Facilities benchmarking, workforce development, and procurement excellence
Research and training at the intersection of facilities operations & maintenance (O&M), talent development, and high-performing procurement.
Dr. Jake Smithwick is an Associate Professor in the William States Lee College of Engineering at UNC Charlotte. His research examines facilities and asset performance benchmarking, project delivery and procurement systems, and workforce development in the built environment.
He conducts applied studies with professional associations and public-sector partners, including the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and NCDOT, to develop benchmarking datasets and evidence that inform operational and capital decision-making. Prior to academia, he completed field inspections of nearly 2,000 roofing systems across the United States and served six years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve in Emergency Management.
Core Research Areas
Facilities Benchmarking
Development and validation of portfolio-level metrics for cost, staffing, service levels, and space management.
Workforce & Leadership
Empirical studies of competencies, mentoring, and team dynamics that influence retention and effectiveness.
Procurement & Delivery
Analysis of scope definition, evaluation design, and selection structures that predict project and contract performance.
Construction Delivery & Safety
Evaluation of delivery methods, financial resilience strategies, and lifecycle safety risk in AEC project execution.
Interested in research collaboration, professional training, or graduate study?
Get in Touch