SQ Winter 2023

SWINERTON QUARTERLY Winter 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

Evolution, Not Revolution: Strategizing Innovation & Digitalization The Dark Side of Digitalization: Protecting Proprietary Assets Building the Future of Life Sciences Research Concrete Solutions PLUS: New Project Wins, Updates, and More

ADVANCING CONSTRUCTION’S

TECHNOLOGICAL EVOLUTION

Letter from Our Leadership In spite of a hesitancy to adapt to new innovations as rapidly as other sectors, the construction industry is experiencing its own significant evolution. Advancements in automation and increased investment in digital technologies are encouraging more firms to look at how they can innovate quickly—without adding unnecessary risk.

At Swinerton, we are moving forward not by blindly chasing the next big thing, but by carefully evaluating two key ideas: how we operate as a business, and how we deliver projects. Our primary focus has always been to ensure we are addressing both of these applications equally, thoughtfully, and strategically.

The leading article in this issue, “Evolution, Not Revolution,” introduces the many nuances and hurdles construction firms face when trying to innovate.

These difficulties include producing practical, repeatable processes and connecting work in the field to a long-term, operable business strategy.

In a digital world with an increasing number of cyber threats, firms are also forced to address their ability to fortify assets—an issue that Dexter Cheng, Information Security Manager, investigates in his guest column.

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At the project level, we also explore how leveraging new technologies and processes can benefit our clients. From using high-performance materials in adaptable life sciences spaces, to using laser scanning on wet concrete for improved quality, we believe that innovation is simultaneously a mindset, skillset, and toolset that allows us to drive value on our projects.

Alongside our efforts to remain up-to-date with new technology, we also welcome ways to continuously improve our business’ social and community impact. This quarter saw our offices from coast to coast celebrating diversity and belonging through various Construction Inclusion Week events. Our employeeowners also went above and beyond for those affected by the Maui wildfires, resulting in the most successful donation campaign in Swinerton’s history.

The landscape laid out before us is ripe with possibility for our business and our projects. Whether enhancing an operating process to its fullest and most efficient potential, or bravely exploring new possibilities for a project, our hope is that this issue of the Swinerton Quarterly will inspire our clients, business partners, and industry to not only think about innovation, but to think innovatively.

Kim DeYoung Senior Director of Business Applications

Jack Dettis Senior Director of IT Operations, Chief Information Security Officer Swinerton is adeptly navigating tightened lending and elevated interest rates amid geopolitical uncertainties and economic shifts. Read our Q4 Swinerton Market Analysis for an overview of the current construction environment informed by our nationwide experts and industry sources.

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ABOUT THE COVER DEPLOYING ROBOTS IN AUSTIN, TX Labor Foreman Ray Sanchez carefully inspects the drill at the end of a robot arm to confirm that the machine is in safe working condition before operating.

Table of Contents New Project Wins 4 This quarter, wins in healthcare, office, and civic spaces demonstrate Swinerton’s market versatility.

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volution, Not Revolution: Strategizing E Innovation & Digitalization in the Construction Industry

Traditional industries like construction require different strategies to keep pace with technological leaps.

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he Dark Side of Digitalization: T Protecting Proprietary Assets

Cybersecurity risks facing construction firms—and what to do about them.

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uilding the Future of Life B Sciences Research

Swinerton is delivering high-tech, adaptable spaces for the burgeoning life sciences sector.

Concrete Solutions 14 High-tech laser scanning applied to concrete placement yields significant quality gains.

Our National Presence 16 Swinerton’s New York City office continues to expand its impact in the Empire State and beyond.

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Project Stories 18 Read about our project teams’ grit and dedication on projects in Dallas, Portland, and San Francisco.

Building Our Community 24 Our employee-owners’ generosity of time and

resources strengthens the places we live and work.

Earning Our Stripes 28 Swinerton’s stripes represent our pride, and our exceptional work.

Reflections from the CEO 30 Retiring CEO Eric Foster recounts lessons learned from four decades at Swinerton.

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New Project Wins These significant project wins reflect our commitment to reinforcing our relationships with repeat clients across a diverse range of geographies and markets—including the aviation, healthcare, office, and civic sectors.

Providence Elevator Modernization Spokane, WA | Providence

Providence Holy Family Hospital Renovation Spokane, WA | Providence

Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center Diagnostic Treatment Expansion Los Angeles, CA | Providence

AVIATION Field Operations Building Renovation Addison, TX | Atlantic Aviation

LAX Air France Lounge

UCHealth at University of Colorado Anschutz Inpatient Pavilion Cath Lab Aurora, CO | UCHealth

Vera Whole Health Tacoma Tacoma, WA | Apree Health

Los Angeles, CA | Air France Corporate

HOSPITALITY

SFO Alaska Airlines Terminal 1 Relocation

EQC Tacoma Main Bank Renovation

San Francisco, CA | Alaska Airlines

Terminal Electrical Upgrades Santa Ana, CA | John Wayne Airport

Tacoma, WA | Puyallup Tribe of Indians

Ackley Brands Winery Hillsboro, OR | Ackley Brands

EDUCATION

LIFE SCIENCES

Crockett Early College High School

Office and Lab TI

Austin, TX | Austin Independent School District

Construction Project Management Services, Districtwide Modernization Orinda, CA | Orinda Union School District

ENTERTAINMENT Driving School Relocation Carlsbad, CA | LEGOLAND California Resort

Maritime Museum of San Diego San Diego, CA | Maritime Museum Association of San Diego

Project 2025 Carlsbad, CA | LEGOLAND California Resort

Niwot, CO | Confidential

OFFICE Brookfield Prebuilds New York, NY | Brookfield Properties

Dallas-Fort Worth Westlake Campus TI Westlake, TX | Confidential

Mobile Substation Storage Dunn, NC | Confidential

Office TI Portland, OR | Wealth Management Firm

Wells Fargo Office TI HEALTHCARE Integrated Care Clinic North Hollywood, CA | LA County Department of Public Works

Legacy Woodburn Health Center Diagnostic Imaging Woodburn, OR | Legacy Health

Boise, ID | Wells Fargo

PUBLIC/CIVIC Ben Clark Training Center Riverside, CA | City of Riverside

Mass Timber Medical Office Building

Cultural Arts District Parking Structure

Lynchburg, VA | KMA Fund, LLC

San Luis Obispo, CA | City of San Luis Obispo

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Franklin Adult Residential Facility

East Point Commons—Phase 1

Riverside, CA | County of Riverside

East Point, GA | TVS Design

Matsumoto Plaza

Weingart Homekey—Norwalk

South San Francisco, CA | City of South San Francisco

Norwalk, CA | Weingart Center Association

On-Call Engineering and Professional Services, Public Works Projects

RETAIL

San Mateo, CA | County of San Mateo

Lin's Market Warehouse Design-Build

RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL

Honolulu, HI | Lin's Hawaiian Snacks

Place of Worship Charlotte, NC | Confidential

RESIDENTIAL Via Del Oro Interim Transitional Housing San Jose, CA | DignityMoves

Key  Swinerton Management & Consulting All projects are awarded to Swinerton Builders unless otherwise noted.

ENTERTAINMENT

Outrigger Beachcomber Showroom Conversion Honolulu, HI | Outrigger Hotels & Resorts

Elevating the Outrigger Beachcomber Showroom to New Heights Swinerton's Hawaii team will be converting the showroom venue at the Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel into a dynamic space for a bespoke Cirque du Soleil show. The project's scope includes the demolition of existing elements as well as an array of intricate details, such as the installation of new catwalks and structural steel grids for stage light rigging and complex audiovisual systems. These elements will enable Outrigger and Cirque du Soleil to provide an immersive theatrical experience to guests. As the showroom features an impressive 60-foot roof structure, coordinating the catwalks, new steel, lighting, and HVAC components requires unique logistical planning and precise execution. All work will take place on the fourth floor, requiring all equipment to be delicately hoisted up by crane alongside close coordination with trade partners, as each crane pick requires lane closures along neighboring Kalakaua Avenue.

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Evolution, Not Revolution:

STRATEGIZING

INNOVATION & DI

IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDU Many industries have advanced their technology at lightning speed while construction remains relatively unchanged. However, shifting headwinds and greater investments might finally bring one of the largest sectors in the world up to speed—if it can overcome some key hurdles.

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IGITALIZATION

USTRY

FEATURE ARTICLES | 7

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onstruction jobsites in the 2020s are remarkably reminiscent of those in the 1920s. On-site assembly, paper plans, and a legacy of best practices and techniques passed down through generations of determined builders have earned the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry a reputation for being solid, but old-fashioned.

Things are changing, though. In the 2010s, a wave of construction digitization brought analog documentation into digital form, improved design capabilities, and strengthened information management systems. It also has enabled the industry to digitalize—that is, process its data through digital technologies.

By the second half of the decade this software allowed many contractors to manage their relationships and project data digitally and more intuitively.1

Even so, construction’s technological advancement has been incremental compared to industries like manufacturing or agriculture, which have seen massive leaps forward. The progress is what author Mark Erlich—a 40-year tradesman and Wertheim Fellow at Harvard Law School—calls “Evolutionary, not revolutionary.”2 Technology continues to hold promise.

An estimated $50 billion was invested in AEC tech between 2020 and 2022—85% higher than the previous three years.1 Due to strong demand for new or updated infrastructure, industrywide shortages of skilled labor, and increased need for advanced data analytics, construction firms’ abilities to innovate and digitalize could be what defines success for the rest of the decade.

“Technology is one of the last levers we have to push efficiency in our business,” says Aaron Anderson, Director of Innovation at Swinerton. According to Anderson, the construction industry’s slowness to adapt is not the result of refusal, but rather due to the unique way in which its players operate. It’s also the nature of the industry itself.

Identifying these hurdles is the first step towards developing and implementing a successful innovation strategy.

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A Fragmented Industry Insiders agree that the construction industry is averse to risk. Most general contractors find their success in securing schedule and cost certainty early in the project. Often, this is by leveraging the same trusted suppliers and trade partners on multiple projects, following the same tried and true processes, or operating on internal best practices and company beliefs that produce predictable, desirable results time and again.

The industry is also naturally fragmented. According to McKinsey & Company, the delivery of a single building, on average, involves over a hundred different suppliers and subcontractors in addition to general contractors, architects, and engineers.1 Firms also vary drastically in size, with players ranging from small enterprises to multi-billion-dollar general contracting giants.3 Apart from innovation, the construction industry is susceptible to labor shortages, material cost inflation, and other industry fluctuations1. Upsetting the delicate balance could have cascading effects for scopes across the project. This is especially detrimental to an industry known to have relatively low profit margins.

“Ultimately, our industry is limited due to how little is spent on R&D—research and development. Typically, construction companies don’t have the profit margin to be able to just go and develop new technology,” continues Anderson.

In order to justify the risk of bringing in new technologies or software that could potentially disrupt adequate processes, firms must not only clearly demonstrate profitability or other value-adds, but also scale it to their entire enterprise, Anderson adds.

Scalability Hurdles While construction firms are genuinely open to change, they tend to be selective in what innovations they choose to adopt. The Fails Management Institute (FMI) has observed that companies appear more willing to invest in core technologies that bring efficiencies to their overall business, but advises firms to deprioritize quick solutions that will only solve niche problems on individual projects.4 “A bottleneck we face is that innovation tends to be project-specific,” says Anderson. “Teams often come up with brilliant solutions that can’t be repeated on other projects because the challenges are inherently different.”

Swinerton, however, has proven that innovations beginning at the project level can have companywide implications if they solve a common industry problem. Spurred by the annual Innovation Challenge, Swinerton’s own craft teams developed, piloted, and launched a solution called the “Buggy Dumper” to efficiently lift, tip, and dump debris via hydraulic mechanisms, increasing cleanup efficiency and improving worker safety.

The Innovation Challenge’s reach, alongside a network of internal change makers, educated teams across the company about scaling an innovation like the Buggy Dumper. It also illustrated the network effects that drive the success of new technology when applied strategically to self-perform activities and general project management.

The Buggy Dumper in action.

“Being able to patent and productize certain innovations requires repetition,” says Anderson. “Chances are, if you can repeat something with similar success from project to project, you’ve got yourself a good industry-applicable innovation.”

“ Chances are, if you can repeat something with similar success from project to project, you’ve got yourself a good industry-applicable innovation.”

– Aaron Anderson, Director of Innovation

Anderson measures to verify alignment between the robotic drilling and the layout printer, and to visualize the relationship between the walls and the overhead equipment.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 9

Shifting Headwinds

A Partnership Mindset

Despite these hurdles, analysts anticipate that the construction industry is ripe for disruption. In a global survey of over 500 executives in the AEC industry, McKinsey reported that 70% are planning to increase their investment in innovation.3 While automation is unlikely to completely replace people on construction jobsites, the digital landscape shows promise.2

From pioneering the use of steelreinforced concrete in the early twentieth century to being one of the first construction firms to embrace complete cloud-based technology integration in the twenty-first, Swinerton’s vision has been propelled by the skills and entrepreneurship of its people and its partnerships. Swinerton proudly partners with organizations to move the industry forward, such as Dusty Robotics and TopDeck AI. When deploying any technology, the goal is simple: delivering a quality environment at the best possible value for the client.

Top-ranking trends emphasize digital design, BIM, digital jobsite management tools, and productivity trackers.3 The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed in 2021, will provide $100 million of funding over five years to advance digital construction management systems and related technology. The

“On certain projects, partnerships like the one we have with Dusty Robotics are great. We can complete a floor layout in

need to lead up and you need to lead down. Ask the question: Where are we going with this? What does it mean?”

For Swinerton, innovation is fueled by an insatiable drive to serve clients with industry-leading best practices.

That means staying sharp, identifying new ways to deliver and develop clear instructions for the field crews implementing the technology, and drawing on other industries that have already been disrupted by industrialized methods and uniform digitization. At its core, our goal is to adopt the processes and technologies that will yield the best possible value for our clients.

According to Anderson, this strategy is our competitive advantage. It’s what allows us to stay on the leading edge of change, maintain a safe and engaged workforce, and above all—deliver quality projects more efficiently than ever before.

Sources McKinsey, From start-up to scale-up: Accelerating growth in construction technology

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HBR, Can the Construction Industry Be Disrupted?

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goals are to streamline processes and complexities, boost productivity, reduce project delays and cost overruns, and enhance safety and quality.5 Even with the market pull, however, Anderson emphasizes that organizations must remain strategic and innovate to the needs of their operations.

“In construction, we develop workflows and processes based on intuition and experience,” Anderson continues.

“But innovation doesn’t work if it’s not a part of a larger strategy. We have to strike a balance between having a high-level understanding of where the industry is going, and sharing in what the implications are for folks who are on the front lines.”

two days versus the two weeks it takes to do by hand,” says Anderson. “But that isn’t always the case. Other industries have benefitted from automation, but construction is a different and sensitive landscape. We aren’t going to deploy robots on a client’s project if doing it manually is still the best option.”

McKinsey, Building products in the digital age: It’s hard to ‘get smart’

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FMI, The Role of Construction Technology in COVID-19 Recovery

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Construction Dive, Construction techies laud $100M in infrastructure act, push for more

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Anderson is pragmatic: “We have to lead in both directions. You need to develop that camaraderie and that two-way communication with the folks who are putting the work into place.

But also, you need to have a consistent story about the strategy behind it. You Aaron Anderson is Swinerton’s Director of Innovation, where he balances the firm’s innovation opportunities with business objectives and the talents of its employeeowners. Having started out as a carpenter, he has over 20 years of diverse experience in quality control, constructability, business analytics, and field and project management. Since taking on the role, he has redefined and transformed how Swinerton builds by collaborating with business groups to evaluate challenges and implement solutions.

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THE DARK SIDE OF DIGITALIZATION:

PROTECTING PROPRIETARY ASSETS

As the construction industry adopts more digital software to manage information, a robust cybersecurity strategy is essential for safety.

By Dexter Cheng, Information Security Manager With digital technology nearly ubiquitous in daily life, cybersecurity has surged in importance. For the AEC industry— worth over $12 trillion—safeguards are becoming increasingly vital.

Cybersecurity risks are ever-present, and, should they materialize, they can be devastating to contractors, construction managers, and owners alike.

These threats have only just begun to be taken seriously. According to a 2021 report released by the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America, the construction industry has long thought it was immune to significant cyber events due to the relatively limited personal information it keeps.1 However, cyberattacks have been rising at an alarming rate, directly challenging this assumption. Attackers are not just realizing that the construction industry is slow to adapt; they are banking on it.

Digitalizing construction continues to bestow a multitude of benefits for contractors and owners, including improved project timelines, safety, quality, and cost.3 However, the dark side of this digitalization is that larger amounts of organizational, project, and personal data are being stored, transmitted, and monitored in a digital space that construction companies have not been fortifying until very recently. On average, a construction firm will receive around 60 email-based cyberattacks within a three-month period.1 Larger organizations are typically more frequent targets than smaller ones.

Popular cybercrime tactics involve the use of email to divert funds. Given the high cash flow, the industry is a lucrative target, and has not traditionally armed itself for such attacks. About 68% of construction industry IT Managers surveyed in 2018 and 2019 had been

victims of cyberattacks, meaning their infrastructure was unable to prevent malicious entities from entering their networks.2 Of those, 20% could not pinpoint how a threat breached their system and 17% could not determine how long the threat had been there.2 While money is often the leading motivation, there is much more at risk in a cyberattack than simply funds.

Threat actors might steal, lock, or leak the personal data of employees or business contacts; they could sabotage or destroy hardware or equipment; or they might gain access to sensitive information and intellectual property, including proprietary competitive advantages, blueprints, or client assets.3 These days, being a trusted building partner is no longer limited to the physical construction of a building.

Construction firms must give the digital landscape the same consideration, fortifying their IT systems to thwart attacks as responsibly as they might protect a jobsite from trespassing or take proactive measures to secure the safety of workers onsite. The difficulty in achieving this is that firms often do not know the nature of the threats until they are at their doorstep—and even then, those threats can still appear nebulous due to the unseen nature of the digital environment. What we often see in cyberattacks are the effects. And by then, it is too late.

While companies can invest heavily in technical controls, they should not overlook the deeply human elements of cybersecurity. With phishing emails and text message scams on the rise, ensuring each employee is well-trained to identify and report malicious attacks is essential. As a 100% employee-owned company, each person at Swinerton takes personal responsibility for the

confidentiality, integrity, availability, and safety of all information used and maintained by Swinerton.

As with project challenges, we will never be able to fully eliminate threats.

However, we provide continuous training to our employee-owners across the company in order to raise awareness of threats and practice good cyberjudgment and cyber-safety. Just as we empower each person on our jobsites to call out potentially hazardous or unsafe physical situations, we encourage and train our employee-owners with equal vigor to safeguard sensitive information in our digital landscape.

Not only do our efforts provide our clients the peace of mind that their information and assets remain secure, but they also ensure no project incurs delays or other complications from the avoidable and mitigable threats present in the modern digital environment.

Sources AGC, Why the Construction Industry is Being Impacted by Cyber Attacks

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ENR, Construction Cybercrime Is On the Rise

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Mantha, García de Soto, and Karri, Cyber security threat modeling in the AEC industry

3

As Information Security Manager, Dexter Cheng works with Swinerton’s cybersecurity team to develop policies and procedures that minimize threats to IT operations and business continuity.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 11

BUILDING THE FUTU LIFE SCIENCES RESE T

he life sciences sector is poised to see substantial growth over the next three years, according to the CRB Group’s Horizons: Life Sciences 2023 Report.1 The differentiators for AEC firms in the space will be delivering the complex technical specifications and flexibility required by these next-generation facilities.

Harness Emerging Technologies From BIM and virtual reality to robotics and automation, construction firms are harnessing digital tools over traditional 2D drawings to enhance precision and efficiency. For instance, Swinerton creates detailed 3D models for better project visualization and clash detection through BIM. This leads to increased coordination and productivity gains for contractors, who can see the space virtually and physically. The use of BIM also allows Swinerton to involve its project owners in preconstruction, providing a realistic model of the building and often resolving costly issues before construction even starts.

Currently, Swinerton is leading a significant expansion at Bridge Labs at Pegasus Park in Dallas, TX. This facility marks the first institutionquality, non-incubator space in North Texas. It involves the comprehensive renovation of a 135,000-square-foot life sciences facility. Once finished, the building will provide prebuilt research and development lab suites. These suites, designed with flexibility and equipped with essential tools, will cater to the evolving needs of growth-stage life sciences startups and companies.

To make this project possible, Swinerton has collaborated closely with the design and client team throughout the

design and construction phases. They proactively leveraged 3D laser scanning to capture as-built conditions in the existing portion of the structure. This technology has been instrumental in identifying hidden structural elements and building systems embedded within the walls, ceilings, and floors.

casework, utility spine systems, and hoist beams foster adaptability.

Swinerton’s Northlake Commons project in Seattle, WA, exemplifies the growing trend towards adaptable lab space and modular components. This project—a testament to innovation—is a five-story, 275,000-square-foot facility In particular, the project team has utilized that pioneers the use of mass timber BIM to efficiently design and install in lab-ready buildings. The design, the underground plumbing system. mapped out on a 24-foot by 18-foot grid, This system is vital to support future is notably compact compared to industry lab buildouts within the core and shell norms. With its tight, efficient layout, of the existing building. The 3D laser the structure explores new architectural scans of the crawl space have enabled and engineering possibilities. the MEPF trade partner to accurately determine the placement and routing Weber Thompson, the Project of new lines and pipes. By harnessing Architect, conducted a series of the virtual model, the project team has space plans to showcase how a lab revisited the space virtually, enhancing office could effectively utilize the field quality and procurement accuracy. unique floor plan, emphasizing the project’s commitment to flexibility and adaptability. In doing so, Northlake Adaptable and Flexible Designs Commons sets a new standard in design The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the flexibility for life sciences facilities. pressing need for greater R&D capacity and facilities to conduct research and manufacture end-products. In the CRB Report cited above, respondents indicated that decentralizing their manufacturing and having smallscale, flexible manufacturing networks are among some of the latest trends in the life sciences community. This could lead to smaller, more flexible research facilities within one or many geographical locations.1

With rapid innovation in life sciences research, the need for flexible and adaptable facilities is surging. Facilities must be able to accommodate changing needs and equipment, necessitating designs that allow for easy reconfigurations. Design aspects like raised floors, movable

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URE OF EARCH Sustainable and HighPerformance Materials

Sustainability is a growing priority throughout many industries, and life sciences facilities are no exception.

Green certifications like LEED® and WELL are transforming project specifications, leading to the adoption of sustainable materials like mass timber, low-emission concrete, recycled steel, and insulation with high R-values.

Energy efficiency is also increasingly emphasized through building features that help reduce operating costs, such as high-performance glazing, LED lighting, and advanced HVAC controls.

The life sciences sector is experiencing a dynamic shift in design and construction, driven by evolving market demands, advances in technology, materials and designs, and an increased focus on sustainability.

Stantec, the Project Architect and Sustainability Consultant, has designed the facility to be flexible and adaptable, employing modular construction to quickly respond to market changes. The initial design incorporates provisions for high-sensitivity research environments, including high-vibration criteria and innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of passing trains north of the site.

This project is a testament to the highest Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards, aiming to secure LEED Platinum, WELL Platinum, Wired Score Gold, and Zero Energy Certifications. The facility will showcase cutting-edge features such as onsite The Ridgeway Science & Tech facility, a geothermal exchange, both onsite and 112,000-square-foot campus in Boulder, offsite solar panels, triple glazing, and CO, showcases this emphasis on a low a meticulously insulated and airtight environmental impact. It is the state’s envelope, further cementing its standing first net-zero energy and all-electric life as a beacon of sustainability and high sciences building and campus. The facility performance in the life sciences sector. will accommodate lab spaces adhering to Bio Safety Level 1, 2, and 3 standards.

The Future of Life Science Construction As humanity continues to push the boundaries of scientific research, life sciences construction will inevitably follow suit. These facilities are integral to groundbreaking discoveries and advancements in human health. Close coordination between architects, engineers, contractors, and building owners is essential to delivering highly specialized facilities that support cutting-edge research. As these trends continue to unfold, they are set to redefine the future of this crucial sector.

Sources 1 CRB Horizons 2023 Life Sciences Report

Ridgeway Science & Tech Facility in Boulder, CO

FEATURE ARTICLES | 13

Using laser scanning on concrete can improve quality, avoid rework, and push the industry forward.

By Marty Martinez, Project Quality Manager

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nstalling concrete and achieving quality results involves a huge amount of coordination between many specialist trade partners. From the carpenters who install deck formwork to the teams who pour the concrete to finishers—it’s rewarding to watch a building rise deck by deck. But with so many steps dependent on each other, achieving consistent results on the first pass can be challenging.

As a Project Quality Manager at Swinerton, I’m always on the lookout for ways to eliminate the blind spots that seem unavoidable in concrete placement.

Specifically, the time period during which horizontal work is placed and curing is full of uncertainty.

Due to the lack of access to the deck itself during placement and a limited ability to check work, all the responsibility falls on the concrete finishing crew to ensure the final deck will be flat and level.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate or there’s human error, the remediation required can delay a project and have cascading effects on later construction.

Wet concrete being scanned in real-time.

Real-Time Data Recent advances in laser scanning and point cloud analysis show promising developments in eliminating these blind spots. Often used in Virtual Design and Construction (VD&C) applications for 3D modeling, laser scanning can also be used in concrete placement. Through research and testing, we’ve found that scanning at three different stages can enhance quality by providing real-time data and benefits: 1. Pre-pour scanning using a 3D laser scanner can determine the correctness of concrete outlines for slab edge and vertical dowel locations, whether mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) penetrations are placed correctly, and if the deck form is at the correct elevation. With timely scan registrations and a 3D model delivered to teams, there is more time to make corrections between when the formwork is installed and the concrete is placed.

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2. Wet scanning during a pour can determine whether the concrete surface is high or low. Real-time scans collected and analyzed while the concrete is wet enable the teams to adjust and correct—leading to less time spent grinding down or filling in areas after the concrete cures. By determining the best technology for our team to use with the quickest results, Swinerton has been able to achieve some of the highest floor flatness and floor levelness (FF/FL) scores our testers have ever seen on elevated concrete work.

3. Post-pour scanning enables verification of existing conditions and highly accurate as-builts. In addition, it can be used to document temporary conditions, such as before and after post-tension stressing, checking camber and elevations for deck forms, verification of support beam camber and deflection, and structural settling over time. With this information, teams can better mitigate issues that arise, especially when dealing with polished concrete finishes and subsequently installed flooring products with tight tolerances.

Advancing Our Results Current technology and software limitations often affect how quickly scan results and data can be turned into deliverables for the installation teams. In the past year, we’ve seen numerous changes in software that make the process of real-time review more achievable. Tweaks like gradient color scaling applied to the scan data, stronger preregistration capabilities, faster scan data capture, and new software functions and features that improve the user interface when used for wet scanning applications all enhance the usability of the software.

An exciting development for Swinerton’s Quality Control and VD&C teams has been working directly with FARO, a company making laser scanners and scanning software. Our collaboration has helped develop their Flatness Check software platform into a far more functional application, achieving analysis of surface conditions in the short time frames that are required to stay ahead of the rapid pace of pour logistics.

Practical Applications Through a pilot program with Swinerton’s Innovation Challenge on the 531 Bryant Project, our VD&C and Quality team developed a workflow process for pre-pour scanning and wet scanning. Over the course of constructing the six-story building, our small team experimented with the technology alongside industry experts in floor finishing and scanning. We learned valuable lessons about the most effective scanners, software, and methodologies.

While the installation teams were initially hesitant about bringing in a new technology in the middle of their workflow, the results we achieved and the improvements we made from floor to floor have proven that laser scanning, when used correctly, can enable the adjustment of high or low areas of wet concrete, as well as confirm FF/FL results ahead of thirdparty testing. It has also given us comprehensive as-built data that not only improves project documentation but also provides a deeper understanding of how concrete surface elevations are affected by the construction process.

All of this valuable information and implementation of technology has incredible potential to help Swinerton deliver even higher quality concrete work, as well as maintain its strong relationships with trade partners and teams through more consistent results during construction.

In the end, the goal is for concrete placement to introduce fewer variables and less unforeseen work by capturing good data and correcting work in the timeliest way.

This exciting technology is driving our industry forward, and it will continue to demonstrate the exceptional work and quality of our Self-Perform Concrete division.

Marty Martinez brings over 22 years of concrete expertise to his role as Project Quality Manager.

Backed by a portfolio of over 30 successful self-perform concrete projects, he demonstrates an ownership mindset and encourages collaboration amongst teams in the field to continuously drive value and quality.

FEATURE ARTICLES | 15

Our National Presence

Expanding Impact in the Empire State:

How Swinerton’s New York City Division is Meeting Client Needs Andrew Pearl, Vice President and Division Manager in Swinerton’s New York City office shares an insider’s view into how his team is growing and aligning Swinerton’s values with business goals.

Q C ould you elaborate on the

A

one employee in January 2021 and a modest $2 million in revenues, the New York City Division has grown exponentially to house thirty employees and generate over $25 million in revenues by the end of 2023.

seasoned industry veteran, Andrew Pearl’s career at Swinerton has been a testament to his dedication and strategic expertise. Since joining the company in 2007, he has steadily climbed into greater leadership, managing regional offices on the West Coast before becoming one of the youngest vice presidents in the company’s history.

His journey is a compelling narrative of ambition, hard work, and vision.

Today, Pearl leads Swinerton's first-ever New York office, one of the company's most ambitious ventures envisioned in its 15-year business plan. With Pearl at the helm, the New York City Division is well-positioned to meet the needs of Swinerton’s national clients in one of the United States’ largest construction markets.

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growth that the NYC office has experienced since its inception?

A From its humble beginnings with just

But these figures paint only a part of the picture.

Our growth is not limited to headcount and revenues alone. We’ve made a significant impact on the local community through our volunteer work, raised brand awareness about our service offerings, and connected clients based in New York City with our various offices across the organization.

In the spring of next year, we are relocating the New York City office to a larger floor at 292 Madison Avenue to accommodate our growing team, including members from our corporate team and Timberlab. This move signifies our growth and underscores our commitment to the New York City construction market.

Q How does the NYC team

prioritize local community commitments?

For the third consecutive year, Swinerton’s New York team harvested and bundled produce at the GrowNYC Teaching Garden on Governors Island.

A Our commitment to the local

community is a priority in every market we serve. We actively engage with several local nonprofit organizations focused on providing and protecting housing, offering food assistance, and creating career opportunities through workforce development efforts. Many of our team members are active participants, and some even hold positions on the local New York City chapter board of our national partner Rebuilding Together. This year alone, we’ve hosted jobsite tours for a preapprenticeship workforce development program, helped harvest food at a local urban farm on Governors Island, prepared sandwiches for a local food bank, and sponsored various organizations throughout the city.

testament to our team’s dedication and hard work, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Q Can you share how the team

stays ahead of industry trends and changing client needs in a dynamic city like New York?

A New York is an energetic, ever-

changing city that demands your attention to stay current. Even before you are particularly proud of? we opened our office in June 2021, we made it a point to immerse ourselves One of the primary reasons we established our New York City office was in the local market. We wanted to truly understand the current trends, policies, to better support our national clients. and upcoming changes. One key initiative Since we opened our doors, we’ve that stands out is the introduction of been able to assist numerous national accounts, not just in New York, but across cross-laminated timber (CLT) into the 2022 New York City Building Code. our entire organization. This has been possible due to our close collaboration Before the city formally adopted with other Swinerton offices. these changes in November 2022, we collaborated with Timberlab to I take immense pride in witnessing study what these proposed changes and fostering the collaborative spirit meant. We explored how CLT could that is the backbone of Swinerton’s be utilized effectively and developed national network. A recent example an external campaign to present of this collaborative effort came when these changes to our clients. The we started working with a new client guidance document we created is still based in New York City. This client circulating widely in New York City has operations across the country and used as a reference for clients. and struggled to find a contractor

Q Are there any initiatives that A

capable of providing a standardized, streamlined approach across all their locations. That’s where we came in.

In the short time we’ve worked together, Swinerton has already supported them at five of our offices. Our ability to offer first-class service to our clients, irrespective of their location, underscores our commitment to being the preferred builder and trusted partner in every market we serve. It’s a

multi-family residential projects with mass timber structures, both market rate and affordable, in the New York metropolitan area.

On one of those projects, the owner invited Swinerton and Timberlab to participate in the New York City Mass Timber Studio grant program to provide cost studies, embodied carbon analysis, constructability reviews, and logistics planning for their project.

With local resources from Timberlab right in our New York City office and the extensive working experience between Swinerton and Timberlab, we are able to provide incredible value and expertise to our clients.

Q Are there any upcoming

initiatives that you’re particularly excited about?

A In January 2024, we’re set to

formally launch Swinerton Facility Solutions in the New York office. This will provide another avenue to serve the smaller project needs of our Northeast clients. I’m extremely excited about this initiative as it further expands the range of solutions we offer.

Q Which project is the NYC

team currently working on that showcases their ability to deliver superior client results?

A Soon after the updated building

codes were released, we started receiving numerous inquiries from clients about exploring the use of mass timber construction for their new developments.

Currently, we are supporting several Our National Presence | 17

Project Stories

Overcoming Obstacles:

A Client Focus and Collaboration Redeem High-End Customer Service Center The Swinerton team battled structural issues, flooded crawl spaces, procurement delays, and uneven floor plates in a 40-year-old cast-inplace concrete structure, successfully delivering a customized training and customer service center project in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

O

wned by a high-end retail client, the tenant improvement project was initially conceived as a two-floor renovation but evolved into an expansive two-building, threefloor project. Once underway, the client, design team, and Swinerton uncovered a significant number of preexisting building conditions that initially seemed insurmountable given the schedule and allotted budget.

“This project really had all of the markings of a disaster,” says Kris Harding, Swinerton’s Project Manager, "but we mobilized early to mitigate the worst of it. It took countless hours of coordination, but we were able to deliver a facility that not only exceeded expectations, but fully realized the client’s design intent.”

Known for its attention to detail and craftsmanship, the client envisioned an interconnected, open work environment

that could combine the building’s separate functions of call center, training center, and product repair workshops into a streamlined customer service facility. To reflect the client’s brand, the design team included high-end finishes throughout, such as imported terrazzo tiles and millwork. However, the space and project itself made executing those details a challenge.

Coordinating the necessary structural work for the building alongside longlead-item procurement became the core of delivering this project.

Upon demolition of the original space, the primary issues Swinerton faced were uneven floor plates with low ceiling clearances in the existing castin-place concrete building. Some areas dipped three or four inches in a matter of 20 to 50 feet, which caused cascading effects when installing the mechanical infrastructure and millwork. The team also encountered significant obstructions

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in the ceilings that clashed with the design plans for the mechanical room, necessitating a complete redesign.

To find a solution, the Swinerton team pored over 40-year-old paper drawings discovered in the building’s archives.

However, the extensive, unforeseen structural work paired with additional moisture mitigation on the first-floor showroom meant the showroom millwork had to be procured from the international supplier prior to repairing the floors, walls, and ceilings—or risk impacts to the schedule. At the time, the floor was a total of three inches off from end to end.

To determine an achievable ceiling height, Swinerton spent dozens of hours measuring the ground floor and tapping the MEP trade partners’ expertise. The team redesigned the ductwork and MEP pathways, navigating extremely tight 1/8” tolerances to secure the highest possible ceiling height for the

client. In order to hold to the dimensions in the provided millwork drawings, Swinerton conducted multiple onsite inspections, leveling checks, and preinstallation meetings following procurement to ensure the floors were floated with precision, the ceilings were built to specifications, and that the HVAC and lighting were carefully coordinated.

In the end, all the coordination paid off. “The showroom millwork was procured by the client from a boutique millwork shop out of Brazil,” Harding said. “When it arrived onsite, it was installed by the owner’s vendor without a single issue, as if it had been built to field measurements.”

By engaging the expertise of trade partners early and remaining in constant communication with the client, architect, and vendors, Swinerton was able to deliver a project that exceeded the client’s expectations despite initial complications.

Completed in June 2023, the project now stands as a testament to the power collaboration and a true problem-solving mindset when uncovering and overcoming construction challenges.

Finding the space to fit the mechanical units was a challenge.

Custom-ordered millwork sits perfectly between ceiling to floor, deftly hiding unsightly wires.

Read on to Swinerton’s blog to learn more about this project and the teamwork that made it possible.

Project Stories | 19

Efficiency, Sustainability, and Ingenuity:

The Interwoven Aspects of Thesis Headquarters This recently completed office campus brilliantly showcases Swinerton and Timberlab's prowess in mass timber construction, particularly in urban environments requiring extensive coordination and innovation.

L

ocated at the intersection of Northwest Savier Street and Northwest 24th Avenue in Portland, OR, Thesis braids together various elements of the city’s fabric: the dynamism of the commercial district to the north, the close-knit atmosphere of the single-family bungalows to the southwest, and picturesque Forest Park to the west. Equally harmonious is the project’s digital construction coordination, which led to the fastest fabrication and installation time on record for Swinerton’s mass timber affiliate, Timberlab, whose fabrication facility sits less than five miles from the project site.

including all electrical cast-in-slab, as the junction boxes for the light fixtures needed to be recessed into the CLT. These digital construction efforts also included the impressive mass timber stadium staircase with terraced seating— the crown jewel of Thesis Headquarters.

The building also features various workspaces, a cafeteria, a fitness center, an upper deck for gatherings, and a large exterior plaza, all interconnected through biophilic interior design strategy that enhances the employee work experience, creativity, health, and wellbeing. The project is targeting LEED® Gold with rigorous energy-use reduction strategies and onsite renewables, The 40,000-square-foot, four-story building utilizes a cross-laminated timber including a 54.6 kW solar array. The building promotes ample access to the (CLT) structural frame supplied and installed by Timberlab. The mass timber outdoors, with large operable openings firm’s digital construction team embarked on all levels that offer office users on a four-month effort to provide full panoramic views of Forest Park.

MEP coordination for drillings in the CLT, 20 | SWINERTON QUARTERLY | WINTER 2023

The Timberlab team attributes its record fabrication time to the top-notch digital construction coordination and the glued laminated (glulam) timber’s consistent size and connection details. Once onsite, the installation team achieved an impressive six-day installation period per floor, each of which totaled approximately 10,000 square feet. This accelerated construction pace not only reduced overall project timelines but also offered cost savings, minimized disruption, and enhanced sustainability goals.

Following its namesake, the building will be utilized by Thesis, a certified B Corp creative public relations firm.

The company’s culture is centered on diversity, equity, community, and sustainability, which contributed to the firm’s decision to pursue mass timber for their headquarters. Thesis selected Swinerton based on cultural alignment, its experience building in the City of

“

The install team erected this structure at record speed. In January, we completed almost all columns in one day, and nearly all beams the next, and half the panels in one day. I’m impressed by this team’s willingness to jump in… no complaints, just crushing.”

– Andrew Ratzke, Timberlab Senior Project Engineer

Portland, and expertise in delivering mass timber buildings with a tight budget and schedule. Due to its partnership with Timberlab and knowledge of the supply chain, Swinerton offered a highly competitive project schedule, matching that of a recently completed, similarly sized mass timber office building just a few miles from the site.

The project’s efficient construction and seamless integration into the surrounding neighborhood underscore the growing emphasis on speed to market, sustainability, and community integration when building mass timber spaces. Thesis Headquarters will continue to stand as a testament to the expertise and capabilities of Swinerton and Timberlab.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the late 1990s, Swinerton provided general contracting and construction management services for renovations to 19 floors of Class A office space in downtown San Francisco, CA, for a financial technology institution. The client was committed to utilizing new web-based technology for online project management, leading to close collaboration between Swinerton, the design team, and trade partners to use the application. This effort resulted in one of the first completely paperless construction projects in history and formed the basis of many web-based systems used in the industry today.

Project Stories | 21

Swinerton Management & Consulting:

Innovative Problem-Solving at Oyster Point

Under cloudy mid-November skies, groups of families, friends, and local residents of the City of South San Francisco, CA, gathered to celebrate the ribbon-cutting ceremony of Oyster Point Marina Park. The 30 acres of improved parkland fronting San Francisco Bay feature a rehabilitated beach, a trail raised to accommodate potential sea level rise, open space areas, a large turf field, picnic and gathering areas, and new restroom facilities.

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T

he extensive redevelopment was first conceptualized by the city in 2011, but faced multiple challenges, including working with three different developers, undergoing numerous design changes, and negotiating an extensive list of environmental regulations. Swinerton Management & Consulting was brought on board to provide project management services in 2016, and has since worked closely with the city and local community to bring their vision for a beautiful, rehabilitated public space to life.

The challenges on the project originated largely under the oversight of the previous developer, which had not fully developed joint trench or landscaping plan sets adequate to the scale of the project prior to beginning construction in 2018. This created a negative ripple effect on the schedule, and increased costs throughout the project. Swinerton Management & Consulting has processed close to 400 change orders on this project, assisted the City of South San Francisco with complex state budget requests for additional funding, and guided the city through a number of difficult decisions on materials, design changes, and budgeting.

Unique features of the site include the use of cellular concrete under the marina parking lot, as opposed to the previously specified geofoam with four feet of cover soil.

ultimately receives the best long-term value for its investment in the parklands.

Over the summer, Oyster Point Marina Park was recognized with two industry awards. California Park and Recreation Society, District Four presented the City of South San Francisco with an Award of Excellence for the park’s outstanding contributions to the local community.

Additionally, the American Society of Civil Engineers, Region Nine honored with the Outstanding Construction Project in the State of California award.

Cellular concrete is particularly apt for geotechnical applications such as void filling and soil remediation due to its light weight and low density. Given that the nearby San Francisco Bay Trail and marina parking lot are underlaid by a significant thickness of compressible refuse and bay mud—and that the project team re-evaluated fill loads and encountered groundwater issues during construction—it was determined that the cellular concrete would be a better option for the area. This decision resulted in nearly $1 million in savings.

Another key innovative aspect of Oyster Point Marina Park is the Swinertonrecommended prefabricated pier ramps. Manufactured by Hallston in the Bay Area, the ramps lead from the newly constructed Bay Trail down to existing marina dock entrances. The cast-in-place concrete ramps that were initially specified in the design would potentially be destroyed upon any future marina rehabilitation project. The prefabricated ramps can be adjusted in the future to accommodate future marina rehabilitation changes, not only cutting down on waste but ensuring the city

Swinerton Management & Consulting is proud to have played a part in this rehabilitative project and looks forward to future collaborations with cities and counties to breathe life back into essential community spaces. Oyster Point Marina Park demonstrates how even seemingly minor material or design choices can have lasting impacts on a project’s outcome and future.

Project Stories | 23

Building Our Community Swinerton remains deeply committed to the local communities it serves. Offices from coast to coast hosted outreach events in celebration of Construction Inclusion Week 2023, while the individual giving efforts of our employee-owners resulted in the company’s most successful fundraiser in history.

Celebrating Belonging During Construction Inclusion Week & Beyond

E Supplier Diversity Mixer in Oakland, CA

“ …As a 100% employee-owned company, each person at Swinerton has the privilege and responsibility of ensuring that each of our diverse and valuable employeeowners feels heard and respected in the workplace. This means we take proactive action to make a positive impact on each other and hold ourselves accountable for acting in the best interest of our fellow employee-owners.”

– Eric Foster, Swinerton CEO

24 | SWINERTON QUARTERLY | WINTER 2023

ach year, Construction Inclusion Week offers an opportunity to reflect on and celebrate the effort to build diverse spaces and promote inclusivity within Swinerton and the industry. Alongside our business partners, our employee-owners make concerted efforts to engage in community-focused outreach that not only encourages belonging, but increases opportunities for workforce development and partnerships with diverse subcontractors and suppliers.

To kick off this year’s Construction Inclusion Week event, Swinerton CEO Eric Foster recommitted to AGC’s CEO Culture of CARE pledge on behalf of Swinerton, reaffirming the company’s ongoing efforts to promote an inclusive workplace culture.

Denver, CO

In addition, Swinerton remains keenly focused on outreach with small, diverse businesses and expanding opportunities for local workforce development. This year’s Construction Inclusion Week saw Swinerton hosting or participating in more outreach events than ever before to connect with local partners across our geographies.

From the first-ever Supplier Diversity Summit in Denver, CO to empowering workshops in Southern California, our efforts were centered on supporting small businesses and fostering connection in the local workforce. Northern California hosted a mixer for intentional networking; Portland, OR welcomed all trades for subcontractor outreach; and the Austin, TX team cohosted a breakfast event with diverse local businesses.

“Construction Inclusion Week is a time to celebrate with our business partners and our community all that we have been actively growing throughout the year and have been committed to for decades,” says Dost Bardouille, Swinerton’s Director of Corporate Responsibility. “While our efforts to build belonging in our industry extend beyond this week, this event provides a great time to reflect and advance the conversation on how we can continue to increase inclusivity in our industry.”

As a community contractor, Swinerton remains deeply committed to the neighborhoods in which we live and work—during Construction Inclusion Week and beyond.

Every year, each of the firm’s divisions participate in community outreach activities that support our focus areas of construction education, workforce development, and small and diverse business participation. Community relations liaisons serve as an integral part of the company’s social impact work by engaging with our subcontractors, business partners, and professional associations, as well as the community at-large, at various events and meetings.

Among these activities are networking events that we host with small, local, and diverse trade partners at our regional offices and financial and technical support that we provide to community-based organizations that help develop the construction trades workforce and provide support to small, local businesses.

This is part of our efforts to award at least 20% of our subcontracting dollars to small and diverse businesses, which we are proud to continue meeting.

Swinerton is grateful to have celebrated another successful Construction Inclusion Week with its employee-owners and business partners—but the work is not over yet. Our efforts are nationwide and year-round in our continued commitment to show up in the community and expand our impact.

Our Community Impact From our employees and our business partners, 2023 has been an impactful year of giving. Throughout the first three quarters of the year, employees volunteered a total of 4,975 hours, earning a collective $124,375 in Dollars for Doers rewards to be donated to the charities of their choice.

The Most Significant Giving Campaign in Swinerton History In response to the devastation caused by the August wildfires in Maui, Swinerton launched an employee giving campaign to support the Maui Community Foundation. It was the most successful disaster relief giving campaign in the history of the company, with donations topping $70,000. Swinerton’s business partners also gave in big ways, making in-kind gifts valued at over $240,000 in support of those affected by the fires.

The Swinerton Foundation’s Continued Efforts to Support Workforce Development Earlier this year, The Swinerton Foundation adopted a new mission: to develop the workforce of the future by being a catalyst for collective action to expand the accessibility of construction education and change the perception of the industry. Since 2020, Swinerton and The Swinerton Foundation have partnered with SkillsUSA to adopt local high schools and teach students the construction trades through trainings, mentorship, and monetary support. In addition, our Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship helps provide opportunities for young construction professionals entering the industry.

In August, The Swinerton Foundation awarded four graduates of the Cypress Mandela Training Center program in Oakland, CA, with the Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship. Each of the recipients were awarded $2,000 in scholarships. The top-scoring applicant, Quinn Lascurettes, was also offered an apprenticeship position with Swinerton.

Most of the Foundation’s revenue to fund these programs comes from our fundraising activities and the generosity of our trade partner community.

In 2022, the Foundation held the most fundraisers ever, bringing in over $1.1M to support construction education and workforce development programs. Next year, the newly formed Tony Williamson Scholarship Committee will work to expand the scholarship in other geographies and support more graduates of construction workforce development programs.

BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY | 25

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS

Honolulu, HI | Swinerton’s Hawaii team is incredibly grateful for our industry partners who generously donated various tools and supplies to Maui contractors that lost everything in the fires. Our Honolulu office also banded together to donate various everyday essentials and organized a distribution center where the materials were disbursed.

New York, NY | Swinerton’s New York City office attended the 25th Anniversary Rebuild NYC Gala to celebrate the organization’s work, which includes re-skilling underemployed individuals for careers in construction, and revitalizing home and community spaces. Andrew Pearl, Vice President and Division Manager, serves on the Board of Directors and gave a speech at the event.

Seattle, WA | Our Seattle office celebrated its 10th year volunteering with Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. Over 30 volunteers built a mounting block and an outdoor shelter, repaired fences, and tidied up the inside of the stables.

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Arlington, TX | Swinerton is proud to have received the 2023 Trailblazer Award from the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC).

Austin, TX | Swinerton’s Austin team participated in Construction Industry Education Foundation Trades Day, which provided over 300 students and instructors with hands-on demonstrations to explore diverse career options within the construction industry. Our self-perform group constructed an exhibit showcasing metal stud framing and the drywall installation process, and explained the correct techniques through a brief presentation, practical demonstrations, and a friendly competition.

Morgan Hill, CA | On behalf of The Swinerton Foundation, the Silicon Valley Division hosted its sixth annual clay shoot fundraiser at Coyote Valley Sporting Clays, raising $110,000 total to further The Foundation’s efforts to expand equitable construction education and develop a sustainable workforce.

Charlotte, NC | Swinerton’s Carolinas Division recently completed the renovation of a 22,470-square-foot facility for Melmark Carolinas, a nonprofit special education school. To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the school and show support for its mission, Swinerton sponsored the 2023 Melmark Carolinas Golf Tournament, which saw the school’s project team participating.

BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY | 27

Earning Our Stripes With key leadership appointments continuing to strengthen our market footprint, offerings, capabilities, and community impact across the country, Swinerton is also keen to celebrate our employee-owners’ dedication on the jobsite, industry thought leadership, and service milestones. More than simply a visual element of our brand, our stripes represent our Swinerton pride—and we wear them as a badge of honor.

People on the Move:

Elevating Local Leadership Swinerton is experiencing tremendous growth and continues to expand its impact on communities throughout the nation. In a commitment to developing local, talented leaders from within, we have appointed three rising divisional leaders across the country to strategically guide our efforts.

Nick Vovakes

Jennifer Lauritzen

Kevin Smith

This past summer, Nick Vovakes took the helm of the Seattle office as Vice President and Division Manager. Backed by over 20 years in the construction industry, Vovakes has been instrumental in expanding Swinerton’s healthcare footprint in the Pacific Northwest in addition to strengthening the group’s expertise in other local markets, including tenant improvements and mass timber. Vovakes’ communityminded leadership furthers Swinerton’s continued efforts to give back to local communities. The division engages in events such as the American Heart Association’s “Hard Hats with Heart,” educating the construction workforce on good habits for heart health.

Vovakes and the Seattle team are also passionate supporters of the Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center, a Richmond, WA nonprofit that helps children with disabilities build confidence and strength through equestrian activities.

Swinerton has been a trusted partner in the Silicon Valley market for over two decades, maintaining an office in Santa Clara, CA. To continue serving the region as the preferred builder, Swinerton appointed Jennifer Lauritzen to lead the division. A resident of San Jose, CA, Lauritzen shows great enthusiasm for team-building, as well as an unwavering dedication to the South Bay and serving the building needs of her local community. A testament to the region’s growth, the Silicon Valley division is actively completing nearly $200 million in construction in various markets, including facilities for K-12 schools, higher education, housing, and financial technology institutions.

The team is committed to fostering collaborative and inspiring environments for employees, clients, and business partners, guided by Swinerton’s core values of ownership, leadership, integrity, passion, and excellence.

Kevin Smith brings over 20 years of experience to his new role as Division Manager of the Charlotte and Raleigh offices. Since expanding to the Southeast in 2018, Swinerton has experienced tremendous growth and opportunity, constructing nearly $360 million in commercial environments throughout the Carolinas with a talented, growing team of around 70 construction professionals.

Smith’s strong leadership presence aims to promote a healthy, foundational team culture, and his technical experience in building multifamily and ground-up projects will lead the development of Swinerton’s operations in the Carolinas, focusing on strategic projects in mass timber, multifamily, hospitality, education, commercial interiors, and healthcare construction.

His leadership, deep understanding of construction intricacies, and commitment to communities in the Carolinas will continue to expand Swinerton’s impact in the dynamic market.

Seattle, WA

Silicon Valley, CA

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Charlotte and Raleigh, NC

Faces in the Field Our ongoing Faces in the Field feature focuses on the exemplary craftspeople who strengthen our business.

Jose Huerta

Manny Perdomo

Timothy Jurmu

Current Project: 900 Innes Park Development Project With his proactive focus organization, cleanliness, and safety, Huerta exemplifies accountability and a strong commitment to the training and development of his teammates.

Current Project: Royal Lahaina Resort As Designated Safety Person (DSP) on his project, Perdomo demonstrates a keen awareness of safety protocols and shows great initiative and persistance in keeping jobsite cleanliness a top priority.

Current Project: Portland International Airport (PDX) TCORE Redevelopment Demonstrating strong commitment to his team, the project, and Swinerton’s longterm goals, Jurmu leads with integrity and is committed to self-improvement and helping others succeed.

Laborer Foreman, San Francisco, CA

Laborer Foreman, Maui, HI

Carpenter Foreman, Portland, OR

Trevor Prater Awarded by ACI for Groundbreaking Concrete Research

Swinerton Project Executive Trevor Prater was recently recognized by the American Concrete Institute (ACI), winning the organization’s ACI Concrete

International Award for exemplary achievement and groundbreaking research and service to the concrete industry. Prater co-authored an article with other industry thought leaders about specific design protocols that structural engineers can use to avoid quality and constructability issues in reinforced concrete. The research and recommendations presented could have far-reacing implications for building code requirements for concrete structures.

Since joining Swinerton in 2019, Prater has contributed his talents and concrete

expertise to numerous key projects in the San Francisco Bay Area. He earned his Master of Science in Concrete Construction from California State University, Chico, and is a member of ACI’s Norcal/Western Nevada chapter as well as a member of the American Society of Concrete Contractors. In his day-to-day work and industry thought leadership, Prater continues to exemplify Swinerton’s core value of excellence.

We invite you to read his piece, titled “Reinforcement Congestion in Castin-Place Concrete,” on ASCC.org.

Excellence in Service Join us in celebrating our employee-owners who have achieved twenty- and twenty-five-year tenures with Swinerton.

Scott Kube (25) Project Executive

Ryan Campbell (20) Senior Superintendent

Darlene Cho (20) Division Controller

Troy Cone (20) Assistant Superintendent

Keith Dancey (20) Vice President and Division Manager

John Robutz (20) Senior Superintendent Earning Our Stripes | 29

Reflections from the CEO

Lessons from Four Decades at Swinert

A

s I embark on my retirement adventures, the Swinerton Quarterly editorial team invited me to share my reflections on the past 42 transformative years.

It’s a period marked by immense change and growth, both within Swinerton and in the construction industry at large.

The most significant change, undoubtedly, has been the invention and adoption of personal computers and associated software. Imagine this: summing your construction estimate with a 10-key adding machine; preparing your construction schedules on graph paper, armed with a pencil and eraser; relying solely on a landline telephone for communication; and coordinating Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical and Fire Sprinkler drawings on a light table with mylar drawings without the assistance of Virtual Design and Construction software.

These methods, relics of the 1980s, worked surprisingly well.

And as we stride into the future, it’s crucial not to be attracted to the allure of the latest shiny software that promises much but may not deliver. The focus should also remain on what can help us build buildings faster, better, or cheaper.

Image credited to Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum

1983

1993

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2003

20

Yet, amidst all these technological advancements and seismic shifts in my four decades at Swinerton, one thing has remained steadfast—the importance of our people.

People are still at the heart of designing and building structures. I firmly believe that prioritizing our people first will continue to be our greatest competitive advantage.

Going forward, I encourage the following areas of focus:

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013

- Hiring: It’s essential to hire with care and thoughtfulness, and not merely to fill seats because you’ve just won a job. Regardless of how challenging a project may be, the right team can exceed customer expectations and ensure equitable returns. Conversely, even straightforward projects can falter with an unsuitable team. The mindset should be “Talent First” and “Project Second.”

- Coaching: Constant coaching, mentoring, and training are paramount. Swinerton’s Builder VI and craft training programs have the company set in a promising direction, yet consistent, day-to-day mentorship of teams is the bedrock of long-term success. Invest time explaining not only the methods but also the rationale behind each task.

- Communication: Strive for clear communication and set precise expectations. Despite perceived clarity, there is always room for improvement. Dedicate time to confirm that messages are fully understood.

Eric (far right) with Swinerton’s New York City team at their 2023 Town Hall.

- Empowerment: Empower your direct reports to make decisions and effect changes. In doing so, some mistakes are bound to occur, but the enduring long-term growth and productivity of the team will surpass any temporary setbacks.

- Promotion: Whenever possible, promote from within.

- Performance: Swiftly address under-performers, but always with grace and professionalism.

- Rewards: Reward fairly and often. Rewards can take many forms, from acknowledging exceptional performance to financial incentives through Swinerton’s administrative and craft Excellence awards. It is easy to get caught up in and focus on the hustle of tasks; however, it’s crucial not to overlook or forget those doing the heavy lifting. Make the time to reward fairly and regularly.

By keeping people at the forefront of our endeavors, I am confident that Swinerton is poised for even greater success in the next 42 years and beyond.

My best wishes for continued success to you all,

2023

Eric

Earning Our Stripes | 31

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Editorial Team Annemarie Pearson

Christy Jenkins

Allison Johnson

Kimberly Owyang

Alyssa Baldwin

Megan Miller

For more information or to be added to the distribution list, email sq@swinerton.com