

Design
Forward Project Management
At OAC, our approach integrates design excellence in all disciplines with proven project management practices to deliver an exceptionally thoughtful design that has thoroughly vetted. Our process keeps all parties focused on the critical schedule, quality, and cost milestones, as well as fostering a collaborative project environment based on open communication and trust.
We refer to this innovative integrated approach as Design Forward Project Management (D4PM), which has been honed through years of experience serving as the Prime A/E design consultant for a broad range of complex public projects. As Prime A/E, OAC handles the project management and administration, allowing our partners to focus on what they do best—design.
With D4PM, OAC’s design and construction professionals have crafted a process that reduces overdesign, enhances communication, improves coordination, removes ambiguity, and creates a cost-effective, constructible design.
Over the past 15 years, OAC has developed a specialized aviation practice group: our team of aviation design and construction management professionals is well versed in complex projects with challenging existing conditions, finite schedules and constrained budgets. We have collaborated with a wide range of airport stakeholders to deliver operational, administrative, tenant, retail and passenger spaces. Our teams bring deep expertise and a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach to complex, multistakeholder aviation projects.
Whether utilitarian or aspirational, our goal is to realize functional and inspiring buildings for our clients and their customers. As veterans of design firms, we deeply understand the design process—its strengths and challenges—and have developed effective tools and processes to collaborate with cross-functional design teams. We ensure client goals are met, stakeholder input is integrated, design schedules are managed, costs are tracked, and document quality is unmatched. Through close collaboration with our clients, we’ve refined the communication and tracking tools we wish we had earlier in our careers.
At OAC, we leverage advanced technology to elevate the design and construction quality to facilitate an efficient build and seamless turnover to operations. Our team’s expertise in photogrammetry and Building Information Modelling (BIM) software enables us to provide an immersive 360-degree digital experience of the project—from design to construction and operation. In addition to providing the digital truth, these models are an essential resource in capturing design and construction progress, reconciling the schedule and project costs, and bringing the project site to our clients’ desktops, wherever possible.
When these digital tools are combined with traditional tools, such as concise agendas and clear meeting notes with actionable items and specified deadlines, we create a unity of effort and consistency of purpose focused on our client’s goals throughout the project team. In establishing the right balance of the cutting edge and the tried-and-true, our team tracks what matters, allocates resources, manages risks, monitors progress, and provides predictable outcomes.
We’re driven by a passion to deliver projects that improve where people live, work, learn, and play.
Innovation
We’re singularly focused on the best outcomes possible—and that means diligent measuring, tracking, and reporting.
Seamless integration
We believe in the power of collaboration and creating integrated team dynamics. Our commitment to excellence shines in our engagement with clients and teams.
Expertise
Every project is different. With over 65 years of experience, we bring the expertise needed for project success, tailoring our approach to meet your unique needs.
Our clients love how we help their projects thrive in new ways. When the pressure to deliver a critical project rises, we provide steady leadership and expertise to get the job done.
SHAWN MAHONEY Chief Executive Officer
smahoney@oacsvcs.com
AIA, NCARB
OAC’s aviation design and construction team specializes in complex projects, meeting tight budgets and schedules while ensuring uninterrupted 24/7/365 operations.
Shawn established OAC’s aviation practice 15 years ago by assembling a distinguished team of local design firms in an innovative, fully integrated design and construction management team, to undertake a series of transformational projects at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. He is a highly respected project manager with extensive experience leading Port of Seattle projects. Known for his expertise in both design and construction, Shawn’s leadership is defined by innovation, collaboration, and a client-focused approach.
TODD THIEL
AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Vice President, Aviation Lead
tthiel@oacsvcs.com
For over five years, Todd has led OAC’s aviation practice, developing Shawn’s innovative cross-functional design team approach into OAC’s Design Forward Project Management (D4PM). With 31+ years of experience in design, team, and project management of large, complex projects, he excels in balancing the interests of airlines, tenants, and service providers. Todd relies on strong communication skills, design confidence, humility, and a commitment to integrating operational excellence into a design-first practice while maintaining a positive team ethos based on collaboration and trust.
JOHN RUPP Director, Engineering
John is an experienced engineer with 17+ years in project management, structural design, and large-scale program operations management, specializing in aviation projects. His experience includes project and quality management, and leading seismic risk reduction programs. At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), John led the SEA Post IAF Airline Realignment Design Services, managing Delta’s relocation and expanding United’s operations space, streamlining the design process, and improving customer service.
KIM FORD Senior Project Manager
jrupp@oacsvcs.com kford@oacsvcs.com
With 15+ years of interior design and project management experience, Kim brings a high level of attention to detail and quality control to all her projects to provide the utmost elevated customer service. Kim is a strong advocate for design integrity, ensuring the vision is carried through from concept to construction while aligning with the needs of airlines, stakeholders, and vendors. She manages scope, schedule, and budget efficiently and is an excellent asset on the job site, constantly bridging the gaps between general contractors, architects/ designers, vendors, and the owner with open and clear communication.
This project involves the renovation and reconfiguration of the ramp level in Concourses A, B, and the South Satellite, including demolitions and updates to multiple spaces. In Concourse B, Port and airline tenant spaces will be demolished, and an existing Port restroom will be expanded into an allgendered facility, aligning with the Port’s standards for inclusivity. Mechanical and electrical rooms will be relocated and separated for improved operational efficiency, with supporting electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems rerouted. A new central corridor will be constructed to support increased operational flow of airline and Port employees. In Concourse A, interior spaces will be renovated to house a new meter shop and updated airline tenant offices.
This project replaces two rooftop air handlers on Concourse B and adds supporting infrastructure. Two of the existing air handlers have reached capacity, and existing spaces on the ramp level with insufficient HVAC supply will be modified to meet code. New conditioned space will be constructed on the ramp level, increasing the load on the HVAC system. New penthouses will be constructed to house the air handlers and equipment. OAC worked closely with Port stakeholders to ensure timely decisions and seamlessly integrate user preferences. At the ramp level, renovations include modifying the mechanical pump room and reconfiguring adjacent spaces for supplemental pumps, with a new utilidor to route hydronic piping lines. Close coordination with stakeholders ensured optimal selection of routing and minimal disruption to occupants.
This project includes renovations at the ramp level of Concourses A and B, along with minor gate podium upgrades at Concourse B. New conditioned tenant spaces and renovated interiors were designed in collaboration with the airline tenant to meet critical operational needs. Due to adjacent construction, a temporary air handler and phasing and sequencing of HVAC systems were required until permanent equipment is operational. Modifications to existing infrastructure were needed to maintain access and align with the new airline program, with extensive coordination with airline IT to ensure connectivity and system redundancy. Concourse A’s renovations include updating finishes and door modifications.
This project involves the demolition and renovation of Zone Four in the main terminal to support common-use flow through ticketing. Underutilized airline ticketing podiums and two dining and retail tenants will be removed, an airline breakroom will be relocated, and 10 new common-use flow through ticketing podiums will be installed. New baggage handling systems and structural modifications will accommodate larger equipment. OAC collaborated closely with Port baggage, security, and access control stakeholders to ensure smooth integration of baggage systems and maintenance access. Additionally, a telephone room was converted into a fire-rated Port Communications room for IT and security equipment. In collaboration with Port Architecture and Maintenance, new ticket podiums were designed with updated standards for finishes and ergonomics, alongside a continuous video wall display.
Completed government projects
Completed projects for Port of Seattle Firm-wide awards
As part of the 2018 Vertical Conveyance IDIQ contract, this project involves modernizing ten elevators in SEA’s parking garage and the replacement of the remaining seventeen elevator cab interiors and lobby accessories for a cohesive look. It extends SEA’s branding into the garage, supports the signing masterplan, and prepares for future app-based wayfinding, enhancing the passenger experience from parking to boarding. The design focuses on durable, easy-to-maintain materials for high-traffic use and features Pacific Northwest-inspired graphics, like orcas and ferries. Integrating these bright and colorful graphics into backlit walls of the elevator interior will help passengers easily find their vehicle. The modernization also replaces nearly 50-year-old equipment with state-of-the-art equipment and controls.
Port of Seattle
2018–2025
SRG Partnership / IDE / PAE / Lerch Bates / Studio Pacifica
OAC led the design services IDIQ to improve utilization of SEA’s main terminal at three critical locations: American Airlines, JetBlue, and Frontier. As prime, OAC managed the design team from conceptual planning through design, while providing preconstruction support, feasibility, scheduling, estimating, and complicated phasing documents, as well as construction administration. Ticket counter and office TIs consisted of full redesign of the Zone 5 area of the main terminal and all associated airline ticket office spaces; a 3,000-SF specialty TI of the Virgin America ticket office and Port of Seattle Police Security space; the international airlines TI included a redesign of the ticketing area and addition of 14 new ticket counters along the exterior window wall of the main terminal departures hall.
Port of Seattle
2011-2017
SRG Partnership / Miller Hull Partnership / Suehiro Architecture / Mazzetti 570+
The project addressed the need for increased capacity and efficiency in the airport’s central terminal (CTE) by designing two 10,000-lb capacity freight elevators. Positioned symmetrically on either side of the full-height curved curtain wall, these four-stop elevators provide direct access to the basement, ramp, ticketing, and mezzanine levels, enhancing capacity for concession tenants and supporting the future growth of the CTE’s food service operations.
OAC’s design team collaborated throughout the design phase to ensure compliance with elevator and building codes, investigating existing systems. During construction, OAC supported the Port of Seattle by attending weekly meetings, reviewing submittals and RFIs, conducting site visits, and addressing code-related deficiencies. OAC’s active involvement contributed to the project’s early completion.
Port of Seattle
2011–2017
SRG Partnership / Lerch Bates / Sparling / Sazan Group / Coughlin Porter Lundeen / Pease Construction
Operational upgrades at Alaska Air Group (AAG) drove the need for improved passenger mobility. To address this, transparent weather protective glass enclosures wrapping sloped walkways and elevators were added to the exterior of Concourse C. OAC managed the design team from early planning through design, providing design management, feasibility, scheduling, estimating, and complex phasing documents. Significant coordination was required with the Port of Seattle and AAG to allow for 24/7/365 operations to continue throughout construction. Fast-paced and highly collaborative, the work engaged an extensive group of Port and Airline stakeholders and required tight coordination with the Port Infrastructure and Operations group to sequence the work. OAC achieved the Port’s goal of preventing any flight delays due to construction.
Port of Seattle
2011-2017
SRG Partnership / Coughlin, Porter, Lundeen / Lerch Bates / Sazan Group / Terra Associates
With the advancements of today and the needs of tomorrow, we believe society can and should aim for more than the status quo. You should expect partners who know how to do just that, while understanding the ins and outs of your operations— architecture, engineering, design, and technology. They should work closely with you to share your vision and achieve better together.
You should expect your partners to think innovatively and put a focus on people and modern processes. Because when teams do that, the end result is inspired team members, the latest technology solutions, and most importantly, better and more predictable outcomes.
This is OAC. For more than 65 years, we’ve been partnering with clients and industry experts to provide better project experiences and end results—from construction performance management to building sciences, every step of the way, every mile of the project, from Seattle to San Diego.
Design & Construction Management
Program Management
• Project Management
• Owner Representation
• Construction Intelligence
• Alternative Project Delivery
Built Environment Intelligence
Advanced Project Controls
• Sustainability Management
•
Design-Forward Construction Management
• Data-Driven Approach
Our passion lies in working on projects that serve our community. From airports and hospitals to fire stations, courthouses, and mission-critical data centers, our goal is to partner with clients to deliver projects that not only meet immediate needs but are built to stand the test of time
Whether it’s a large-scale endeavor or a small update, every project has its complexities, constraints, and objectives. And for your project to be a success, you’ll need a team that employs the latest techniques, expertise with data, and modern technology such as offsite construction and 3D visualization.
From project management to construction intelligence, at OAC we put all our energy and knowledge into your projects to help you achieve better outcomes. This starts on day one and doesn’t end until we cut the ribbon. Every time.
Join us and let’s build better outcomes—together.
Building Sciences
Forensic Architecture & Engineering
• Structural Engineering
• Building Enclosure
• Resiliency
Design Forward Project Management (D4PM)
Aviation Tenant Improvements
• Elevator Modernization
• Tsunami Tower
• Resiliency Planning