper insight into the functions of project management and the importance of maintaining integrity and transparency throughout project execution.
Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how interconnected the elements of Project Controls truly are. Scheduling directly influences cash flow; progress measurement ties into cost and invoice reconciliation; and risk management is inseparable from change management. These relationships underscored the need for consistency and clarity across all phases of project development—from conceptual design to construction closeout.
Experience has been a powerful teacher, reinforcing the value of delivering solid, reliable outputs and fostering strong client relationships. My goal has always been to ensure that our clients receive not just data, but meaningful insights that support informed decision-making and successful project outcomes.
Q: For those who may not be familiar, how would you describe Project Controls and the role it plays in construction management?
Hector: I believe Project Controls are the backbone of successful project delivery. They utilize systems, processes, and tools to plan, monitor, and control key aspects of a construction project, primarily cost, schedule, risk, and performance.
Imagine this: You are building a house. You need to know how long it will take (scheduling), know how much it will cost (budgeting), track what’s being spent and when (cost management), watch out for unexpected issues (risk management), and keep all documents organized (document control). Project Controls are the people that utilize tools and strategies that do all of that in a structured, proactive way.
Without Project Controls, even well-planned projects can spiral into schedule delays and cost overruns. With them, teams can make informed decisions, adjust proactively, and deliver confidently.
Q: Looking back on your career, what projects are you most proud to have been part of?
Hector: One that stands out is the Motiva Joint Venture project between Jacobs and Bechtel. It was a massive, multi-unit effort with multimillion-dollar budgets, and our team managed detailed cost forecasting and controls at both the project and program levels. The level of coordination and precision required was immense, and the success of that project reaffirmed the value of disciplined project controls at scale.
Another highlight was my time as Cost Department Manager for SK E&C USA, where I helped build systems and processes from the ground up. I mentored teams and drove consistency across multiple projects, transforming how cost control was executed across the organization. That experience showed me that strong leadership in Project Controls isn’t just about managing data—it’s about developing people and shaping strategy.
Q: From your perspective, what’s the greatest value that Project Controls brings to clients and project teams?
Hector: The greatest value is predictability and confidence.
For clients, Project Controls delivers transparency: clear visibility into cost, schedule, and progress. We reduce risk by identifying and mitigating issues early. We provide budget control that helps avoid surprises and build trust through consistent, data-driven insights.
For project teams, we create efficiency through streamlined workflows and accurate forecasting, empowering them to make timely, informed decisions.
Ultimately, Project Controls turn uncertainty into clarity. They ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with quality—giving clients the confidence that their investment is being managed with precision.
Q: As you step into your role with HPM, what excites you most about leading our Project Controls efforts?
Hector: I’m excited about the opportunity to drive clarity, accountability, and strategic foresight across HPM’s projects. Project Controls is about more than tracking numbers—it’s about empowering teams with the right information at the right time to make confident decisions.
At HPM, I see a tremendous opportunity to elevate how we integrate project controls across disciplines—to strengthen collaboration, adopt innovative tools, and deliver insights that make a measurable impact.
I’m energized by the chance to apply my experience to build a high-performing, forward-thinking Project Controls function that champions innovation and adaptability. My goal is to ensure our teams have the systems, structure, and support needed to deliver excellence every time.
Looking Ahead
As HPM continues to grow its portfolio and expand its service offerings, Project Controls will play an increasingly pivotal role in delivering predictability, performance, and peace of mind for our clients.
Learn more about Project Controls and connect with Hector on Linkedin.
