Joe Blakemore

Senior Associate | AV Engineer

My primary focus is supporting the new normal of hybrid collaboration throughout the nbbj firm by leveraging traditional video conference systems with open-space environments, mobile hybrid tool-kits, and emerging audio/video technologies.

Working closely with the Service Desk Technicians, my team handles the AV system design, programming, integration, training, and elevated support of collaboration and presentation systems across the NBBJ firm with a focus on user experience and white glove service.

From in-person meetings to globally interactive Town Halls, and all the possible combinations of hybrid collaboration in-between, the firm-wide AV systems provide a uniform user experience designed to help put in-office and remote participants on the same level. The ever expanding collection of printed and digital support materials, along with in-house developed remote access and support systems, provides the tools for participants to control their meeting experience and for the support staff to quickly identify and resolve technical issues.

Classroom Technology Manager

I oversaw the design, installation, maintenance, support, and documentation of A/V systems across the University of California, Santa Barbara campus, focusing primarily on the 96 general assignment classrooms. In addition to my main function, I also offered technical consulting, electronic repair, and A/V design and installations for departmental spaces.

As the Classroom Technology Manager, I project-managed over 100 unique A/V systems ranging from simple TV installations to more advanced multi-screen matrixed systems that incorporates: touch screen control, scheduled event automation, and remote access and monitoring.

I was originally hired as Classroom Services Technician in April of 2009 and was reclassified twice during my employment. In September of 2009 I was promoted to Sr. Classroom Services Technician and in May of 2013 I moved into a managerial position.

Achievements in this role include the deployment of computer lectern systems to all 96 general assignment classrooms, launching a server based A/V resource management software system allowing help desk technicians to remotely monitor and control classroom technologies, and implementing formal help desk training for level 1 technical support staff.

Information Technology Consultant & Contractor

As an Independent IT Contractor, I was hired to complete a wide range of technical projects ranging from simple home theater installations, computer repair, and running network lines to more advanced server migrations, VoIP transitions, and back-end web development.

Operations Coordinator

My primary responsibilities as an Operations Coordinator included creating and maintaining an operations manual, maintaining an active inventory of video games, consoles, and accessories for resale in Play N Trade franchised locations, overseeing the shipping and receiving department for T-Street Management, Inc., train staff and entrepreneurs on the technical side of operating a video game resale location, and providing level 2 support for franchised store computer networks, video game tournaments, and point of sale systems.

Accomplishments in this position included developing an algorithm to automate price changes for used video games merchandise, transitioning inventory management from spreadsheet format to a database system, and developing a tiered support system to help under-performing locations evaluate their current methods, suggest changes, and develop new marketing strategies.

Crestron Technical Institute

Shure Incorporated

Santa Barbara City College

Extron Institute

Cerro Coso Community College

Cisco Academy

Mesquite High School

CompTIA

Crestron

Audinate

University of California, Santa Barbara

Cerro Coso Community College

Naval Air Weapons Station, China Lake