Juan Mullerat, Founding Principal, Plusurbia Design
Vol. 24, Issue 9, 2025
FEATURES
42 The Making of Wynwood How a decade of planning transformed Wynwood into a Miami cultural hub.
66 Behind the Color
The making of London’s Sarah Hepburn Stylists Studio.
76 Beyond the Screen Creating calm, comfort and connection at Wayfarer Theaters.
Vol. 24, Issue 9, 2025
IT Corner
21 Holding the Horizon 5 ways to protect your bottom line in the Age of AI.
General Contractor Profiles
85 Built to Last How Swinerton has balanced innovation with the strength of its employee-owned foundation.
Hospitality in Commercial Construction
97 Reviving a Classic
Inside the $35 million renovation of San Diego’s Lafayette Hotel.
Commercial Construction in Healthcare
111 Cooling the Curve Lapeer Medical’s 75-year-old system gets new life with a cost-saving VRF upgrade.
Federal Construction
127 Preserving Patrimony Safeguarding Puerto Rico’s historic cornices.
Residental Construction & Remodeling
149 Poured. Printed. Tilted Up A builder’s guide to modern concrete home construction.
160 Moving the Market 6 home upgrades buyers want most.
Where Hospitality Meets Humanity
Every so often, an idea comes along that feels overdue—like it should have been here all along. That’s the spirit behind
INNclusivity, a nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful hospitality jobs for adults with developmental disabilities.
Nearly 300 people have participated in workshops, with more than 150 experiencing hotel immersion programs. Each step builds confidence, skills and, most importantly— pathways to longterm employment.
For too many, the support systems available in school vanish once they graduate. INNclusivity steps in to bridge that gap, offering leadership workshops, hotel immersion experiences, and job placements with the support of job coaches. The process is simple but powerful: inspire through education, provide hands-on exposure and
then connect candidates with real employment opportunities.
In just two years, INNclusivity has built partnerships with major hotels across Atlanta, Pittsburgh, New Orleans, Orlando, Florida, San Francisco, and beyond. Nearly 300 people have participated in workshops, with more than 150 experiencing hotel immersion programs. Each step builds confidence, skills and, most importantly— pathways to long-term employment.
The impact is profound. For some participants, these positions mark their first-ever jobs, opening the door to independence, dignity, and inclusion. Challenges like transportation remain, but INNclusivity continues to grow its team and refine its model with the goal of becoming a one-stop shop for candidates and employers alike.
At its heart, the organization is a reminder of what hospitality truly means: not just serving guests, but creating spaces where everyone belongs, contributes and thrives.
We have always said, if we do a good job the phones will ring.
Established in 1993, Lakeview Construction, LLC is a national commercial project solution provider specializing in all phases of construction.
From concept to completion, our professional teams deliver quality construction and outstanding service, ensuring on-time schedules and cost-effective project management.
Headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, we operate across all 50 states
CCR EDITORIAL BOARD
ACADEMIA
DR. MARK LEE LEVINE
Professor Burns School/ Daniels College University of Denver
ADA
BRAD GASKINS Principal The McIntosh Group
ARCHITECTS/ENGINEERS
MICHAEL MAGEE
Studio Leader Retail, Store Design Senior Associate Little
FRED MARGULIES
Director of Retail Architecture Onyx Creative
STEVEN MCKAY
Managing Principal, Global Design Leader DLR Group
STEVEN R. OLSON, AIA President CESO, Inc.
CONSULTANT
GINA MARIE ROMEO
Chief Heart Officer & Principal Consultant, Allied RDI
DEVELOPMENT/PROJECT MANAGEMENT
KAY BARRETT
NCIDQ, CDP
Senior Vice President Cushman & Wakefield
PAM GOODWIN
Goodwin Advisors, LLC Goodwin Commercial The Pam Goodwin Show
DAVID THOMPSON Vice President TCB Construction Group LLC.
MATT SCHIMENTI President Schimenti Construction
JOHN STALLMAN
Marketing Manager Lakeview Construction
JEFFREY D. MAHLER
RCA Advisory Board Member
HEALTHCARE
CLINTON “BROOKS” HERMAN
Principal Facilities Project Manager, MD Anderson Cancer Center
HOSPITALITY
SAMUEL D. BUCKINGHAM, RS AMS CMCA President of Construction Devco Development
GARY RALL
Vice President of Design and Development Holiday Inn Club Vacations
ROBERT RAUCH Chairman Brick Hospitality
JOE THOMAS
Joseph K Thomas Sr. Consulting Senior Consultant Hospitality Engineering
LU SACHARSKI Vice President of Operations and Project Management Interserv Hospitality
ANDY BRIGGS, CHA Managing Principal A14 Capital Management
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
CRAIG WEBER Director of Business Prime Retail Services, US Prime 3 Retail Canada, Inc.
REAL ESTATE
RESTAURANTS
DAVID SHOTWELL
Director of Construction & Facilities, BOJ of WNC, LLC
BOB WITKEN
Senior Project Manager Fox Restaurant Concepts
RETAILERS
AARON ANCELLO Facilities Asset Management Public Storage
DEDRICK KIRKEM
Facilities Manager Alice + Olivia
BOB MEZA Senior Construction Project Manager Target
DAVID D. DILLON
Principal Design Lead, Templates & Standards Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center
LAURA GROSS
Retail Facilities Manager American Signature Furniture
KELLY RADFORD Vice President Facility Services CubeSmart
PERMITTING
ROB ADKINS, LEED AP CDP Senior Project Manager Cushman & Wakefield
MEGAN HAGGERTY Founder Legacy Capital Investment
MARIE ANTONETTE G. WAITE
Founder and CEO
Finest Women in Real Estate
VAUN PODLOGAR
CEO, Owner, Founder State Permits, Inc.
NO ENTRY NO HARM
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Contact
AroundtheIndustry
RETAIL
BJ’s Wholesale Club
BJ’s Wholesale Club plans to open 25 to 30 locations over the next two fiscal years, including its first in Texas, in the Dallas-Fort Worth area in early 2026.
76 FENCE
76 FENCE is expanding its footprint in Georgia with new franchise locations opening in Douglasville and Newnan, marking the brand’s continued growth across the state. The West Georgia territories will be owned and operated by longtime Douglasville resident and business leader Matthew Skuodas.
Princess Polly
Princess Polly, an Australian-born fashion brand known for its Gen Z appeal, is expanding its U.S. presence and hybrid retail strategy with seven new stores in 2025, including its first New York City location.
Burlington Stores
Burlington Stores, which opened 101 stores in 2024, plans an additional 100 this year, aiming for 500 net new stores by 2028.
Universal Standard
Universal Standard is expanding into wholesale with plans to launch in 50 stores this year, including Anthropologie, Nordstrom and Macy’s. Universal Standard is debuting an exclusive collection to kick off its partnership with Anthropologie featuring unique colors and patterns.
Warby Parker
Warby Parker will open shops in five Target stores later this year, with plans to expand the partnership in 2026. The in-store shops will offer a range of eyewear products and services, including prescription glasses, sunglasses and eye exams, and Warby Parker’s products also will be available on Target’s website.
Bandai Namco,
Bandai Namco, a major Japanese video game publisher, opened its first U.S. store in New York City’s Japan Village. Cross Store features 10 sections offering figures, collectibles, card games and other products from various Bandai Namco brands, including Tamagotchi digital pets and the Pac-Man arcade game.
TJX
Off-price retailer TJX plans to grow by about 130 new stores this year, bringing the total to over 5,200, with a focus on smaller markets and store formats. Plans call for 30 new TJ Maxx and Marshalls stores in the U.S., along with new Sierra and Homesense locations. Additionally, the company will focus on international expansion, with plans for 22 new European locations and new stores in Canada and Australia.
Kendra Scott
Kendra Scott continues to prioritize brick-and-mortar expansion, with plans to open 20 new stores. The company uses data on consumer behavior and market trends to guide its strategy, emphasizing the importance of creating community-driven store experiences.
Google
Google is reportedly gearing up to open its first retail stores outside the US in India, targeting locations in Mumbai and New Delhi. The move aims to compete with Apple, which has been successful with physical stores globally. Sources say Google’s stores will showcase products like Pixel phones and could expand if successful.
HOSPITALITY
ZEL Punta Cana, a collaboration between Melia Hotels International and Rafael Nadal, has officially opened. The resort, located near Bavaro Beach, features 190 suites, including swim-up options, and offers a blend of Mediterranean and Caribbean experiences. Amenities include the AUA Spa, a variety of gourmet dining options and the Zel Club for fitness and social activities.
The $250 million expansion of Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, Arkansas is more than halfway finished, with completion expected by fall. The project features a 13-story hotel with 321 rooms, an 84,000-square-foot event center, a Starbucks and a jewelry store. The expansion is expected to boost tourism and employment in Jefferson County.
Trailborn has opened a hotel in Williams, Ariz., near the Grand Canyon, featuring amenities such as a firepit, hot tub and bocce ball court. The Trailborn Grand Canyon, a revamped Route 66 lodge, also offers outdoor equipment and expert guidance for activities. The hotel is less than a mile away from the Grand Canyon Railway depot, making it a convenient base for travelers.
Extended Stay America
Extended Stay America has partnered with Grubhub to introduce a new program providing guests with exclusive benefits for ordering from local restaurants during their stay. The partnership aims to enhance guest experience by offering $0 delivery fees through a free Grubhub+ membership, valid for 30 days.
Aman Group /Amancaya
Aman Group to debut in Bahamas with luxury resort Aman Group is set to open Amancaya, a luxury resort and branded residences in Exuma, Bahamas, marking its first location in the country. The resort, developed with Dona Bertarelli, will feature a 36-pavilion hotel, marina, beach club and spa. It aims for LEED certification and aligns with the United Nations sustainable development goals.
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions
Kalahari Resorts & Conventions has introduced the Kalahari Adventure Collection, a property tier highlighting experience-driven accommodations. The first project, in progress in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin features elevated treehouses, lakefront cabins and villas, and is scheduled to open in 2026.
Marriott’s International
Marriott International has opened the $1.3 billion Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, California—its sixth under the Gaylord Hotels brand. The 1,600-key resort features extensive meeting and event spaces, including the largest hotel convention center in California, a 4.25-acre waterpark and 12 diverse dining options.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has partnered with Le Park Concord Company to develop 100 Super 8 by Wyndham hotels in Saudi Arabia over the next decade, marking the brand’s entry into the country. The initiative is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, with the first hotel set to open in 2026.
Radisson Hotels
Radisson Hotels has opened two net-zero hotels, in Manchester, England, and Oslo, Norway, using renewable energy and sustainable practices. The Manchester hotel uses heat pumps for water and heating, while the Oslo hotel relies on renewable electricity and district heating. Both hotels have redesigned menus to reduce emissions and have aligned with eco-friendly suppliers.
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has opened the 134-room Rosewood Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico, within the Mandarina resort and residential complex. The luxury hotel features accommodations with private plunge pools, multiple dining venues, the Asaya Spa and the Explorers Club children’s program.
RESTAURANTS
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is combining several features at its new location at The Battery Atlanta, incorporating its first in-house bar in the U.S., multiple free arcade games, plentiful televisions and a spacious dining room/patio area. The company also is piloting several efficiency improvements at the location in conjunction with its Atlanta-based warehouse innovation site.
Cuerno
Cuerno, a restaurant by Costeño Group, has opened in New York City, marking the group’s U.S. debut. The restaurant pays homage to the culinary traditions of northern Mexico, with signature dishes like carne asada, handmade tortilla tacos and grilled meats cooked over mesquite in a Josper charcoal oven, echoing the region’s fire-centered cooking culture.
R&R Brands
A new Louisiana-based restaurant group led by former WalkOn’s executive Scott Taylor, includes a portfolio of the full-service restaurant brands Cody’s Original Roadhouse, Party Fowl and Santa Fe Cattle Co., along with a movie theater operation. The group also includes multiple Walk-On’s Bistreaux locations.
Bareburger
The Smash Club restaurant in New York City is one of the ways the Bareburger chain is trying to regain its footing after closing many of its locations to focus on its remaining 30. Smash Club offers burgers inspired by steakhouses and a comprehensive cocktail list in a dining room with a retro 70s feel.
Piccolo Buco
Cooper’s Hawk Winery is preparing to add two more Piccolo Buco pizza restaurants in the U.S. this year and has four more leases signed as the company pursues expansion opportunities and provides loyalty benefits to its wine club members.
(Continued on next page)
AroundtheIndustry
PopUp Bagels
PopUp Bagels, the 13-unit concept, is focused on becoming a national brand. The New York City-based company has signed 300 franchise locations for the social-media noteworthy brand that has a menu of flavored bagels and cream cheese-based dips. The bagel shop brand has drawn investments from actor Paul Rudd, swimmer Michael Phelps, former NFL players Michael Strahan and J.J. Watt.
PopStroke
Eatertainment concept PopStroke, backed by Tiger Woods’ TGR Ventures, plans to reach 150 to 200 locations. The company has focused on technology from the start, creating a proprietary mobile app through Heard Technology that handles nearly 80% of transactions, enhances the guest experience and provides real-time feedback. PopStroke has also introduced a cold-weather prototype in Nashville to enter new markets and rebranded its dining experience as Bar Tenders.
Qdoba
Qdoba plans to open 75 restaurants next year and surpass 1,000 by 2027, after shifting to a franchise-first model. Growth strategies
Game On
include a revitalization plan featuring digital upgrades, refreshed marketing and targeted geographic expansion into markets like Canada and Puerto Rico.
Outback Steakhouse
Bloomin’ Brands will expand a turnaround test at Outback Steakhouse to 42 units from the original 14. The test includes streamlining the menu, sourcing higher-quality steaks and scheduling fewer tables per server too boost quality of service. The smaller menu is designed to streamline kitchen processes and deliver a more consistent dining experience, supporting broader efforts to enhance value and service quality for guests.
Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse will accelerate the expansion of its Bubba’s 33 sports bar concept next year, building on its current 53 units, and all new locations will be company operated. The company also is in growth mode at its fast-casual concept, Jaggers, which expects to open eight new units in 2026, some of which will be franchises.
Chuck’s Arcade brings nostalgia and next-gen play to malls across the U.S.
Chuck E. Cheese is leveling up for grown-ups with the launch of Chuck’s Arcade, a fresh spin on the classic brand built for those who never outgrew their love of gaming. Think retro icons like Ms. Pac-Man, Galaga, Mortal Kombat, Donkey Kong and Centipede sitting side-by-side with today’s hottest racing simulators and immersive virtual reality hits. To sweeten the deal, select spots even offer throwback merchandise—from logo tees and collectibles to novelty candy that’s pure nostalgia.
The new concept already has popped up in 10 malls across the country, including St. Petersburg, Florida; Trumbull, Connecticut; Oklahoma City and Tulsa; Victor, New York; Buford, Georgia; El Paso, Texas; Nashua and Salem, New Hampshire; and St. Louis. Taking it a step further, it recently opened a “one-of-a-kind” Chuck’s Arcade and Pizzeria in Kansas City, where guests can game, eat and take in original Chuck E. Cheese artwork.
And because no trip down memory lane is complete without a familiar face, each arcade features an animatronic character from the brand’s past—Chuck E. Cheese himself or one of his pals. These figures no longer perform, but they do keep watch as a playful nod to the brand’s history. With no two arcades alike, each location offers its own spin on the electric glow and highscore thrills that defined a generation.
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Interplan’s Next Chapter in Chicago
Inside a modern Chicago workspace designed for people and collaboration
Interplan LLC is celebrating a major milestone with the opening of its new Chicago office in Lombard, Illinois. Nearly doubling its footprint to 7,500 square feet, the move comes on the heels of adding 16 employees since 2023—positioning the team for continued growth and collaboration.
It’s only the second relocation in the office’s history, following a 40-year run in its previous 4,500-square-foot space. Since its founding in 1972, Interplan has grown into a national leader, delivering more than 8,000 corporate restaurant projects and 11,000 corporate retail locations across the U.S.
The new office reflects Interplan’s brand while creating its own identity, complete with modern amenities like a fitness center, café, indoor putting green, and The Hub—a central gathering place for dining, celebrating and bi-weekly team huddles. The “uplifted vibe” and open design already is enhancing collaboration, sparking the kind of energy where great ideas thrive.
Checkout Checkmate
Sam’s Club tests life without lanes in Texas and Arizona
Afuture without checkout lanes. Go figure. In 2024, Walmart-owned Sam’s Club opened its first register-free store in Grapevine, Texas, where members leaned into Scan and Go technology. Instead of lines, shoppers scan items with their phones, pay in the app and walk through exit arches that verify purchases using computer vision. The change gives employees more time to guide customers through the digital experience.
The Grapevine store is a test lab for what could come next. While Sam’s Club has not committed to removing registers across the board, a new club in Tempe, Arizona, will open with the same setup— with select remodels to follow. By replacing rows of registers with merchandising space, Sam’s Club is betting that mobile-first shopping can reshape both checkout and store design.
With Scan and Go accounts growing— at 35% of sales, up from 29% a year ago— analysts say the shift could save costs tied to checkout infrastructure. They cautioned that removing registers entirely risks alienating members who still want the option.
They said it...
“AI is not just about enhancing security in the hospitality sector. It’s about creating a smarter, more efficient operational environment.”
— Huvr CEO Herman DeBoard on why hotels are increasingly using artificial intelligence to improve security by analyzing data from cameras, sensors and alarms in real time.
“We saw a growing segment of travelers in the midscale extended stay space who didn’t have a product geared for them.”
— Marriott International Global Development Officer on the motivation behind the brand’s launch of StudioRes to the midscale market.
“We’ll be very intentional in our site selection. We’re looking for locations with strong daytime and evening trade, walkability, and high foot traffic-think mixed-use developments and lifestyle centers.”
— wagamama Chief Development Officer Suk Singh on the brand plans to scale with purpose in the U.S. market.
CORNER
Holding the Horizon
5 ways to protect your bottom line in the Age of AI
Holding the Horizon
5 ways to protect your bottom line in the Age of AI
By Joe Curcillo
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has moved from shiny headlines to background noise. It drafts reports, crunches numbers and spits out answers before you finish your coffee. Impressive, sure. But here’s the truth: AI doesn’t carry consequences. It doesn’t look a client in the eye. It doesn’t feel the ripple effects of a decision.
And it sure as hell doesn’t take responsibility for your bottom line.
If the answer the machine generates tanks your revenue, alienates members or erodes trust, you’re the one left holding the bill. That’s why strategy—and the leadership behind it—matters more than ever. No algorithm owns the outcome. You do.
So let’s move past the hype. Here are five deliberate moves you can make right now to protect your bottom line—and lead beyond the prompt.
1 Sit With the Fog
AI thrives on clarity. You ask, it answers. But authentic leadership lives in the
fog—messy, high-stakes decisions where trade-offs collide.
Budgets. Hiring. Strategic shifts. These aren’t clean equations; they’re ambiguous, political, human. AI can draft a neat pro/con list. Your job is to pause and ask: What’s missing? Who wins? Who loses? What happens next?
If you skip that step, the hidden costs will show up later as disengagement, member churn or bad investments.
Picture a board reviewing a new initiative. The AI-generated summary makes the case sound airtight. But the leader who slows down, who asks, “What does this mean for our youngest members? What will this signal to partners two years out?”—
AI doesn’t care if the answer is fair, inclusive or aligned with your mission. It just optimizes. That’s your job.
the one saving the organization from a six-figure mistake.
Do this now: At your next meeting, call a “Fog Check.” Ask the three questions: What’s missing? Who wins? Who loses? Don’t let the quick answer become the wrong one.
2 Keep Ethics at the Center
AI doesn’t care if the answer is fair, inclusive or aligned with your mission. It just optimizes. That’s your job.
Associations and businesses don’t just move fast—they’re trusted to move right. Shortcuts that ignore ethics show up later as lawsuits, reputational hits and fractured relationships. That’s not a side issue. That’s a direct strike on your bottom line.
$10,000 savings in accounting isn’t a win if it creates a $100,000 problem in member experience.
Your job isn’t to celebrate local brilliance. It’s to orchestrate the system. Otherwise, the hidden costs will eat your margin alive.
Think about your own teams: When IT rolls out a new platform without consulting HR, the disruption isn’t just technical—it’s cultural. AI multiplies the risk when every department starts adopting tools in isolation.
Do this now: Assign a “system scanner” to your next initiative. Their role: flag downstream impacts before final sign-off.
Protecting your bottom line isn’t about the machine; it’s about doing the five things the machine never will—today, not tomorrow.
We’ve all seen organizations save weeks of effort by letting AI automate outreach—only to discover the model baked in subtle bias that alienated the very people they most needed to reach. The “time savings” evaporated into months of damage control.
Do this now: Before green-lighting an AI-driven idea, ask: Does this align with our values? Would I defend this decision five years from now? If not, stop.
3 Think in Systems, Not Silos
AI speeds up silos, marketing automates campaigns, finance accelerates forecasts and operations run smoothly. It all looks good until those isolated wins collide. Generalist leaders—the ones who see the whole map—know that a
4 Synthesize, Don’t Just Search
Anyone can search. AI makes that trivial. But leadership isn’t about collecting inputs—it’s about creating meaning.
Think of a conductor: Every instrument makes noise on its own, but only with synthesis does it become music. Same with leadership—you’re the one who connects the dots between data, context, and lived experience.
That’s where margin lives. It is not in the draft AI that spits out, but in the connections only you can make.
A leader who notices that a single line in a market report echoes a member’s frustration last week is doing more than analysis. They’re weaving lived reality into strategy. That’s not a “nice to have.” It’s the difference between a good idea and a profitable one.
Do this now: Before proceeding, demand at least one hidden link between data, feedback, and long-term strategy in your next planning session.
5 Protect the Human Work
AI will keep getting faster. That’s not the threat. The danger is forgetting the work only humans can do.
Machines don’t build trust. They don’t mentor. They don’t sense when silence in a room means resistance. That’s the work that keeps members engaged, employees loyal and revenue steady.
Don’t outsource it. Double down on it.
Make time for mentoring, storytelling, and coaching. That’s not soft work—it’s bottom-line protection. When people feel seen and supported, they stay. Retention is the margin. Trust is currency.
Do this now: Block 30 minutes this week for a conversation that’s not about tasks—only trust. Meet with a stakeholder, employee or partner—your choice.
Horizon Check
You don’t need to outrun AI. You need to hold the horizon and lead beyond it.
The leaders who thrive now aren’t the ones who chase speed or shiny tools. They’re the ones steady enough to sit in ambiguity, disciplined enough to keep ethics central, wide-eyed enough to think in systems, skilled enough to synthesize and human enough to protect the work only people can do.
That’s what holding the horizon means: keeping your eyes fixed on longterm direction while navigating the fog of daily complexity. AI can generate. But only leadership delivers.
Protecting your bottom line isn’t about the machine; it’s about doing the five things the machine never will—today, not tomorrow.
Joe Curcillo is the Maestro of Integration—a strategist, speaker and author of “Beyond the Prompt: Leading with Purpose in the Age of AI,” part of The Generalist’s Advantage Leadership Series. A former trial attorney turned leadership advisor, he helps leaders cut through noise, break silos, and lead with clarity. The book is on Amazon, but he offers it free at www.joecurcillo.com .
RCA Walks the Walk at Fashion Island
The Retail Design Institute (RDI) Southwest + Pacific Chapter partnered with the Retail Contractor Association (RCA) for one of its regular gatherings at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California, creating a dynamic evening of discovery and connection. Attendees explored a curated “Retail Walk,” from the world’s largest Restoration Hardware Gallery to fresh flagships like Arc’teryx, ON Running and Orlebar Brown—plus local favorites Melin and J. Pritchard. The walk concluded with a networking reception at J. Pritchard, where conversations turned to the future of retail design. Event partners included Commercial Construction & Renovation and The Home Depot PRO.
Sponsored by:
Store visited:
> Restoration Hardware – their largest gallery in the world (97,000 sf), opened 2024
> Arc’teyx - First-ever store in Orange County, opened August 2025
> ON Running – Flagship location, largest store in the U.S., opened February 2025
> Melin – Local brand, 2nd location
> Orlebar Brown – Flagship location, opened Sept 2024
> J. Pritchard – First brick & mortar store, semi-pop-up
in the news
Mentorship in Motion
SARA NY’s ‘Blueprint for Success’ inspires future architects
SARA NY’s annual “Blueprint for Success” event brought together students of architecture and interior design with some of New York City’s top firms this past September. Hosted and sponsored by Brickworks Design Studio, the evening featured brief mentorship sessions filled with practical advice, engaging conversations and invaluable career insights. Thanks to Judy Hasegawa for her planning efforts, raffle prizes, and to the mentors and students whose energy, curiosity and preparation made the night a success. Hasegawa, a NanaWall Design Center NY + Architectural Representative for NanaWall Systems, also serves on the SARA National Affiliate Board.
Blues & Brews: Industry Soul Session
Columbus’ retail, architecture, and design professionals gathered on September 11 for Blues & Brews: Industry Soul Session — a lively evening celebrating connection, craftsmanship, and community. Hosted at The Kitchen, the event blended live blues music, local brews, and chef-driven bites to create an atmosphere that was equal parts relaxed and refined.
Brought to life through the collaboration of Kingsmen Projects US, Emser Tile, PFG Retail, and the RDI Ohio Chapter, the night offered a fresh spin on the traditional industry social — proof that great design conversations pair perfectly with good music and even better company.
Ron Anderson (Abercrombie & Fitch), Stephen Hekman (Kingsmen Projects US), Doug Loudon (Big Sky)
Elaine Johnson (Independent Consultant), Richelle Viney (Momentum Alliance inc.)
Tom Muck (Emser Tile), Lisa Schwartz (ProCoat), Joe Dovenmuehle (Inside Edge), girl in front white & red is / was with A&F, Ann Hrovat (Precision Facility Group), unknown, Melissa Singer-Reed (Precision Facility Group), Jeff Ankenbauer (Precision Facility Group), Stephen Hekman (Kingsmen Projects US), Amy Mullins (Precision Facility Group), Phil Otto (SNG Group)
RDI Ohio Chapter Board Members: Andy House (Imagine), Ray Ehscheid (Nelson), Laura Smith (CESO inc.), Faith Huddleston (Nelson), Steve Calhoun (The Hershey Company), Leslie Perrini (B+N Industries), unknown, Nicole Faccinto (Nicole Faccinto Design)
Wendy Johnson (Chute Gerdeman)
Doug Loudon (Big Sky)
Joe Baer (Zen Genius)
Mitchell Gruesen (Casto), Andy House (Imagine), Shawn Ghodsian (Emser Tile), Stephen Hekman (Kingsmen Projects US), Douglas Smith (Westwood Commercial Real Estate), Nicole Faccinto (Nicole Faccinto Design), Lauren Albrecht (Emser Tile)
Lauren Albrecht (Emser Tile), Rick Littell (Shottenstein Property Group), Brian Rockel (Big Red Rooster), Stephen Hekman (Kingsmen Projects US), Chris Greco (Precision Facility Group), Mitchell Gruesen (Casto), Matt Coultrip (iAnthus), Doug Loudon (Big Sky), Lauren Heidlebaugh (Abercrombie & Fitch), Kristen Kanotz (Sheetz), Amy Mullins (Precision Facility Group), Justin Folk (DSW), Diana Lyon (GWD), Andy House (RDI), Robert Thorne (Abercrombie & Fitch), Ron Anderson (Abercrombie & Fitch)
The Circular Blueprint
The construction sector’s path to sustainable future
By Rahul Bahl
The construction industry finds itself at a crossroads. Despite being responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions and generating over one-third of the world's waste, it continues to operate predominantly on a linear model—extract, use and discard. As the world undergoes rapid urbanisation, this approach becomes increasingly unsustainable amid growing resource scarcity, overflowing landfills and stricter environmental regulations.
This is where the circular economy principles come to the forefront, offering a practical solution for the construction sector to reduce its environmental footprint while creating economic value through resource optimisation.
And this is not just about sustainability: Rising material costs, stricter waste
regulations and growing consumer demand for green infrastructure also are making circular construction a smart business strategy. But how can the construction sector realistically transition from its traditional waste-heavy model to a circular one?
The answer lies in rethinking materials, design approaches and waste management
strategies, all while fostering collaboration between developers, policymakers and key players in the industry.
Rethinking Material Flows
The transition to circular construction begins with materials. Concrete, steel, and aluminium—staples of construction—are
REDEFINING TOUCHLESS WITH NO VISIBLE SENSORS
Proximity® Sensing Technology offers a new standard in faucet innovation by delivering a seamless touchless experience that enhances hygiene, durability, and design without any visible sensors.
resource-intensive and carry substantial carbon footprints, contributing 12% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions collectively. Innovations like Holcim’s Susteno cement in Switzerland, which integrates 20% recycled demolition waste and reduces emissions by 38%, show how circular material strategies can scale.
Similarly, the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan mandates that 70% of construction waste be recycled by 2030, driving demand for secondary aggregates in projects like the HSG Learning Centre. There are opportunities to improve by reducing reliance on virgin materials through recycling and reuse.
Urban mining also offers a practical solution, particularly relevant to Asia and Africa's rapidly redeveloping urban centres. By treating old buildings as material banks rather than waste sources, developers can recover valuable resources. Crushed concrete from demolished structures can replace virgin aggregates in new construction, while recovered steel and aluminium can be reprocessed or directly reused when designed for disassembly.
In China, Shanghai’s Urban Mining Park processes 3 million tonnes/year of construction debris into recycled concrete aggregates, reducing virgin material extraction by 40%.
The construction sector may also benefit from leveraging locally available alternatives to traditional materials. Fly ash from thermal power plants and ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) from steel manufacturing can replace portions of cement in concrete, reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40% in the Indian context.
These industrial byproducts are abundantly available but remain underutilised. Similarly, agricultural waste like rice husk ash can be incorporated into building materials, addressing both construction needs and agricultural waste management challenges.
Designing Buildings for Their Entire Lifecycle
Circular construction extends beyond materials to how buildings are conceptualised from the outset. Rather than designing structures as permanent, single-purpose assets, buildings can be conceptualised and
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THE
RETAIL
NOMAD IS HITTING THE ROAD!
The Retail Nomad, Nick Harbaugh, is embarking on a 12-month Great American USA Tour. He'll be traveling across the country to explore your store! Sharing content about the best of retail from bustling malls to unique boutiques. He’s looking for compelling stories and retailers to feature.
WANT TO BE FEATURED? Scan the QR code to connect with Nick. Whether you have a story to tell or a store to show off, he wants to hear from you and get your store in the spotlight.
treated as dynamic systems designed for adaptation and eventual disassembly.
Modular and prefabricated construction methods, slowly gaining traction in India's urban centres, support this approach. Components manufactured off-site reduce construction waste by up to 50% through precise material utilisation. These elements can be designed for disassembly (DfD), replacing permanent adhesives with mechanical connections like bolts and interlocking joints that allow clean separation of materials.
The Circular Building at Arup, UK, was designed entirely for disassembly, with no welded joints or adhesives, ensuring that every component can be repurposed in future constructions. Such principles are particularly valuable in countries with a rapidly evolving urban landscape, where land use patterns change quickly and buildings often require adaptation to new uses.
On a broader scale, the EU’s Level(s) framework mandates life-cycle assessments for all public buildings, while France’s RE2020 regulation requires 50% bio-based materials in new housing. Japan’s 2023 Circular Economy Promotion Act imposes 30% recycled content mandates for structural steel, driving innovations like JFE Steel’s slag-based cement alternative.
Practical Implementation of Circular Principles
Construction companies already have started implementing circular economy principles, albeit in varying capacities. Approaches include repurposing construction debris to refill sunken areas and processing concrete waste for reintegration into new construction or roadworks.
Some have implemented systems to recover reinforcement steel scrap for manufacturing precast components and replaced single-use wooden formwork with reusable aluminium shuttering systems. Through partnerships with recycling facilities, construction waste is being converted into insulation, sustainable bricks and other building materials.
These measures demonstrate that circular practices can generate significant cost savings—reducing landfill disposal expenses while creating material reuse opportunities.
The Road Ahead for the Construction Sector
For circular construction to become mainstream practice, coordinated efforts across the industry are essential. Material tracking systems represent a fundamental enabler of circularity. Digital documentation of building components through "material passports" can ensure valuable resources remain identifiable throughout a building's lifecycle, facilitating eventual recovery and reuse.
Policy support is equally important. In India, the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, introduced in 2016, provide a framework but implementation remains inconsistent. State governments and urban local bodies can strengthen enforcement while introducing incentives for waste reduction and material recovery. Public procurement policies that mandate minimum percentages of recycled content in infrastructure projects would create reliable markets for recovered materials.
This already has been implemented at the policy level globally, be it the Netherlands’ 2050 circular economy target and their launch of a €250 million Circular Construction Economy Accelerator fund, coupled with 85% construction waste recycling through centralised urban mines in Rotterdam and Amsterdam. Or 12,000 homes built using 60% recycled materials from informal settlements.
Financial institutions have a key role to play. Green financing incentives for projects incorporating circular principles would accelerate the adoption of the same.
Transforming Construction for a Sustainable Future
For construction companies, it is beneficial to view these steps as not just an environmental necessity but as an opportunity for growth. As resources become constrained and environmental regulations tighten, companies that pioneer circular approaches will gain competitive advantages.
The transformation requires collaborative effort across the value chain—developers, contractors, material suppliers, and policymakers must work together to establish new standards and practices. The industry must move beyond viewing buildings as temporary assets to understanding them as material banks for future construction.
From Tokyo’s timber skyscrapers to Brazil’s plastic waste concrete, the blueprint for a regenerative construction sector exists—its global implementation now hinges on aligning policy, finance, and innovation. CCR
Rahul Bahl is Managing Director of Krishna Buildestates Pvt. Ltd.
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While construction and technical skills are your primary focus, ConstructEDU Student Insider (CEDU) is designed to supplement your education by providing content that dives into the business of the commercial construction and renovation industry. The bi-monthly newsletter covers areas such as emerging technologies, regulatory issues and other factors shaping the diverse industry’s future. CEDU also features insights and profiles from industry thought leaders on the trends and challenges affecting the marketplace.
Delivered at no charge, we not only encourage you to make CEDU a part of your educational consumption, but also to share it with your peers.
GAF Brings Mega Roofing Academy Training to St. Louis
GAF brought its Mega Roofing Academy to St. Louis to address urgent workforce needs after tornado that hit this past May. In four days, 60 residents trained in roofing and sales before connecting with employers at a job fair. The program creates career pathways while helping the community rebuild stronger.
San Joaquin Valley College Hosts Skilled Trades Night
San Joaquin Valley College hosted Skilled Trades Night this past September across its campuses, offering tours, live demonstrations and hands-on exploration of programs in construction, electrical, HVAC-R, aviation maintenance and more. Enrollment and career services will be on-site to guide students toward training and career opportunities.
To Subscribe CLICK HERE!
84 Lumber and LP Building Solutions Partner with “The Mexican Carpenter”
84 Lumber and LP Building Solutions partnered with David Parraguirre—The Mexican Carpenter—to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and inspire future tradespeople. The campaign includes material donations for workforce development and digital content highlighting his journey, underscoring the importance of mentorship, representation and opportunity in the construction industry.
Read More HERE
Formica Launches Ninth Annual FORM Student Innovation Competition
Formica Corporation has launched the 2026 FORM Student Innovation Competition, inviting architecture, design and interior design students in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to create mood-boosting furniture using Formica® Brand and FENIX® products. Entries are open through Feb. 27, 2026, with winners announced at NeoCon 2026.
Read More HERE
The Making of Wynwood
How a decade of planning transformed Wynwood into a Miami cultural hub.
By Juan Mullerat
Few neighborhoods tell the story of Miami’s evolution like Wynwood.
Once a declining garment district, Wynwood now is one of the city’s most popular destinations. Today, locals know Wynwood for its art and entertainment, but a rich history of community-driven revitalization lies behind these murals.
Wynwood didn’t change overnight. A decade ago, it was still very much an industrial district—gritty, utilitarian, and rough around the edges. Warehouses and factories dominated the landscape, giving it a raw, unpolished feel. Though overlooked by most, Wynwood’s low rents and spacious warehouses proved attractive to the artists and creatives that slowly trickled into the district.
Change was on the horizon, and you could feel the momentum building. Soon, stakeholders were faced with a new challenge: how do we guide the transformation of Wynwood into a world destination without losing the essence that made this district unique?
When Plusurbia Design introduced the Wynwood Neighborhood Revitalization District (NRD-1) to the City Commission in 2015, the goal wasn’t just to rezone; it was to give Wynwood the tools to grow on its own terms
while making space for people, alternate uses and a lively street environment.
Ten years later, Wynwood still is unmistakably Wynwood, only now it supports a 24/7 economy, housing and public life. Its success didn’t come from a single mega-project—it came from deliberate, piecemeal interventions: smart zoning, meaningful community input and a clear sense of what the district could become.
Designing with the Spirit of a Place
The design that went into Wynwood is rooted in genius loci, the spirit of a place. Understanding historical and existing contexts was an integral part of the planning process. This approach enables the design team to uncover the culture and values within a community and design accordingly.
Wynwood’s transformation wasn’t about clearing the slate—it was about
creating a framework for the district to evolve without erasing its zest and culture. The NRD-1 zoning overlay, developed in collaboration with city planners, artists, business owners, and residents, offered that framework. It encouraged the adaptive reuse of warehouses, supported mixed-use development and prioritized walkability, allowing Wynwood to grow in ways that felt organic and authentic.
The success of this project was hinged on a robust public-private collaboration. The City of Miami, local stakeholders, and the Wynwood BID worked alongside us to create a Vision Master Plan with a meaningful and lasting impact. The new code allowed for increased residential and commercial density and introduced accessible streetscapes with innovative methods for open space. These elements were key in supporting a district that could function at all hours, not just when businesses are open.
From Warehouse District to Cultural Destination
When it started, Wynwood was a patchwork of warehouses and vacant lots, punctuated by studios, murals and early signs of creative reuse. Developer Tony Goldman already had put the area on the map with Wynwood Walls in 2009, but there was still no cohesive vision or structure for what would come next.
With the zoning overlay in place, the district began to shift. Warehouses became
galleries, shops, restaurants, and residents began to populate the floors above. Projects like Wynwood 25, the Artem apartments, and co-living spaces such as Society Wynwood brought much-needed housing and density. Hotels like Arlo and Moxy followed. Global companies, including Amazon and Apple, arrived, drawn in by the district’s creative energy, central location and cohesive vision.
Wynwood, as we know it, was officially on its way. But success brought new challenges.
The design that went into Wynwood is rooted in genius loci, the spirit of a place. Understanding historical and existing contexts was an integral part of the planning process.
Planning for Growth Without Displacement
After the NRD-1 zoning was adopted in 2015, Wynwood received an influx of investment and high-end businesses, and drove property values up. Local working-class residents–especially those living in Wynwood Norte, the residential neighborhood just north of the Wynwood Arts District–began feeling the increasing threat of displacement.
The NRD-1’s redevelopment strategies focused on enhancing the Wynwood district’s predominantly industrial and commercial areas. There was only a small residential presence within this district, and as such, mitigating residential displacement was not the code’s main concern. Instead, NRD-1 emphasized flexibility, enabling creative reuse, adaptive infill and a mix of uses that helped fuel the district’s transformation.
BUILDING YOUR BRAND
Our master builders travel wherever our customers want to grow. Decades of cross-country construction allow us to build a Wesco in the northern Michigan snow and ensure that a Real Seafood in Florida adheres to hurricane building codes.
As a neighborhood with a long-standing residential base and vulnerable legacy businesses, Wynwood Norte required a different approach. In 2019, we led a community-driven planning process to create NRD-2, a zoning framework specifically designed to protect and support the neighborhood. NRD-2 placed affordability, anti-displacement and cultural preservation at its core. It introduced innovative strategies like “missing middle” housing, inverse density, and performance zoning to promote affordable, incremental, context-sensitive development while curbing speculation.
Today, Wynwood Norte is seeing the return of traditional small apartment buildings—a building type not built in Miami since the 1920s and 30s. These human-scaled, neighborhood-compatible projects are a direct result of the NRD-2 code, proving that zoning can be a powerful tool for preservation and thoughtful, inclusive growth.
Why Infrastructure and Communication Matter
The success of NRD-1 and NRD-2 is owed to their emphasis on enhancing quality of life. Streets were redesigned for walkability, and new parks and green infrastructure added shade, stormwater resilience, and sustainability. These improvements were embedded in the zoning and embraced by developers, setting the foundation for a more people-centered district.
Now, the next phase is underway. The plan introduces pedestrian-priority zones (Woonerfs)—an ambitious step forward in green infrastructure that will transform select streets into shared open space for pedestrians. This effort will bring much-needed public space to Wynwood and help complete the neighborhood’s evo-
lution into Wynwood 2.0: a vibrant, 24-hour mixed-use district that has grown from an industrial area into a world-renowned destination for art, culture, and livability.
The work that went into Wynwood was meant to make these complex planning concepts clear and accessible. Through visual storytelling—maps, diagrams and graphics—residents, stakeholders and developers understand not just what was possible, but why it matters. That transparency built trust, which has been essential to guiding Wynwood’s thoughtful transformation.
A Model for Adaptive Reuse Done Right
Wynwood’s revitalization has become a national case study in guiding change without losing a community’s soul. It’s a reminder
that economic development and cultural authenticity aren’t mutually exclusive. With the right planning and urban design tools, they work in tandem.
The challenge now is to keep Wynwood’s creative spirit alive even as the skyline changes. That takes vigilance, but more importantly, it takes a planning framework that’s strong enough to evolve with the community.
Wynwood taught us a lot. It re-confirmed that zoning shapes daily life. It showed how listening, collaboration, and clear design standards can unlock a neighborhood’s full potential without writing over its past.
As the Wynood project proves, in the end, good urban planning isn’t about what you build—it’s about who you build it for. CCR
Juan Mullerat is Founding Principal at Plusurbia Design, a Miami based urban design and planning firm that specializes in value-added contextual city planning methods throughout the world.
Where Your Vision Meets Our Expertise
Terrazzo is a handcra ed building material; its primary components are assembled on the construction site. For 100-years, the contractor members of the National Terrazzo and Mosaic Association have brought integrity and skill to countless installations. The NTMA has the expertise your project needs. Find specifications, information, color samples, contractor and supplier members at www.ntma.com or call 800-323-9736.
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We’re a company with a fresh approach. We are highly skilled and passionate design and construction experts brought together and bonded by mutual trust and respect.
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Behind the Color
The making of London’s Sarah Hepburn Stylists Studio
IBy Sara Leonor
nterior design in a hair salon goes far beyond aesthetics. Behind a vibrant and characterful space like the new Sarah Hepburn Stylists salon in Islington, London, lies a complex choreography of technical decisions, relationships with contractors and subcontractors, budget adjustments and construction challenges—often tackled within tight timeframes.
The design involved the full renovation of an old salon into a new space managed by stylist Sarah Castañares. The comprehensive transformation required more than a strong design concept—it demanded a clear strategy to execute the works with precision, efficiency, and long-lasting results.
To reduce the salon’s closure time and enable a swift reopening, the project was strategically divided into two phases. The first phase focused on the back-of-house area: a functional kitchen for the team, a colour workshop, and preparation zones where products are handled. It started from
the back to keep the public-facing areas closed for as little time as possible.
Once that phase was completed, the salon shut fully; the previous interior was demolished, a continuous floor was installed and walls were clad up to mid-height. The industrial aesthetic then took shape, featuring grey furnishings, metal lockers and neutral white finishes.
Working with reliable contractors in London is not always straightforward. It is common for each client to suggest their own trusted team—but when they don’t, Leonor’s studio turns to its established
One of the project’s most significant moments was the arrival of British artist David Schmidt (DS Art), who created a hand-painted mural installation, built up layer by layer.
network of collaborators. There always are several trusted contractors available, and so estimating begins as soon as the design is defined, with materials, elevations and 3D models in place.
Selection is based not only on cost, but on the ability to meet deadlines, adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and maintain clear communication throughout the process. “We expect contractors to meet deadlines and respond to the unexpected. That’s why profiles were chosen that offer flexibility and help adjust the design if surprises arise when opening up ceilings or floors.
The design team—which typically works with two or three general contractors who take care of almost everything—set forth with the demolition, masonry, lighting, installation and finishing. These professionals act as site coordinators, but highly specific tasks—such as the fabrication of furniture, mirrors and metal mesh panels— are subcontracted to specialists.
Architecture Engineering Interior Design
Similarly, custom furniture, mural graffiti, and façade vinyls were handled by different specialists. Suppliers were sourced in parallel to the building works to maintain control over finishes, lead times, and the quality of what was installed.
Several surprises emerged during demolition: hidden mirrors behind walls, remnants of an older salon and even a second ceiling that wasn’t shown in the original plans. The false ceiling was removed, gaining half a metre in height and completely transforming the perception of the space.
The works also involved lifting the floor to install new plumbing and an updated heating system with radiators. The entire space was clad in plasterboard, including a suspended ceiling that enabled a cleaner installation of lighting and electrical systems.
The team worked layer by layer: first placing the structural elements and partitions, then painting the surfaces. During this stage, the electrician continued routing cables between layers. Finally, white paint was applied to complete the finish.
One of the project’s most significant moments was the arrival of British artist David Schmidt (DS Art), who created a hand-painted mural installation, built up layer by layer. Support boards were first installed, then sprayed with graffiti, and finally finished with successive textures to achieve the desired effect. Schmidt, who came in and worked on site, was part of the fluid collaboration between art and architecture.
Once the technical installations were complete, the main contractor laid the final flooring, tiled the walls, and completed the lighting. At this point, specialist joiners came in to install shelving, mirrors, wooden ledges, and signage.
The façade was refreshed with a coat of white paint and a new sign, accompanied by neon green vinyl graphics—an element that has become the salon’s visual signature. These adhesive and easily replaceable vinyls allow for aesthetic intervention without altering the structure.
The project also follows a modern logic of flexible use. The 45-square-metre salon includes eight hairdressing stations, four of
which are available for freelance professionals to rent by the day. The design needed to accommodate this rotation, with dedicated lockers and modular furniture.
Practical features were introduced, including countertops for clients to use laptops while waiting, an automated colour mixing system and a waiting area integrated into the entrance. The aim was not only visual appeal but also efficiency, intuitive use and easy maintenance for daily operations.
The success of the Sarah Hepburn Stylists project lies not only in its industrial aesthetic and expressive use of colour, but also in how it was delivered—through well-planned phases, reliable contractors, specialist subcontractors and flexible project supervision.
Ultimately, the project reflects a balance of design vision, adaptability during construction, and the contributions of all collaborators, resulting in a space that is both functional and full of character. CCR
Sara Leonor, an Interior Design graduate of IADE with a master’s in Pure Design, spent 12 years at London’s B3 Designers before founding her own studio in 2018. Based in Islington, she focuses on interiors and bespoke products, including furniture, lighting and signature chairs, blending creativity with client collaboration. For more information, visit www.saraleonorstudio.co.uk.
Beyond the Screen
By Kristen Warholic
Wayfarer Theaters is not your typical cinema. Located in Highland Park, Illinois it was conceived as a counterpoint to mainstream theaters and the steady stream of Hollywood blockbusters that often glorify violence. Instead, Wayfarer curates films that emphasize spiritual and uplifting human stories. By highlighting diverse voices and stories that speak to resilience, compassion and connection the theater offers an experience intended to inspire, unite and enrich the soul.
Creating calm, comfort and connection at Wayfarer Theaters
That mission took on deeper meaning in the wake of the tragic Fourth of July parade shooting in Highland Park in 2022. As the community searched for ways to heal, Wayfarer positioned itself as a space of refuge and renewal. “We wanted to offer a theater where people could feel safe, inspired and comfortable,” says Clayton Stamper, Managing Director at Wayfarer Theaters. “It wasn’t about glitz or spectacle—it was about creating a calm environment for people to gather and be moved by stories of hope.”
From the outset, Wayfarer Theaters was envisioned as a stark contrast to the neon lights, booming soundscapes and overstimulation of conventional multiplexes. The building was designed with a clear metaphor in mind: the theater as a mountain with positive film content flowing outward into the community like a river.
“As opposed to the glitz and glamour of traditional movie theaters with lots of flashing neon lights and sensory overload we wanted to mute the overall experience and
“We wanted to offer a theater where people could feel safe, inspired and comfortable. It wasn’t about glitz or spectacle—it was about creating a calm environment for people to gather and be moved by stories of hope.”
create a serene environment for our guests,” Stamper says.
That vision extended beyond the lobby and auditoriums into every part of the visitor experience—even the restrooms.
Beyond Aesthetic Appeal
When the theater opened in early 2023 it quickly became clear that the restrooms did not align with the thoughtful design of the rest of the building. Harsh overhead lighting and outdated finishes created a jarring contrast.
“Shortly after opening our doors we realized that the restrooms needed serious upgrades instead of looking like a high school locker room from the 1980s,” Stamper says.
The design team reimagined the restrooms with the same guiding principles as the rest of the theater: serenity, comfort and inclusion. Harsh fluorescent lights were replaced with warmer tones while stone and slate finishes echoed the natural palette of the lobby. Privacy became a priority, responding to feedback from community
members who emphasized the importance of feeling safe in vulnerable spaces.
Initially, urinal dividers were not included in the plans. But after hearing from local stakeholders the team reconsidered. “It’s part of our mission to be an inclusive space” says Stamper. “The community’s perspective opened our eyes to the fact that having increased privacy would put some users more at ease.”
Another guiding principle of the upgrades was simplicity. Automatic sensors were deliberately avoided in favor of manual handles and controls. The decision was as much about reliability as it was about design philosophy. By removing the possibility of malfunctioning sensors or confusing
interfaces the theater created a timeless, user-friendly experience.
Boris Cubas, Principal Architect at OoMo Studios and lead designer for the upgrades, says the intent was to marry practicality with the overall design ethos. Part of that included using Scranton Products’s patterned HDPE selections and colors, which helped provide an upgraded appearance.
“Our client wanted restrooms that reflected the same sense of care as the rest of the building,” Cubas says. “That meant focusing on durability, comfort and privacy while making sure the materials and finishes aligned with the natural, elevated theme of the theater.”
The emphasis on longevity was deliberate. As a community-driven space Wayfarer wanted its facilities to remain easy to maintain and consistent in appearance for years to come.
The emphasis on longevity was deliberate. As a community-driven space Wayfarer wanted its facilities to remain easy to maintain and consistent in appearance for years to come. The updates were not about short-term impact but about creating spaces that would stand the test of time.
A Community-Centered Vision
For both the design and theater teams the restroom renovations were about more than just aesthetics or functionality—they were about extending the theater’s mission into every aspect of the visitor experience. “To offer the most premium experience guests need to feel the most comfortable in the places where they are most vulnerable,” Stamper says.
Community members have taken notice. Since reopening after the upgrades the theater has received consistent feedback praising the improvements. “The most compliments we’ve received since reopening have been about the restroom upgrades highlighting the positive impact they’ve had on making people more comfortable,” Stamper says.
Wayfarer Theaters represents a different model for what a cinema can be. In an era where many theaters compete for attention through bigger screens, louder sound and flashier amenities Wayfarer chooses instead to offer calm, comfort and dignity. Its approach is rooted in the belief that every detail—from the films it screens to the lighting in its restrooms—contributes to the environment it creates.
“Designing a space is important, but knowing how to build it and adapt to real-world challenges is everything,” Cubas says. “Working in a community like Highland Park means negotiating every detail, listening to feedback and making sure the space truly serves the people who use it.”
Ultimately, the renovations underscore a simple but powerful idea: design is not only about how a place looks but how it makes people feel. At Wayfarer Theaters that feeling is one of peace, inspiration and belonging. CCR
Kristen Warholic leads product development and marketing at Scranton Products, where she focuses on innovation, process improvement, and brand growth. She is committed to delivering solutions that combine lasting value with customer-focused design.
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GENERAL CONTRACTOR PROFILES
Built to Last
How Swinerton has balanced innovation with the strength of its employee-owned foundation
Derek Mosiman, VP and Division Manager, Swinerton
Built to Last
How Swinerton has balanced innovation with the strength of its employee-owned foundation
When your history stretches back more than a century, you learn a thing or two about adapting to change. For Swinerton, that journey began in 1888, when a Swedish immigrant launched a brick masonry and contracting business on the West Coast. What started as a small operation serving a booming region has evolved into a $6 billion, 100% employee-owned construction powerhouse with 23 offices nationwide.
Today, Swinerton’s work spans the spectrum—from tenant improvements and LEED-certified projects to high-rise towers and complex medical campuses. The company’s ability to take on projects of any scale, in any location, reflects a unique balance of local relationships and national strength. With services ranging from construction management and design-build to self-perform expertise, Swinerton is known for meeting challenges head-on and delivering quality work that strengthens communities.
We sat down with Derek Mosiman, VP and Division Manager, to talk about Swinerton’s growth, culture, and vision for the future of construction.
Give us a snapshot of your brand. Swinerton traces its roots back to 1888, when a Swedish immigrant founded a brick
masonry and contracting business to serve the West Coast building boom. More than 100 years later, Swinerton has grown into a 100% employee-owned, $6 billion national construction firm providing industry-leading commercial construction, construction management, design-build, and self-perform services. From small-scale tenant improvement projects and LEED-certified green buildings to ground-up towers and complex medical campuses,
Swinerton consistently responds to unique project challenges, regardless of size, location or complexity. Our strong ties in the local markets we serve keep us grounded in our communities, while our national reach provides the perspective and financial strength to deliver high-quality projects from across the U.S. With 23 offices coast-to-coast, Swinerton meets the needs of national, regional, and local clients.
What type of clients and markets are you targeting?
We’re leaning into public sector opportunities and deploying alternative building materials, shoring up our supply chain. We just started building the first net-zero police department in Charlotte and are also building an all-electric fire station there.
Swinerton continues to build momentum in aviation and healthcare, recently ranked among the top 20 aviation general contractors by Engineering News-Record. Our core markets of expertise also include affordable and multifamily housing, civic, education (K-12 and higher education), healthcare, industrial and critical facilities, hospitality, life sciences, mass timber, office and self-storage.
Our ecosystem of companies affords the firm stability and guidance in unique market footholds, which include Timberlab,
Swinerton Energy, Lindgren Development and SAK Builders. Timberlab broke ground on a 190,000-square-foot mass timber manufacturing facility in Oregon earlier this year, and Swinerton Energy is building alternative renewable energy facilities across the U.S. Lindgren Development is a wholly owned subsidiary that provides capital for real estate development.
How does your work cater to today’s end-users?
Swinerton caters to today’s end-user in many ways, for both national, regional and local clients. For regional and national clients such as Verizon, Delta Air Lines and others, Swinerton provides a financially secure, single-source solution to fulfill multi-site builds with resources from a robust network in most major U.S. markets.
Our core values of ownership and integrity that have guided Swinerton for decades continue to accelerate us into the future of innovative building.
Each client receives account management services through a dedicated account executive responsible for ensuring seamless program delivery across every market. Our single point of contact and trained project teams provide peace of mind and total consistency no matter the size or scope of a client’s building needs.
Locally, Swinerton has made numerous strategic leadership appointments to place national account experts in our local offices and position Swinerton for bold growth. We also pride ourselves in local workforce development, working with multiple trade partners to develop construction education programs in local high schools and providing an apprenticeship program built on the NCCER curriculum.
How is your construction strategy based?
Our construction strategy is based on innovation. We prioritize technologies that enhance value for our clients, our trade partners and our employee-owners.
Innovation at Swinerton goes beyond ideas and tools; it’s about creating tailored
project experiences that align with client priorities. We leverage technologies like robotic layout tools and autonomous drones to increase on-site efficiencies when appropriate for the project scope.
Our Innovation Program builds on Swinerton’s established operational excellence by:
> Encouraging employee-driven ideas through our annual Innovation Challenge.
> Supporting internal champions who implement innovative solutions.
> Staying ahead of industry advancements to continually expand our capabilities.
What are some of today’s biggest challenges?
Tariffs have created ambiguity in the market, making it challenging for our trade partners and self-perform teams to establish firm fixed costs for building materials. In response, we are conducting
transparent conversations with clients to explore mitigation strategies.
We assess which materials may be impacted, evaluate the origin of manufacturing and, for those materials impacted by tariffs, identify opportunities to redirect procurement toward domestic options. This not only reduces exposure to cost escalation risks and supply chain limitations but also provides opportunities for budget and schedule efficiencies.
How are you working to promote sustainability?
Swinerton promotes sustainability by investing in technologies and practices that benefit both the environment and local communities. Through our affiliate companies, Timberlab and Swinerton Energy, we advance mass timber and renewable energy solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect natural resources.
Swinerton’s core strength has always been and will always be our people. Four thousand employees from coast to coast create a diverse and passionate collective.
We also recognize the broader social impact of construction. Our teams engage with local organizations through volunteerism and social investment to enhance our local communities and increase engagement with environmental management principles. By collaborating with owners, design teams, trade partners and community members, we create efficient, resource-conscious structures that support the well-being of all who live and work there, from builders to end-users.
What do you see as some of the biggest challenges in construction, moving ahead?
One of the biggest challenges in construction is navigating uncertainty, whether economic, regulatory or industry specific. Swinerton addresses this by maintaining foresight into how global and national trends may shape the industry in the next two to five years. We evaluate federal policies not only for their risk but also for the opportunity they present.
To stay resilient, we focus on strengthening supplier relationships and maintaining a diverse project portfolio, helping us adapt to market shifts and provide stability for our clients, partners and employees.
Are you optimistic about what you see in your building and construction sectors?
We are incredibly optimistic about Swinerton’s future and how we will build upon our 137-year foundation. Swinerton’s ongoing focus on recruiting, training and retaining our craft talent has been highly successful.
Five years ago, in anticipation of opportunities in self-performing tasks and the need for skilled craftspeople, we established an internal department solely focused on recruiting, retaining and training the craft trade.
In the first two years, our craft population turnover significantly declined. Swinerton’s retention strategies have fortified our workforce development goals and strengthened operational excellence and strong, long-term partner relationships.
What trends are you seeing?
The skilled labor shortage continues to challenge the construction industry. Swinerton
actively partners with organizations such as SkillsUSA as well as local schools to educate young people on construction careers.
We also offer an Apprenticeship Program that provides hands-on training and a clear path for advancement from entry-level to supervisory positions.
Investing in workforce development remains a top priority, as the next generation of construction professionals is critical to our long-term success.
Robots on jobsites are an emerging trend. Robots not only assist with critical construction tasks but also attract the industry’s next generation workforce. For example, Swinerton’s Atlanta team used a Dusty Robotics Field Printer robot to print ultra-precise BIM layouts directly onto the
One-on-One with ... Swinerton’s Derek Mosiman
Describe a typical day.
floors of an innovative retail renovation.
The renovation featured curved walls and 150-plus chandeliers and lighting fixtures—not a straight line in the design. The curvature of all elements resulted in a complex design that would have taken at least two weeks to layout. With Dusty, Swinerton completed the layout in two days, enabling Swinerton’s self-perform drywall team to start sooner and finish faster.
Where is your business headed?
Swinerton is in growth mode nationwide. Aviation, healthcare, civic and other markets remain exceptionally strong, and, subsequently, our diversified services and proven expertise are equally in-demand. Our aviation portfolio spans international hubs
On a typical day, I wake up at 4 a.m., exercise, and call at least one or two superintendents on my way into the office. I try to get a couple hours of work at the desk before the day officially starts. Most days, I meet with clients, national leaders, local team members or industry partners. At least one or two days a week, a dinner or happy hour fills my evening hours. Other days, it’s family time after 6 p.m.
What was the best advice you ever received?
I have two—my dad always told me, “You don’t achieve goals that you don’t set.” The other piece of advice is to always ask a lot of questions; never assume you know everything. If you don’t ask questions, it’s a disservice to yourself and a missed opportunity to educate yourself.
What’s the best thing a client ever said to you?
What was the job and why?
In recent memory, following the completion of a residential build called The Millery in Mableton, Georgia, Prestwick Development commented that Swinerton’s proactivity and constant communication resulted in the best project they have completed in over 20 years.
When Swinerton encountered conflicts, team members immediately contacted the client to transparently present every possible path forward. While other general contractors may deal with problems as they arise, Swinerton proactively collaborates with subcontractors and inspectors to prevent or mitigate setbacks, ultimately saving the client time and money.
coast-to-coast, such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), as well as regional facilities such as Long Beach Airport (LGB) and beyond.
Likewise, Swinerton’s healthcare competency includes commissioning, demolition, medical equipment backing and coordination, equipment installation, infection control, parking facilities and more, deployed in hospital and healthcare facilities nationwide.
Tell us what makes your brand unique?
Swinerton’s core strength has always been and will always be our people. Four thousand employees from coast to coast create a diverse and passionate collective. As a 100% employee-owned company, our people not only have a personal interest and stake in the success of every project, but also a pride of ownership over decisions, results and performance.
Our collaborative national network of project teams ensures proficient project delivery with peace of mind, every time. Swinerton’s leadership team has decades of homegrown experience and a long tradition of stability. Its dedication to the livelihoods of our employees and clients fosters an approachable, open-door management style.
Our core values of ownership and integrity that have guided Swinerton for decades continue to accelerate us into the future of innovative building.
Is there a story you can share about a client/job/etc., that really shows off your work and ability to engage with the industry?
Since expanding to the Southeast, the Atlanta Division has partnered with One Street Residential to build six affordable workforce and active adult communities. These builds support communities and provide much needed local housing to often overlooked populations.
Our thorough understanding of unique financing requirements, ability to provide cost and schedule certainty, and transparent communication have established Swinerton as a reliable and trusted partner.
Reviving a Classic
Inside the $35 million renovation of San Diego’s Lafayette Hotel
Hospitality in Commercial Construction
The Lafayette Hotel
Reviving a Classic
Inside the $35 million renovation of San Diego’s Lafayette Hotel
By Boris Shehkter
In 2021, our long-term client, CH Projects, purchased the historic Lafayette Hotel, a San Diego landmark originally constructed in 1946 by entrepreneur Larry Imig. As a result, Helix Electric had the privilege to be a major part of the comprehensive renovation of The Lafayette Hotel and Swim Club.
Known originally as Imig Manor, this hotel is a cherished part of San Diego’s architectural heritage, and as a project rooted in our hometown, we’re particularly proud of how it reflects the rich diversity and vibrant history of San Diego. The recent $35 million-plus renovation, in collaboration with CH Projects, Hawkins Construction, and CLTVT, aimed to restore its historic charm while integrating modern amenities and enhancing its appeal and functionality.
Front lobby bar.
Hospitality in
Construction The Lafayette Hotel
Vision and Execution
Working closely with the owner, design team, Hawkins Construction, and CLTVT, our goal was to seamlessly blend the hotel’s historical elements with contemporary systems. This partnership was crucial in rejuvenating The Lafayette Hotel while preserving its historical significance. We approached this project with a strategic mindset, balancing restoration with modern innovation.
At Helix Electric, we were tasked with updating the electrical systems to align with the hotel’s European décor, maximalist design, and historical charm. This required detailed planning and precise execution to ensure the modern electrical infrastructure complemented the historic aesthetic.
Construction Process and Challenges
We employed a design-build delivery
The Lafayette Hotel stands today not only as a restored architectural gem, but as a testament to what’s possible when history, vision and craftsmanship come together.
method, which facilitated flexibility and collaboration among the teams involved. As the designer of record, we were able to work closely with the city of San Diego and other local authorities to bring to life the vision of the owner, the interior designer, Post Company, and the architect, Tucker Sadler. The project was divided into key phases, each focusing on different aspects of the hotel.
The first phase involved The Gutter, an analog game room with a two-lane bowling alley, and Quixote, an Oaxacan Restaurant. The next phase involved a 24-hour diner called Beginners, as well as a lobby bar. Additionally, the exterior pool bar, patio, and entry were all extensively remodeled. The final phase was the remodel of the music venue, LouLous, and the addition of a European restaurant and new spa.
Game room bar.
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Hospitality in Commercial Construction The Lafayette Hotel
This multi-phase methodology enabled efficient communication and decision-making, ensuring we adhered to timelines and client expectations.
Managing multiple construction phases simultaneously was challenging, especially with parts of the hotel remaining operational. All 139 guest rooms we remodeled to include new furniture, fixtures, and bathrooms, and our electrical design team made sure that the electrical system maintained integrity throughout the project. We meticulously traced existing wiring systems and scheduled shutdowns during off-hours to minimize disruption.
Close collaboration was essential to achieve intricate lighting designs and fixture placements. The key to this project was to create a brand new hotel that looked like it
Before: Back Lobby Progress
After: Back Lobby
Hospitality in Commercial Construction The Lafayette Hotel
had actually been in operation for decades and, therefore, somewhat frozen in time. We are proud to say we completed the project with no safety incidents or OSHA recordables. This was no small feat when dealing with parts of a system that were over 70 years old.
Innovative Materials and Techniques
Embracing European decor and Old World charm, we utilized specific materials and techniques to achieve the desired aesthetic. Our expertise was instrumental in integrating modern electrical systems into the design. We used advanced technologies to route wiring through historic plaster ceilings and multiple-story constructions. The choice of materials was
carefully curated to reflect the hotel’s rich history while providing modern comforts.
This blend of tradition and innovation is evident throughout the renovated hotel. Furthermore, we worked with the owner to purchase and adapt antique lighting, some of which is more than 50 years old, that would bring the proper period aesthetic to the hotel.
Overcoming the challenges posed by the historic nature of the building required a somewhat unconventional approach. As indicated above, the lighting system proved particularly challenging because we needed to integrate both modern and antique fixtures into a smart lighting system that could be dimmed and controlled remotely. The owner was particularly focused on making sure the lighting and music would change throughout the day and night in
order to preserve the look and feel of the individual interior and exterior spaces.
Project Highlights and Success
As previously mentioned, the renovation introduced several new features that enhance the hotel’s appeal. A new lobby bar, a classic diner, and a Parisian-style restaurant add to the hotel’s charm, offering guests a variety of dining experiences.
The Lafayette Hotel’s iconic pool, designed by Olympic gold medalist and “Tarzan” star Johnny Weissmuller, remains a central attraction. We updated the pool area with new cabanas and a state-of-theart lighting and sound system, making it a popular spot for both guests and locals.
The project’s success is reflected in the positive feedback from guests and
Front Lobby
Hospitality in Commercial Construction
The Lafayette Hotel
the increased interest in the hotel as a destination. Additionally, it has very much become a locals’ hotel with many guests visiting from inside of San Diego, either just for dinner or as a staycation. The new features have not only enhanced the guest experience but also contributed to the hotel’s reputation as a premier venue for events and gatherings.
Our role in this transformation has positioned Helix Electric as a leader in the field of historic renovations, capable of delivering exceptional results on even the most challenging projects. It also served as a significant accomplishment for us, with our work on the project being recognized by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC),
San Diego Chapter, Excellence in Construction Awards. In addition to construction industry awards, we are proud that the project was named Esquire Magazine’s new hotel of the year for 2024.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The renovation of The Lafayette Hotel has had a significant impact on the local community. In the early 2000s, the hotel was almost torn down to make way for an apartment building. Now, by preserving a historic landmark, we’ve helped maintain the cultural heritage of San Diego. The hotel has become a hub for social gatherings, attracting both locals and tourists.
LouLous Jungle Room, with its iconic shell stage, has become a destination for local and traveling musicians and a weekly jazz supper club. The revitalization has also spurred economic growth in the North Park neighborhood, with nearby businesses benefiting from the increased foot traffic.
Ensuring that historic landmarks like The Lafayette Hotel continue to thrive for generations to come is something we are extremely proud of. The Lafayette Hotel stands today not only as a restored architectural gem, but as a testament to what’s possible when history, vision and craftsmanship come together. Helix Electric is honored to have helped bring that vision to life.
Boris Shekhter serves as President and CEO of Helix Electric Inc., one of the largest electrical contractors in the USA specializing in design-build and complex commercial and industrial projects. Since 2004, Shekhter has led steady growth while providing innovative solutions and a stable workforce to large scale developers in mission-critical infrastructure, data centers, manufacturing, transportation, renewables, water and wastewater, and electrical distribution.
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Cooling the Curve
Lapeer Medical’s 75-year-old system gets new life with a cost-saving VRF upgrade
(L-R) Landon Warren, Troy Lawson, Ben Warren and Skylar Kaczanowski.
Cooling the Curve
Lapeer Medical’s 75-year-old system gets new life with a cost-saving VRF upgrade
By Dan Vastyan
Today’s employers large and small continue to adopt return-to-office policies, calling remote workers back into the fold. Meanwhile, public and private spending on medical facilities is increasing. Investments focus on modernizing hospitals, outpatient centers and related infrastructure. And real estate and construction costs are at an alltime high.
The 202-bed Lapeer County Medical Care facility known as Suncrest in Lapeer, Michigan needed a cooling system replacement.
In the world of commercial real estate, there has never been greater incentive to retrofit and upgrade existing space. For engineers and HVAC installers, operating within the constraints of an existing building envelope—or existing systems— requires flexibility.
This was the reality faced by Warren Systems Inc. last year when it was chosen to replace a cooling system at an office and senior care facility owned by Lapeer County Medical Care in Lapeer, Michigan. Two large, 75-year-old air handlers supplied air conditioning to part of the 202-bed skilled nursing care facility, each containing a 35-year-old DX (direct exchange) cooling coil and a hydronic coil for space heating.
While the boiler system was still serviceable, the cooling system had aged out, and facility managers were looking for the most cost-effective form of replacement.
Four, 10-ton Fujitsu VU-V systems were installed to supply cooling and supplementary heat to the medical facility.
The 35 professionals at Warren Systems, specializing in commercial work, have served Michigan and surrounding states for 20 years and were able to offer several options.
Lapeer Medical wanted to replace the cooling system in half the building immediately while also seeking a plan to retrofit the other half in the near future. “Originally, we were asked to bid the project as a conventional VRF system, with separate indoor units for each room,” says GM Ben Warren. “This didn’t fit the budget or the space constraints of the old building, so we took a closer look at the existing air handlers to determine if they could be paired with custom-made coils and a VRF DX Kit.”
Ben and his brother, Landon, Service Manager, discussed the project with Scott Breimayer and Skylar Kaczanowski,
Four, 10-ton Fujitsu VU-V systems were installed to supply cooling and supplementary heat to the medical facility.
Service technician Troy Lawson accesses the VU-V control panel.
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technical service advisors at Johnstone Supply’s West Michigan location. Warren Systems had retrofitted existing air handlers with custom VRF coils in the past, but not with the heat pump line Johnstone Supply carries. That said, they have used it enough in the past to be confident in the equipment and the support they received from Johnstone.
“Warren Systems does great work and does not often require assistance from us,” Kaczanowski says. “You give them instructions, show them once and they take it from there. But given the custom nature of this project, they wanted a sounding board. We brought Wayne DeCosa, Fujitsu applications engineering manager, into the conversation. We had a few questions about function settings and unit operations.”
The proposed retrofit was not only feasible, but it also reduced the upfront cost by
The retrofitted coil box containing a filter bank and the new coil.
Within the air handler coil box, the new, custom coil can be seen left.
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30% 50% compared to a conventional VRF installation. Removing indoor heads from the equation eliminated the need to install hundreds of feet of copper line set, so the DX approach also eliminated all mechanical work within the occupied space.
Careful design
“We had an air balance test conducted on all 10 zones and checked the capacity of the existing coil,” Ben says. “Using those specs in Fujitsu’s Design Simulator gave us the proper VRF equipment. After that, we had a custom, four-circuit interlaced coil built for the project by Coil Replacement Company (CRC).”
Four, 10-ton AIRSTAGE VU-V condensers were specified for the 40-ton mix coil. This provided redundancy without the need for dampers.
By using Fujitsu’s DX Kit, coils can range from 1.5 tons to 14 tons per unit. Installations can be modular, with multiple
A Fujitsu expansion valve control.
Ben Warren and service technician Troy Lawson discuss system thermostats in the mechanical room.
large coils, as Warren Systems needed at Lapeer Medical. “We found that the existing blowers—both the supply and return fans— in the big air handler were in good shape, but they needed new drives to accommodate the four DX Kit circuits,” Ben says. “We installed VFDs on each fan to modulate with the VRF system.”
This approach didn’t require an upgraded control system. Before the retrofit,
the system simply called for stage one or stage two cooling to the condenser. The only change needed to the controls was how the system is operated. “Because the VU-V system is set up for demand, we had to add an operational setpoint,” Kaczanowski says. “This tells the VRF condensers how hard to run. The control system still uses a discharge setpoint temperature, only now a 0-10v signal is used. I
For engineers and HVAC installers, operating within the constraints of an existing building envelope—or existing systems—requires flexibility.
completed this in a single day working with a controls company.”
Install and support
Installation work took the Warren Systems team two weeks. The four VU-V condensers are installed on the roof of the building. Hail guards were added to the condensers to protect against Michigan’s harsh weather.
The new custom coil was installed within the large air handler, downstream of the existing hydronic coil. While the heat pump system is not sized for the full heating load of the building, it can be used in place of the boiler system depending on outdoor ambient temperature or as a source of emergency heat if the boiler system fails.
Johnstone Supply’s Skylar Kaczanowski reads VRF system sensors with Ben and Landon Warren.
After commissioning the system with Kaczanowski, Landon Warren confirmed that the new coil provides discharge air temperatures ranging from 50 to 58°F. “We’ve done a lot of VRF projects in the past and have learned some hard lessons due to lack of support from the distribution channel,” Ben says. “Johnstone Supply provided outstanding support throughout this entire process. That’s why we work with them.”
“I used to work for a VRF manufacturer,” Landon says. “Most contractors want to install what they know instead of taking a chance with something new. My advice is to get on the phone with people who can support you. They may have a better, easier, more profitable solution, and most importantly, one that will result in a happier customer. If you can’t get that level of support externally, look elsewhere or bring that expertise in-house.”
Further improvements
“The existing system was pretty crude, which comes as no surprise considering its age,” Ben says. “The hot deck/cold deck system worked in such a way that the hot water coil was constantly circulating, even when cooling was called for. We installed a shutoff valve that communicates with the heating circulator so that the loop goes cold in cooling mode.”
As with any medical facility, there’s an extreme demand for fresh air and filtration, and that load is constantly changing. The fresh air intake and exhaust louvers are downstream of the return air plenum. Warren System installed enthalpy sensors, allowing the air handler and VRF system to accommodate the increased load of the makeup air.
“There’s a minimum fresh air setting, as you’d expect, but we can also draw 100 percent filtered outdoor air to economize,” Ben says. “From what we’ve been
told, Lapeer Medical’s energy savings is astronomical. It’s hard to quantify because the building is very large with only one meter, the second air handler hasn’t been retrofitted, and data from a full year hasn’t been collected and scrutinized yet. However, the customer has been thrilled with the energy reduction and improvements in comfort.”
The new cooling system at Lapeer Medical operated flawlessly last summer, but there’s work yet to be done. Warren Systems is currently designing a similar, though smaller, system for the remaining portion of the building. The plan is to retrofit the second air handler later this spring.
Once that’s complete, Warren Systems will remotely monitor the VRF systems via Fujitsu’s AIRSTAGE Cloud.
“This project demonstrates the flexibility that can be achieved when you couple an excellent rep with an excellent contractor,” DeCosa says.
Dan Vastyan is President of Common Ground, Uncommon Communications, and co-owner, Delta C.
Insulated expansion valves in the mechanical room.
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Preserving Patrimony
Safeguarding Puerto Rico’s historic cornices
Preserving Patrimony
Safeguarding Puerto Rico’s historic cornices
Construction of El Capitolio (the Capitol Building of Puerto Rico) began in 1925 in the neighborhood now known as “Old San Juan.” The building contains two chambers, with the Senate on one side, the House of Representatives on the other, and an array of galleries, friezes and mosaics in between. A vast marble staircase faces Ponce de Leon Avenue and gives access to the building to the south.
By utilizing such innovative solutions, we can ensure that historic sites like El Capitolio remain safe and accessible, allowing future generations to appreciate their beauty and historical context.
The building also boasts an impressive rotunda in which Puerto Rico’s 1952 constitution is exhibited. The Rotonda extends upwards to the three floors of the building. The cornice adorns the base of the dome, which rises at the center of the building on an octagonal drum.
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quality matching new units from a well-established terra cotta manufacturer. To retain as much original material as possible, it was also recommended that the undamaged but unstable areas of terra cotta be stabilized in-situ using the Cintec anchoring system.
The meticulous drilling and insertion of the anchors into the façade was done with precision, ensuring that the structural support was evenly distributed.
The Cintec system played a vital role in the preservation and reinforcement of the historic terracotta façade of El Capitolio, an architectural treasure that exemplifies historical significance.
This innovative system is specifically engineered to enhance structures while avoiding any disruption to the original materials, which is particularly important for maintaining the integrity of such a crucial architectural feature.
By not requiring the removal of the façade, the Cintec system significantly mitigates the risk of damaging these essential elements, safeguarding their historical and aesthetic value.
Strengthening the façade
This targeted reinforcement not only strengthens the façade against potential damage, but also preserves its visual and historical integrity, allowing El Capitolio to continue standing as a testament to its cultural legacy for generations to come.
The Cintec system represents a significant advancement in restoration technology, demonstrating how modern methods can be harmoniously integrated into the conservation of historic structures. This approach reflects a growing awareness of the need to protect and maintain our architectural heritage while addressing contemporary structural challenges.
By utilizing such innovative solutions, we can ensure that historic sites like El Capitolio remain safe and accessible, allowing future generations to appreciate their beauty and historical context.
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CCCT with Susan Fernandez, Senior VP with UPSpring PR
CCR Publisher/Editor David Corson sat down with Susan Fernandez, Senior VP at UPSpring PR, a womenowned and led agency known for its award-winning team of creatives, strategists, and marketers. Originally focused on design and architecture, UPSpring has grown into a full-service powerhouse delivering strategic PR, marketing, and brand development across industries. With a mission to craft legacies and elevate visibility, the firm continues to redefine possibilities and help clients reach new heights through innovative storytelling and results-driven strategy.
CCCT with Brian Cross, VP of Sales & Marketing for Rocky Mountain Snow Guards
CCR Publisher/Editor David Corson sat down with Ben Kasdan of KTGY, an award-winning architecture, design, and planning firm based in Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1991, KTGY is driven by a people-centric design philosophy that blends storytelling, innovation, and community impact. From architecture and interiors to branding and urban design, the firm creates memorable spaces that enrich lives nationwide. Built on values of respect, curiosity, and collaboration, KTGY’s culture celebrates creativity, growth, and connection—proving that great work comes from a team that truly enjoys what it does.
Brought
An interview podcast that talks to guests that will have business titles in design, construction, facilities, real estate, procurement, development, etc. in retail, restaurants, hospitality, healthcare, federal, multi-family, shopping center owners, developers, cannabis, mixed-use along with the A/E/C sectors plus vendor service suppliers & mfcs who’s products and services are specified, recommend and purchased by enduser brands to build and maintain their facilities in the Commercial Construction Building industry.
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CCR Publisher/Editor David Corson sat down with Luis Belmonte, Partner at Seven Hills Properties, a San Francisco- and Portland-based real estate firm with more than three decades of experience and over 80 million square feet of development valued at $10 billion. Serving clients across Northern California and Oregon, Seven Hills brings unmatched expertise in acquisition, development, and asset management—handling complex transactions with confidence and an owner’s perspective to deliver lasting value at every stage of the real estate life cycle.
CCR Publisher/Editor David Corson sat down with Ryan Teicher, CEO of REDCOM Design & Construction LLC, a professional, bondable design/build firm and secondgeneration general contractor with in-house engineers, architects, designers, and project managers. Founded in 1982 and rebranded in 2010 to expand its reach into larger, architecturally complex projects, REDCOM has been delivering innovative facilities ranging from schools and dealerships to warehouses, labs, and childcare centers.
CCCT with Luis Belmonte from Seven Hills Properties in San Francisco, CA
CCCT with Ryan Teicher, CEO from REDCOM Design & Construction LLC
Contractor The Retail
Constructing Tomorrow
RCA Supports Future Industry Leaders with Scholarships
To strengthen the connection between scholarship recipients and the construction industry, RCA focused its 2025 scholarship program on students who had interned with RCA member companies. Eligible nominees were those majoring in Construction Management or Construction Sciences and who completed an internship with a member company during 2024. Two interns were selected and each received a $3,000 to be used for their fall 2025 semester. Here, we share information about our recipients, in the words of their nominators and the students themselves.
Katherine (Kade) Schiltz Kade is majoring in Construction Management at Northern Michigan University. She interned with Healy Construction Services.
In her personal statement, Kade said, “This scholarship would be a powerful acknowledgment of the hard work and passion I have put into both my career and education, especially as a female in an industry that often sets limits based on gender. It validates the hours of effort I have invested into learning, growing, and proving myself. Beyond recognition, this scholarship would offer muchneeded financial relief, helping me focus more on my goals and less on money. Thank you for the reminder that determination and breaking through barriers in construction are not only possible but encouraged.”
Kade’s nominator told us, “During Kade’s internship at Healy, she demonstrated exceptional work ethics, technical competencies, and a genuine compassion for the construction industry. She played a key role in assisting our team’s project coordinators and project managers in securing subcontractor project documentation required for retail project bids. Kade’s ability to work under pressure along with her strong communication skills and take-charge personality, has made her an asset to our organization.”
Josiah Senethavilay is a senior at Boise State University, pursuing a B.S. in Construction
Management. He interned with ESI Construction.
In his personal statement, Josiah write, “Growing up, my Grandma always reminded me, ‘The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for.’ This one-liner impacted my life dramatically (though I later learned she stole it from Norman Vincent Peale, an American clergyman). Regardless, the lesson stuck, teaching me that being thankful is a one-way ticket to a happier life, stronger relationships, and a mindset to turn obstacles into opportunities. By the age of 15, I was seizing control of my future, working to pay my college tuition myself. This scholarship would not only ease the financial burden of my education but also serve as a testament to my family’s help in imprinting the values of hard work, perseverance, and appreciation for every moment thrown my way.
Josiah’s nominator wrote: “Josiah is a driven individual with a talent for building relationships. His mindset to succeed and uplift those around him sets a needed example to future young leaders within the
construction industry and beyond. Josiah is dedicated to his studies and takes opportunities to seek hands-on application of the construction theory and team lessons learned in his college courses. While working on the College of Western Idaho’s Health & Science Building for his internship with ESI, Josiah delivered exceptional collaboration within the ESI team and externally to trade partners and the client. Due to his understanding of interacting with clients from his paving and striping project experience, Josiah took notes in meetings and outlined action items for the client, design, and general contractor teams so that the project could remain on-time and within budget. He understood what was important to all parties, and alternatively what wasn’t, while learning more each party’s role in the project and how they’d problem-solve constructability issues.
Josiah has a natural ability to build relationships and demonstrated this through taking on oversight of fall protection on a project. Josiah oversaw checking and installing guardrails, fall protection documentation for trade partners, safety orientation for new trade partners on-site, and roof access permits to ensure alignment with OSHA and ESI safety guidelines, while also building relationships with trade partners on-site to build a bought-in safety culture across the job-site, not just one focused on compliance.
RCA’s scholarship program is made possible with the support of our members. We would like to thank the following RCA members for making a contribution to the Scholarship Fund in FY25 (May 2024-April 2025)
$2,000
Singleton Construction, LLC
$1,500
Elder-Jones, Inc.
William A. Randolph, Inc.
$1,000
Eckinger Construction Company
Graves Construction
Shames Construction Company, Ltd.
Westwood Contractors, Inc.
$750
Division 9 Commercial Inc.
Woods Construction, Inc.
$500
De Jager Construction, Inc.
James Agresta Carpentry Inc.
Triad Construction Inc.
Up to $499
Atlas Building Group
Buch Construction
Fred Olivieri
Scheiner Commercial Group, Inc.
To make a contribution to the RCA Scholarship Fund, visit retailcontractors.org or contact the RCA office at info@retailcontractors.org
Katherine (Kade) Schiltz
Josiah Senethavilay
The Retail Contractor
Our 2026 Annual Conference will be held in National Harbor, MD (outside of Washington, DC) at the Gaylord National Resort, prior to
from our featured speakers and connect with RCA members and retailers. The weekend will include a welcome reception, full day of
an evening offsite Bobby McKeys dueling piano bar, and a Top Golf outing.
The Great Boss Factor: How to Activate People And Cultivate Commitment
Joe Mull, Workforce Retention and Commitment Expert
Pushing Limits, Igniting Excellence: Unlocking the New Mindset of Success
Henna Pryor, PCC, Workplace
Performance Expert, CEO, Pryority Group
Economic Update
Dr. Anirban Basu, Chairman & CEO, Sage Policy Group, Inc.
From Blueprints to Bureaucracy: Taxes, Tariffs & Legislation
Shaping Construction Today Alex Etchen, Vice President of Government Relations, Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America Visit retailcontractors.org for the full agenda and to register. RCA members can send an unlimited number of staff at no charge.
President’s Message
Justin Elder, President, Elder-Jones, Inc.
Greetings RCA members and friends:
I’ve got a case of déjà vu, sitting here in my office and beginning to write the fall edition of the President’s Message. It really seems like yesterday we had just returned from the RCA Annual Meeting, and I wrote about the fantastic meeting and all the exciting RCA events and happenings that were to take place over the summer. Most of those events are behind us now, and though it still feels like summer since it’s 85 degrees here in Minneapolis the first week of October, it is fall. It doesn’t feel like fall, but it is! And fall means there’s plenty of planning already going on for the RCA in 2026.
The RCA Board of Directors, as well as the Advisory Board, convened in early August for our annual summer meeting. I feel lucky to serve in this position at a time when our Board and Advisory Board are made up of the most engaged and driven people in our industry. The overall focus of the meeting was to improve the efficiency and focus of our committees, and for those committees to continue setting attainable goals that will provide benefits and improvements to our member companies and partners.
Another area of focus for this meeting was the Advisory Board. As you might imagine, the Advisory Board is made up of a group of industry leaders who believe in the mission of the RCA. Advisory Board members are key leaders of associated companies; we currently have retail construction directors, architects, attorneys, workforce development experts, and consultants, among others. The role of the Advisory Board has always been to assist the Board in its direction with regards to policies, initiative implementation, and review of ongoing programs. As we are doing with our committees, we discussed ways to better utilize the breadth of knowledge of the Advisory Board to better achieve its primary role in providing guidance and direction for the RCA.
We continue to offer and promote our members-only Superintendent Training Program. Under guidance from the Construction Training Committee, year-after-year this program continues to be successful. We get fantastic feedback from those that have gone through the course, and I’d encourage any members who have not participated in the past to try sending a superintendent through the program. Considering the success of this program, we recently introduced a 3-day Retail Project Management Training course, and our first run at it this past March was a sellout. Like the Superintendent Training Program, this course is tailored around project management components unique to retail construction. Registration is open for both of our training seminars, scheduled for the first week of December in Dallas, TX. More information and registration can be found on the RCA website event calendar. I hope to see many new RCA companies representing this December!
I wish you all a wonderful fall and all that comes with it. I for one am hoping the weather cools to a more seasonable temperature, as fall is my favorite time of the year. Coming from Minnesota, this means enjoying just another month or two of being outside before the real cold arrives. Thinking of the cold arriving, I do take comfort knowing I can get out of the cold to attend one of RCA’s regional networking events! Maybe we’ll see you there. Cheers.
ADVISORY BOARD
Randy DanielsonOpus Development Company, LLC
Jon Hostasa - CASEY’S
Jason Kraus - Kohl’s
Jeffrey D. Mahler, AIAOnyx Creative
Stahler McKinney - FMI
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
CONSTRUCTION TRAINING
David Brown
LEGISLATIVE/REGULATORY
Jay Dorsey
MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT & RETENTION
Denise Doczy-Delong
OFFICERS
President Justin Elder Elder-Jones, Inc.
Vice President
Timothy Aubel Rectenwald Brothers Construction, Inc.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2028 Timothy Aubel Rectenwald Broth
2026 Steve Bachman Retail Construction Services, Inc.
PS: If you have any questions about how to become more involved in the RCA, or you have ideas for the organization, please feel free to contact me at justin@elderjones.com
Dean Olivieri 2001
Thomas Eckinger 2002
James Healy 2003
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Matt Brecker
SPONSORSHIP AND MEMBER BENEFITS
Anthony Graves
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Ken Sharkey
Hector Ray
Secretary/Treasurer
Denise Doczy-Delong Singleton Construction, LLC
Immediate Past President
Eric Handley
William A. Randolph, Inc.
2026 Anthony Graves Graves Construction
2028 Eric Handley
William A. Randolph, Inc.
2027 David Martin H.J. Martin & Son, Inc.
2028 Cheryl Montour Division 9 Commercial, Inc.
2027 Hector Ray RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD
2028 Ken Sharkey Commercial Contractors, Inc.
2026 Rick Winkel Winkel Construction, Inc.
Robert D. Benda 2004-2006
K. Eugene Colley 2006-2008
Matthew Schimenti 2008-2012
Art Rectenwald 2012-2014
Mike Wolff 2014-2016
Robert Moore 2016-2017
Brad Bogart 2017-2018
Rick Winkel 2018-2019
Steve Bachman 2019-2021
Ray Catlin 2021-2023
Eric Handley 2023-2025
Justin Elder
The Retail Contractor
RCA Membership
RCA members must meet and maintain a series of qualifications and are approved by the Board of Directors for membership. They have been in the retail construction business as general contractors for at least five years; agree to comply with the Association’s Code of Ethics and Bylaws; are properly insured and bonded; are licensed in the states in which they do business; and have submitted letters of recommendation.
COMPANY CONTACT PHONE STATE EMAIL MEMBER SINCE
Acme Enterprises, Inc.
Asa Carlton, Inc.
Atlas Building Group
Bayley Construction, LP
Bogart Construction, Inc.
Buildrite Construction Corp.
CE Gleeson Constructors
Comanche Construction, LLC
Jeff Lomber 810-499-7127 MI jlomber@acme-enterprises.com 2009
Bradley Martin 770-945-2195 GA bmartin@asacarlton.com 2025
Brian Boettler 636-368-5234 MO bboettler@abgbuilds.com 2017
Steve Grasso 206-621-8884 WA steveg@bayley.net 2024
Brad Bogart 949-453-1400 CA brad@bogartconstruction.com 2008
Bryan Alexander 770-971-0787 GA bryan@buildriteconstruction.com 2013
Charles Gleeson III 248-647-5500 MI cegleeson3@gleesonconstructors 2024
Andrew McClung 405-740-6950 OK andrew.mcclung@comanchellc.com 2024 Commercial Contractors, Inc.
Kenneth Sharkey 616-842-4540 MI ken.t.sharkey@teamcci.net 1990 Commonwealth Building, Inc. Chris Fontaine 617-770-0050 MA cfontaine@combuild.com 1992
Connor Construction, LLC
Benjamin Connor 856-599-1765 NJ bconnor@connorconstructionllc.com 2021 Construction One, Inc.
Bill Moberger 614-235-0057 OH wmoberger@constructionone.com 2015 Construx Co. LLC
Brandon Nice 757-566-3032 VA bnice@davidnicebuilders.com 2011 De Jager Construction, Inc.
Dan De Jager 616-530-0060 MI dandj@dejagerconstruction.com 1990 Desco Professional Builders, Inc. Bob Anderson 860-870-7070 CT banderson@descopro.com 1995 Diamond Contractors Lori Perry 816-650-9200 MO loriperry@diamondcontractors.org 2015 Division 9 Commercial Inc. Cheryl Montour 770-919-9941 GA cmontour@division9inc.com 2021 DLP Construction Company, Inc. Dennis Pigg, Jr. 770-887-3573 GA dpigg@dlpconstruction.com 2008 E.C. Provini, Co., Inc.
Joseph Lembo 732-739-8884 NJ jlembo@ecprovini.com 1992 Eckinger Construction Company Philip Eckinger 330-453-2566 OH phil@eckinger.com 1994 EDC Christopher Johnson 804-897-0900 VA cjohnson@edcweb.com 1998 Elder-Jones, Inc.
Justin Elder 952-345-6069 MN justin@elderjones.com 1990 Encore Construction, Inc. Joe McCafferty 410-573-5050 MD joe@encoreconstruction.net 2018 Engineered Structures, Inc. Mike Magill 208-362-3040 ID mikemagill@esiconstruction.com 2016 Englewood Construction Inc.
Christopher Di Santo 847-233-9220 IL Cdisanto@eci.build 2024 FCP Services
Brian Hogan 517-528-8990 MN bhogan@fcpservices.com 2024 FMGI Inc.
Darin Ross 678-903-2200 GA darin.ross@fmgi-inc.com 2022 Fortney & Weygandt, Inc.
Mitch Lapin 440-716-4000 OH mlapin@fortneyweygandt.com 2013 Fred Olivieri Construction Company
Dean Olivieri 330-494-1007 OH dean@fredolivieri.com 1992 Frontier Building Corp.
Andrew Goggin 305-692-9992 FL agoggin@fdllc.com 2018 Fulcrum Construction, LLC
Willy Rosner 770-612-8005 GA wrosner@fulcrumconstruction.com 2014 Go Green Construction, Inc.
John Castellano 412-389-2577 PA john@ggc-pgh.com 2017 Graves Construction
Gray West Construction
Anthony Graves 949-467-1799 CA anthony@gravesconstruction.com 2022
Eric Berg 714-491-1317 CA EBerg@GrayWC.com 2005 Groom Construction Co., Inc.
H.J. Martin & Son, Inc.
Dwight Groom 781-592-3135 MA dwgroom@groomco.com 2023
David Martin 920-494-3461 WI david@hjmartin.com 2016 Hardesty & Associates
Harmon Construction, Inc.
Healy Construction Services, Inc.
Hirsch Construction Corp.
HL Contractors
International Contractors, Inc.
JAG Building Group
James Agresta Carpentry Inc.
JG Companies, Inc.
Scott Hardesty 949-723-2230 CA scott@hardestyassociates.com 2020
William Harmon 812-346-2048 IN bill.harmon@harmonconstruction.com 2017
James Healy 708-396-0440 IL jhealy@healyconstructionservices.com 1996
Adam Hirsch 978-762-8455 MA ahirsch@hirschcorp.com 2025
Sidney Huguet 770-727-2599 GA shuguet@hlcontractors.com 2025
Bruce Bronge 630-834-8043 IL bbronge@icibuilds.com 1995
Matt Allen 239-540-2700 FL matta@jagbuilding.com 2019
James Agresta 201-498-1477 NJ jim.agresta@jacarpentryinc.com 2013
Adam Shihadeh 909-993-9393 CA adam@jg-companies.com 2024
Kerricook Construction, Inc. Ann Smith 440-647-4200 OH ann@kerricook.com 2012
KPS Commercial Construction
Lakeview Construction, Inc.
M. Cary, Inc.
Management Resource Systems
Kevin Sullivan 317-984-7764 IN kevin@kpsconstruction.com 2025
Kent Moon 262-857-3336 WI kent@lvconstruction.com 1998
Bill Tucker 631-501-0024 NY btucker@mcaryinc.com 2014
Travis Jarrett 336-861-1960 NC tjarrett@mrs1977.com 1992 Marco Contractors, Inc.
Martin Smith 724-741-0300 PA marty@marcocontractors.com 1994 Market Contractors
National Contractors, Inc.
Pinnacle Commercial Development, Inc.
PMA Construction LLC
Prime Retail Services, Inc.
Kerry Lobbestael 503-255-0977 OR kerryl@marketcontractors.com 2019
Michael Dudley 952-881-6123 MN mdudley@ncigc.com 2018
Dennis Rome 732-528-0080 NJ dennis@pinnaclecommercial.us 2012
Kamesha Washington 678-878-4141 GA kwash@pmacllc.com 2025
Donald Bloom 866-504-3511 GA dbloom@primeretailservices.com 2014 R.E. Crawford Construction LLC
Jeffrey T. Smith 941-907-0010 FL jeffs@recrawford.com 2011 RAYWEST DESIGNBUILD
Greg West 910-824-0503 NC greg.west@raywestdesignbuild.com 2021 Rectenwald Brothers Construction, Inc.
Retail Construction Services, Inc.
Retail Contractors of Puerto Rico
Right Choice Development & Construction
Art Rectenwald 724-772-8282 PA art@rectenwald.com 1996
Stephen Bachman 651-704-9000 MN sbachman@retailconstruction.com 1998
Sean Pfent 586-725-4400 MI spfent@rcofusa.com 1996
Robert Benda 817-877-3800 TX bbenda@westwoodcontractors.com
Tony Riccardi 847-856-0123 IL tony.riccardi@warandolph.com
Rick Winkel 352-860-0500 FL rickw@winkel-construction.com
Michael Houseman 616-949-3360 MI mhouseman@wolvgroup.com 2012
John Bodary 586-939-9991 MI jbodary@woodsconstruction.com 1996
Visit retailcontractors.org to view the profile of each RCA member company. Click on “Find a Contractor” on the home page to search the member list.
Please notify the RCA Office (800-847-5085 or info@retailcontractors.org) of any changes to your contact information.
The Retail Contractor
RCA Regional Events
RCA’s membership committee plans regional networking events for RCA members, sponsors, benefit providers, and other supporters. The events have a variety of formats, including knowledge shares, happy hours, and tours or other unique activities.
Thanks to everyone who joined us at our events earlier this year: Houston and Kent, OH in May, Minneapolis in June,
in July, and Orlando in August.
Boston
Houston: Reception at Hearsay Market Square
Kent, OH: Davey SEED campus tour and networking at Belltower Brewing
Orlando: Networking at Fast Break Hilton Hotel
Boston: Tour of Sallys Apizza and networking at Bartaco Seaport Boston
Minneapolis: Lake Minnetonka cruise
RCA’s membership committee plans regional networking events for RCA members, sponsors, benefit providers, and other supporters. The events have a variety of formats, including knowledge shares, happy hours, and tours or other unique activities.
There is no fee to attend these events, but we ask that you register to confirm your spot.
October 16 | Atlanta
Hosted by RCA
Truist Park Stadium Tour & Networking Reception at Park Bench Battery Sponsored by DW1
October 20 | Cleveland
Hosted by RCA & ConstructReach
Continue the Conversation - Workforce Development Networking Reception at Eliot’s Bar in the Hilton Downtown
December 2 | Phoenix
Hosted by RCA & Commercial Construction & Renovation
Continue the Conversation - Connections and Introductions Networking Reception on the Kembara Patio at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Sponsored by DW1
Dates subject to change based on venue/presenter availability. Visit retailcontractors.org for more information and to register. Sponsors & hosts current as of October 1, 2025. Register at retailcontractors.org.
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GOLD
SILVER
CIRCLE NO. 63
Printed. Tilted Up
A builder’s guide to modern concrete home construction
Phil Hulsizer, Nonquit Homes
Poured. Printed. Tilted Up
A builder’s guide to modern concrete home construction
3
D printing, precast, and tilt-up panels provide builders with new tools to address a changing climate. A closer look at how modern concrete systems stack up on cost, speed and strength.
Concrete is finally emerging as a viable option for single-family homes. As natural disasters grow more frequent and severe—115 different billion-dollar events from 2020 to 2024, up from just eight per year in previous decades—the weaknesses of wood-framed homes continue to be exposed. Tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires have leveled entire communities, prompting builders, insurers, and regulators to rethink residential construction.
While concrete construction has historically been held back by higher upfront costs and slower build times, new methods are alleviating these concerns. From 3D printing to precast panels to insulated forms, builders now have multiple options for creating disaster-resistant homes that stay competitive on price and timeline with traditional wood-framed structures.
For builders looking to seize the moment and pioneer the transition to concrete homes, it is critical to understand the different building methods that are solidifying concrete as the future of home construction.
3D-printed concrete homes
Among the newer methods gaining attention, 3D-printed concrete homes stand out for their novelty and futuristic appeal. Using robotics to extrude a cement-based mixture layer by layer, building up the structural walls of a home directly on site. Guided by a digital model, the printer lays down thick, toothpaste-like ribbons of concrete to form walls with precision.
This approach significantly reduces the need for manual labor. A single machine can replace a crew of framers or masons, while also minimizing material waste by dispensing only what’s needed for each layer.
In theory, this means the structural shell of a small home could be completed in a matter of days. In practice, however, timelines have not always lived up to the hype. The often cited “printed in 24 hours” metric usually refers only to wall printing and
not the full build, which still requires conventional foundations, roofing, MEP systems and finishes. As a result, total construction times are often more closely comparable to traditional homes.
Drawbacks include:
` Code challenges – Standardized building codes for 3D-printed homes have been an issue, leading to delays or uncertainty in permitting.
` Aesthetics – The ridged, layered texture of printed walls, often likened to stacked pancakes, can be visually unappealing without additional finishing work.
` Lack of reinforcement – Unlike other forms of concrete, most 3D-printed systems don’t incorporate rebar, which may affect long-term structural resilience.
` Insulation requirements – Concrete by itself has poor thermal performance. Printed homes still require extra steps to add insulation, increasing time and costs.
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While the technology continues to advance, 3D-printed homes offer interesting potential, but may not be a turnkey solution for widespread residential construction yet.
Precast concrete panels
A more established process, precast concrete systems involve casting entire wall sections in a controlled factory environment before transporting them to the job site for installation.
Each panel is poured into a reusable mold, often incorporating steel reinforcement, insulation, electrical conduit and even architectural finishes like brick texture or stucco patterning—all in one step.
One of the biggest advantages of precast is construction speed. Once the panels arrive, the structure can go up quickly with minimal onsite labor. The precision of factory production also improves quality control and reduces material waste.
Precast concrete delivers exceptional durability. Reinforced with steel and designed to withstand fire, moisture and high winds, these panels are built to last generations.
But like any system, it comes with trade-offs:
` Transportation logistics – Large, heavy panels must be trucked in— adding significant cost, particularly for remote or distant projects.
` Heavy equipment needs – Cranes are typically required to lift and set the panels, adding cost and complexity. On tight or hard-to-access sites, this can be a nonstarter.
` Limited design flexibility – Precast shines with repeatable designs. Unique or one-off homes that require custom molds drive up costs. Late-stage design changes are also difficult once the panels are fabricated.
Precast panel systems deliver high quality, long lifespan and rapid build times, especially when scale or repetition is part of the plan. For single-family homes, they make the most sense when in close proximity to a precast facility or when speed and structural performance outweigh costs.
Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)
Another option, Insulated Concrete Forms, offer a modern alternative to traditional poured concrete walls, combining structure and insulation in a single step. Instead of using temporary wood forms that are removed after the pour, ICF systems use interlocking foam blocks or panels that stay in place permanently.
These hollow forms are stacked like oversized Lego bricks to create the wall layout, then filled with concrete and steel reinforcement.
The result is a monolithic, steel-reinforced concrete wall with continuous insulation on both sides. The forms create a tight thermal envelope, delivering high energy efficiency along with exceptional strength and noise reduction.
Still, ICF adoption faces a few hurdles:
` Higher upfront costs – Historically, ICF homes cost as much as 8 percent more than stick-built equivalents, depending on location and design complexity.
` Not the fastest method – ICFs are still slower than some newer alternatives like tilt-up or precast.
` Learning curve – Crews unfamiliar with ICF systems may need extensive training, which can add time and labor costs, especially at the outset.
For those looking to balance resilience with comfort and efficiency, ICFs continue to be a compelling option.
An Evolving Solution:
Tilt-Up, Site-Cast Sandwich Panels
While each of the concrete construction methods above brings some value to the table, they also come with compromises. Whether it’s the cost and code ambiguity of 3D printing, the logistical complexity of precast or the slower pace and added cost of ICFs.
One system now gaining attention for its ability to overcome many of those drawbacks is a tilt-up, site-cast sandwich panel design. Instead of casting large concrete panels off-site and hauling them in, the smaller panels are poured flat on the jobsite using reusable forms.
Once cured, they are lifted into place using forklifts instead of cranes, making the process more accessible and cost-effective for homebuilders.
The panels themselves are engineered as structural sandwich panels, with a rigid insulation core surrounded by concrete. Prestressed steel is used as reinforcement during the pour, creating a finished wall system that’s strong, energy-efficient, and ready to weather both storms and temperature swings.
Because the panels are cast on-site, builders avoid the high transportation costs and logistical challenges of precast construction. Compared to ICFs, the tilt-up panel system, first engineered by Nonquit Homes, allows for greater control over panel size, finish quality and integration of design features.
From a scheduling perspective, the benefits are also significant. With fewer trades required and many elements integrated into the wall panels themselves—insulation, reinforcement, exterior finish—build times can be sharply reduced. In most cases, a crew of just a few workers tilt and set panels into place.
Solid choices
The broader shift in residential construction is expected to come not just from concrete innovation, but by rising insurance premiums and more stringent building regulations on vulnerable wood-framed homes.
Regardless of the method, residential concrete construction is poised to expand rapidly in the coming years. For builders looking to stay ahead, understanding the trade-offs and strengths of each approach is the first step toward delivering smarter, safer and more resilient homes.
CIRCLE
Moving the Market
6 home upgrades buyers want most
Walk into any open house in North America and you’ll likely hear the same excited comments: “Look at this kitchen,” “That mudroom is perfect,” or “I love how much light this place gets.” Buyers aren’t just looking for four walls and a roof; they’re imagining their lives unfolding in a space that feels smart, efficient and tailored to their needs.
Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to future-proof your investment, some home upgrades are consistently more desirable than others.
Here’s a practical, well-rounded guide to the six modifications that North American home buyers love the most, and why they make such a lasting impression.
1 Kitchen Upgrades: Where Function Meets Style
For most buyers, the kitchen sets the tone for the entire home. It’s where meals are made, conversations flow and first impressions are cemented. A beautiful, well-designed kitchen can be a dealmaker or a dealbreaker.
Buyers today favor:
` Quartz or granite countertops for a clean, timeless look.
` Smart, energy-efficient appliances that offer long-term savings.
` Open shelving or glass-front cabinets to display dishware and make the room feel bigger.
` Deep drawers and pull-out pantry storage for enhanced functionality.
If you’re not sure where to start, a consultation with a top real estate agent in your area can help you choose upgrades that match your market’s expectations and your budget.
2 Bathroom Refresh: Spa Vibes on a Budget
A tired bathroom can make a home feel outdated fast, while a refreshed one brings a sense of calm and luxury. And you don’t need a full gut job to make an impact.
Most-loved updates include:
` Walk-in showers with frameless glass enclosures, often preferred over tubs.
` Dual vanities in master bathrooms.
` Neutral colour palettes, particularly soft greys and warm whites.
` Matte black or brushed gold fixtures for a modern touch.
Heated floors or smart mirrors are bonus features that add comfort and a touch of luxury. Even a mid-range renovation can offer a strong return on investment, especially in competitive urban markets.
3 Smart Home Features: Convenience Meets Control
Today’s buyers expect more than square footage—they want homes that simplify their lives. Enter smart home technology.
Top upgrades that excite tech-savvy buyers include:
` Smart thermostats (like Nest or Ecobee) that adjust heating and cooling based on occupancy and habits.
` Video doorbells and smart security systems for peace of mind.
` Automated lighting systems that offer both convenience and energy savings.
` Wi-Fi-enabled appliances that can be controlled remotely.
While these upgrades aren’t makeor-break, they can tip the scales in your favor, especially among younger buyers who appreciate the seamless lifestyle integration these tools provide.
4 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
As utility costs rise and eco-conscious living gains traction, buyers are placing greater emphasis on energy efficiency. Homes that perform better are not only more comfortable, but also more affordable to operate a major selling point.
Popular energy-saving modifications include:
` Upgraded insulation and sealed ductwork for better temperature regulation.
` Energy Star-rated windows and doors to reduce heat loss.
` Solar panels can increase home value in sunbelt states or progressive urban centers.
` Tankless water heaters save both space and energy.
These changes appeal to both cost-conscious buyers and those who prioritize sustainable living, making them a win-win in the resale game.
5 Open Concept Living: Airy, Adaptable Spaces
Buyers crave flexibility in how they use their homes and open-concept layouts offer just that. Combining the kitchen, dining and living spaces into one seamless area creates an inviting flow and a sense of spaciousness, even in smaller homes.
While knocking down walls isn’t always feasible, you can mimic the open feel with:
` Lighter wall colours and uniform flooring to unify spaces.
` Larger doorways and cased openings to visually expand the area.
` Strategic furniture placement to keep sightlines open and airy.
If you're renovating with resale in mind, open floor plans still reign supreme—especially among families and younger couples who entertain often.
6 Dedicated Workspaces and Multi-Use Rooms
Remote work has redefined what people need from their homes. Buyers now prioritize areas that can function as home offices, classrooms, hobby spaces or gyms.
To meet this need:
` Convert an underused bedroom into a stylish office with built-in shelves or a custom desk.
` Add French doors to a den or dining room to create privacy without sacrificing light.
` Stage basements or garages as flexible use areas, such as media rooms or fitness zones.
Homes that offer these flexible spaces are often seen as more future-ready—a key differentiator in today’s market.
Practical Tips for Homeowners
If you’re planning to sell, it’s important to balance your investment with expected returns. Here are a few tips:
1. Focus on broad appeal – Neutral finishes and classic design choices tend to age well.
2. Stay within the neighborhood standard – Over-improving a property can hurt your ROI.
3. Use a local real estate expert –A seasoned agent knows what features sell in your area and can offer cost-effective improvement advice.
Remember: the goal isn’t just to add flashy features, but to enhance your home’s livability, functionality and perceived value in the eyes of today’s buyer.
What’s Driving Residential Construction in the U.S.
The calendar has turned, Q3 is behind us and the final stretch of 2025 is underway.
Across residential construction—single-family homes, multifamily developments, adaptive reuse, infill projects, ADUs and remodeling—the message remains clear: Finish strong, stay focused and keep the momentum moving forward.
As Q4 unfolds, the goal is simple: Stay adaptable, stay efficient and keep building with purpose. Momentum matters—and the foundation we pour today will shape the homes, communities and opportunities that define tomorrow.
The U.S. housing market continues to face mixed signals. Interest rates remain elevated, material prices fluctuate and affordability challenges persist for both builders and buyers. Yet the industry’s hallmark—resilience—continues to shine.
Recent Census Bureau data shows privately owned housing starts at an annualized 1.3 million units, down about 8.5% from July and 2% below year-to-date 2024. Single-family starts held steady at 890,000 units, showing that demand in key markets remains intact. Building permits fell 3.7% in August and are roughly 11% below last year, reflecting caution amid tighter capital and shifting buyer sentiment.
Still, opportunity thrives where need meets innovation. Multifamily projects dominate urban cores and growing secondary markets, while suburban infill projects are helping cities expand more sustainably. Office-to-residential conversions continue to surge, breathing new life into older properties. In New York, more than 4 million square feet of former office space is being redeveloped into housing—the most since before the financial crisis.
Remodeling remains a bright spot. Many homeowners, deterred by high mortgage rates, are reinvesting in upgrades and energy-efficient improvements instead of selling. Remodeling spending rose more than 3% in Q2, driven by equity growth and evolving lifestyle needs. ADUs are also on the rise, especially in states like California and Oregon where zoning reforms and multigenerational living are reshaping how people think about space and affordability.
Challenges persist—labor shortages, supply costs, and mortgage rates above 6% continue to test margins and timelines. Builders also face tighter financing conditions and permitting delays, forcing greater efficiency and discipline across operations.
Even in this environment, innovation drives progress. Prefabrication, modular systems, and panelized construction are streamlining projects and reducing waste. Smarter home technology and sustainable materials are now expectations, not extras. Builders that adapt early, plan strategically, and design for long-term flexibility will stay ahead of the curve.
As Q4 unfolds, the goal is simple: Stay adaptable, stay efficient and keep building with purpose. Momentum matters—and the foundation we pour today will shape the homes, communities and opportunities that define tomorrow.
Remember, as always: Measure twice, cut once.
Commercial Construction Data
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Making Every Day Count
As we kick off Q4 and race toward the Dec. 31 finish line, it’s all hands-on deck, pedal to the metal and full speed ahead—with a smile on your face. Because if we’re not finding joy in what we do every day on this rock we call Earth, then we’re missing the point
It’s an amazing time to be alive. Technology is moving at warp speed, opportunities are evolving faster than ever and there’s never a dull moment in the daily grind. But as much as progress pushes us forward, life has a way of reminding us to slow down and appreciate what truly matters.
Over the past month, I’ve lost several people I knew—family members, business peers, admired athletes. One relative still is in the ICU, fighting for another day. Moments like these make you stop and take stock of what’s really important: Time.
I did a little research recently, and my hunch was right. According to CDC 2023 data, the average life expectancy for U.S. males at birth is 75.8 years: For females, it’s 81.1 years. Do the math and you’ll see you have a certain number of days left. What you do with them defines your legacy.
Every day on my vlog, I remind people that time is the most valuable thing we have. You cannot buy it, save it or get it back once it’s gone. Make the best of it. Choose optimism.
I turned 62 back in June, and every year now feels like a milestone. You never know when life will throw you a curveball—and trust me, they come fast. A longtime neighbor of mine, someone I’d known for 17 years, recently needed a heart transplant. His body was weak, but his determination was strong. When a match finally came, he was ready to go—out the door like a bolt of lightning. Sadly, his body couldn’t handle it and he passed shortly after. Same age as me. Married, three grown kids, a beautiful family, a motorcycle enthusiast, and a successful business career and excellent DIY woodworker, dude could build anything. His time was up. Mine, for now, keeps going. May he RIP.
As you get older, you start to notice more of your peers crossing that final line— some expected, others sudden. It’s the cycle we all share; birth, age, retire and pass on. Maybe there’s some kind of reincarnation waiting at the end of that road. If so, I hope I come back as a sports ball or puck—always in motion, surrounded by energy, learning and competing one game at a time.
Every day on my vlog, I remind people that time is the most valuable thing we have. You cannot buy it, save it or get it back once it’s gone. Make the best of it. Choose optimism. Say it’s “partly sunny, not partly cloudy. See the glass as half full, not half empty. It truly is an amazing time to be alive and kicking and doing the best I can with my time. My goal is to keep showing up, doing what I love with a grin that everyone will remember. So, here’s to finishing 2025 strong & with prosperity. Manage your time wisely. Learn something new. Laugh, smile and enjoy the ride. The holidays will be here before you know it.
And, as always—“Keep the Faith.” DC
PRIVACY AT THE FLIP OF A SWITCH
Switchable Smart Film for Dynamic Workspaces
In today’s dynamic workspaces, flexibility is everything. With Window Film Depot’s switchable Smart Window Films, you can instantly transform glass office partitions from clear to translucent privacy—all at the flip of a switch.
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Upgrade your office with versatile privacy solutions that adapt to the way you work—seamlessly, efficiently, and beautifully.
