Case Studies Institutional

Architecture is more than aesthetics. It’s a service-oriented and relationship-driven profession that the Boston firm of Miller Dyer Spears takes to heart as it tackles projects for some of New England’s most prominent institutions. MDS specializes in institutions that, among other purposes, serve educational and health care needs, and must constantly be served in kind […]

Building good relationships begins on the home front at Mackin & Little Mechanical Inc., a contractor in Spokane, Washington, that specializes in industrial piping, commercial plumbing and wet side heating. There’s no gap among the ranks, says Vice President and CEO George Renner, who, along with partner Mark Mackin, oversees a team of more than […]

What’s in a name? Plenty, if it’s Michael Graves Architecture & Design in New York City and Princeton, New Jersey. For seven principals today, it means living up to the legacy of the late, great and often-times eccentric architect whose name graces the firm’s letterhead. It’s a daily reminder of what’s at stake as its […]

When Mike McGrath is on a plane, he’ll flip through the inflight magazine. Inevitably, once or twice a year he spots a project MG McGrath Inc. has worked on. “Thankfully, a lot of the work we do ends up being iconic for various cities,” Mike says. It’s not uncommon for MG McGrath projects, like the […]

While pursuing industrial engineering at Rutgers University, William Amann worked for a mechanical contractor and couldn’t believe how little attention was paid to energy. In one instance, he found a huge two-inch gap between the walls and roof that went completely around a large commercial building. But it wasn’t until March 28, 1979, when the […]

In 2011, when Michael J. Parnell decided to start his general contracting company, MP Consulting Services LLC, he was all too aware of the challenges his industry was facing. After spending 10 years as a project engineer and senior project manager for Skanska and Hunter Roberts Construction Group, two of the largest general construction companies […]

Of all things, McCarthy Building Companies is stocking up on shipping containers. The reason why? Safety. By opening the front and back doors of enclosed, conex-type containers, the company can use them as tunnels at worksite entrances, protecting workers from falling debris. Robert Coibion, chief estimator for McCarthy, says the idea came from one of […]

The hiring process at Martin-Harris Construction sounds like something you’d find at the CIA. New employees—known as associates—take personality tests so executives can group them into highly efficient teams with complementary personalities and skillsets. Though it doesn’t handle espionage or national security, the Las Vegas-based general contractor is remarkable for its sophistication, both because its […]

Since 1987 Meyer Najem has been providing professional construction services to clients throughout the Midwest and across the country. Founded by Karl Meyer and Anthony Najem as a value-added construction company, Meyer Najem is defined by a unique commitment to teamwork and proactive project management. A full-service general contractor, Meyer Najem offers a range of […]

In Castle Rock, Colorado, MW GOLDEN CONSTRUCTORS is building on a prestigious reputation for award-winning general contracting, strong subcontractor relationships, deep-seated industry ties and family-owned business. Since 1984, MW GOLDEN CONSTRUCTORS has provided construction services throughout Colorado’s Front Range and mountain towns, building standout projects — schools, fire stations, libraries, parks, commercial and industrial buildings, […]