My Facility: Scott Aarvig

Tell us about yourself and how you got into FM.My first exposure to FM was while studying for my undergraduate degree at Texas A&M University.I shadowed a seasoned commercial property professional while trying to gauge which facet of commercial real estate interested me.I observed firsthand that effective FM goes beyond maintaining infrastructure — it’s about creating a safe, efficient and sustainable environment that supports the facility owner’s overall mission and financial goals.The role’s diversity — from overseeing maintenance and energy efficiency to managing vendor relationships and optimizing space utilization — was fascinating and eye-opening.I knew the career was right for me because the experience aligned perfectly with my passion for problem-solving and continuous improvement.Every challenge presented an opportunity to develop and/or implement innovative solutions that directly impacted the well-being and productivity of the operations.Because FM requires a blend of financial and technical acumen, strategic planning, and interpersonal communication, it was a perfect match for my strengths and interests, affirming that this was my ideal career path.Tell us about RiverSouth and what makes it unique.RiverSouth is a Class AA smart office building and one of Austin's most advanced commercial properties.With full office occupancy and 98 percent overall leasing, it is a testament to the vision and dedication of those who developed, leased and now manage its operations.Designed to set a new benchmark for smart buildings, RiverSouth integrates real-time automation systems, leveraging over 6,000 sensors to optimize energy efficiency, security and tenant comfort dynamically.Successfully managing such an intelligent system requires a proactive and highly adaptive approach.Architecturally, RiverSouth’s triangular footprint and 37,000-square-foot floor plates create a striking presence, with its floor-to-ceiling glass façade offering breathtaking views of downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake.Maintaining such an expansive glass exterior requires regular cleaning, UV protection, and structural monitoring to preserve energy efficiency and aesthetics.As the first major development in Austin’s evolving South-Central Waterfront District, RiverSouth not only shapes the skyline but also sets the standard for excellence in a rapidly growing urban landscape.Beyond its design, RiverSouth is defined by its high-end amenities.The Sky Lounge is a premier gathering space, frequently hosting tenant events, private bookings, and networking receptions.It requires careful coordination to manage wear-and-tear and event logistics.The seventh-floor green roof terrace serves as a tranquil escape, though it demands regular landscaping, irrigation maintenance and structural monitoring to uphold its lush, sustainable design.The state-of-the-art fitness center is another tenant favorite, requiring consistent equipment maintenance and sanitization to meet top-tier wellness standards. Technology also plays a significant role in enhancing tenant convenience.Our custom-designed RiverSouth app allows users to store virtual access cards on their personal, smart devices, giving them streamlined, keyless entry throughout the building.The app also enables food and beverage orders from the Sky Lounge, elevator call functions, reservations for the conference room, green deck, shuttle service and updates on upcoming tenant events.Additionally, our commitment to sustainability and multimodal transportation is evident in our bike room, which has a capacity for 200 bikes and 18 electric vehicle charging stations across three garage levels.While Austin isn’t prone to extreme weather disasters, events such as heat waves, heavy storms and occasional flooding remain concerns.RiverSouth was built with resiliency, featuring LEED BD+C Gold certification, a rainwater and condensate recapture system for irrigation, and real-time environmental monitoring for proactive climate control.Its elevated solid limestone base reinforced underground garage with a diaphragm wall, and contoured landscaping along the ground floor help channel stormwater and increase flood protection.Managing RiverSouth is challenging and rewarding.It requires a strategic balance of innovation, sustainability and operational efficiency.It’s more than just maintaining a building — it’s about delivering a best-in-class experience for tenants, visitors, and the greater Austin community. What is day-to-day life like at RiverSouth?RiverSouth is home to approximately 1,500 office tenants, spanning a mix of corporate, tech and creative industries.We see 100–200 daily visitors, including clients, customers and business guests.We host various events throughout the year to foster a vibrant tenant atmosphere.Monthly events in the Sky Lounge include live music, karaoke nights and trivia competitions.Additionally, we organize wellness programs such as yoga sessions, fitness challenges and health-focused events.Seasonal and community-driven initiatives, such as holiday celebrations, blood drives and e-waste recycling programs, further enhance engagement and sustainability efforts.A busy day at RiverSouth means ensuring a well-managed flow of building operations, including standard services such as janitorial, parking, security and tenant requests.Unique aspects, such as smart automation systems and premium tenant amenities, must be managed, as well as providing oversight in tenant build-out projects and hosting captivating building tours.It’s a fast-paced environment that requires a proactive approach and meticulous attention to detail.How much space do you manage and how is it used?mixture of productivity and lifestyle-focused amenities to elevate the tenant experience.The Outdoor Amenity Deck provides a vibrant space for relaxation, outdoor work, and social interaction, allowing tenants to unwind or collaborate in a more casual setting.Our state-of-the-art fitness center and spa-inspired locker rooms promote wellness and active lifestyles, making it easy for tenants to prioritize health without leaving the building.And, of course, the Sky Lounge offers a stunning venue for events, networking, and incredible views of downtown Austin.What are challenges you face at RiverSouth that are common across the FM industry?We all face similar challenges across the industry, regardless of the unique attributes of our buildings.One of the biggest balancing acts is operational efficiency versus innovation.While we’re constantly adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve performance, we must also ensure these investments deliver measurable benefits without disrupting daily operations or driving up costs.Energy management and sustainability are also top priorities at RiverSouth and the industry.Like many other facilities, we’re committed to reducing waste, optimizing energy consumption and implementing sustainable practices. RiverSouth—as I’m sure it is in most facilities — this isn’t just about compliance — it’s about future-proofing operations and minimizing environmental impact in a way that makes sense for both our tenants and the planet.Technology is changing facility management faster than ever, and integration and cybersecurity have become universal concerns.As smart buildings become the norm, keeping our systems secure, interconnected and adaptable is a shared challenge across the industry.At the end of the day, the core challenges we face at RiverSouth—efficiency, security, sustainability, and technological advancement—are the same as those facing facility managers everywhere. me, at least, the key is staying adaptable, proactive and committed to continuous improvement.Tell us about your FM team.Our building team consists of seven dedicated professionals.In addition to myself, our FM staff includes three property management professionals and four building engineers.These professionals work alongside a cohesive group of third-party amenities, security, janitorial and parking personnel.What makes our team so effective is how seamlessly everyone operates together.The property management team focuses on strategic operations, tenant relations and vendor coordination, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.Our building engineers are the backbone of the facility, handling real-time building automation, HVAC performance and preventive maintenance to keep RiverSouth operating at peak efficiency.What truly sets our team apart is their commitment to excellence, adaptability and innovation.Each person brings specialized expertise but, more importantly, a shared dedication to maintaining and exceeding expectations.Effective communication, clear delegation and a collaborative approach to problem-solving help our team manage a building and create an environment that is welcoming, state-of-the-art and continuously improving.Their attention to detail, pride in their work, and willingness to go beyond make all the difference in delivering an exceptional work atmosphere at RiverSouth.What do you like best about what you do?What I love most about my job is the transforming nature of facility management.In more than 10 years in the industry, I don’t remember ever experiencing the same day twice.Every challenge presents an opportunity to think creatively, adapt quickly, and implement solutions that improve the functionality of our facility.The fast-paced, demanding workplace keeps me engaged, always learning and constantly refining my approach to problem-solving.What makes my job truly special to me is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of tenants, clients, and teammates.Whether ensuring smooth daily operations, enhancing amenities, or responding to unexpected situations, every action contributes to a better setting for everyone in the building.Seeing the direct results of our team’s work — a flawlessly executed event, a sparkling, well-maintained space, or a happy tenant — makes all the effort worthwhile.

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