On Thursday, October 5, TMK Construction hosted a panel discussion for Hispanic Heritage Month. Held virtually, our employees from the West to East Coast tuned in to the live event to learn more about Hispanic Heritage and to ask questions. Our panelists came from across the company and from a variety of roles, to discuss their varied backgrounds, the advice they would give to their younger selves and how our people can better support and celebrate Hispanic culture all year round.

Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968 under US President Lyndon B. Johnson as Hispanic Heritage Week. In 1988 it grew to a 30-day period from September 15 to October 15. This month not only celebrates the contributions of Hispanic individuals but also offers an opportunity to deepen our understanding of their history, traditions and their vital role in shaping the construction industry and our nation’s identity.

TMK Construction’ Hispanic Heritage Panelists Include:

• Michelle Keyser | Manager of Supplier Diversity, Southern California Region
• Luis Davalos | Area Superintendent, Northern California
• Jose Diaz Nunez | Project Manager, Southwest
• Denise Cortez | Area Superintendent, Pacific Northwest Region
• Fabian Martinez-Bonilla | Area Superintendent, Mid Atlantic Region
• Abel Bustamante Ochoa | Laborer General Foreman, Rocky Mountain Region

Moderated by Deana Lemos-Garcia, Corporate Human Resources Manager

With individuals stemming from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, TMK Construction values the diversity each person brings to our projects and teams. We recognize that collectively those differing opinions and perspectives enhance our efficiency and ability to deliver state-of-the-art projects to our clients nationwide.

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In the TMK Construction Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) department, AI is used in a few different ways to make their processes more efficient. The department specifically uses a program called Construct.N that allows for extensive surveying of the project site using AI technologies.

“We’re able to walk the site with a 360-degree camera and can track the progress of construction. As we’re walking the site, we’re able to record the current state of construction. With that, we can go ahead and automate the progress and tie that in with the schedule,” said Angelo Lago, Director of Virtual Design and Construction for TMK Construction.

Along with streamlining building information and scheduling, the program also conducts deviation detection, where the team can compare the model they created with what was installed. Based on the information gathered, teams can then report that information to the individuals actively working on the jobsite. The use of this program helps teams understand how things are going in the field and provides an efficient way to determine deviations from the original model.

In the future, AI might also have the capability to speed up the MEPF (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection) routing process. Currently, the VDC team brings trade partners together who have created their own 3D models and compares–or clashes–them with the architectural model. This process is called clash detection and can be very time-consuming. Lago sees a future where this process could be faster and more efficient.

“With AI, where I think it’s heading in the future is automating a lot of that routing. It’s going to find the best possible route so that we have the best possible design,” said Lago.

While AI can help with efficiency in the construction process, it can also be extremely beneficial for safety on the jobsite. TMK Construction Corporate Director of Safety Jerry Shupe is optimistic about AI’s capabilities to recognize unsafe circumstances on the jobsite while assisting project teams in preventing accidents and injuries.

“Right now, we’re seeing it on jobsites around the country where AI is being deployed to film jobsites and identify potential unsafe actions,” said Shupe. “It’s sending alerts to people out on the jobsite so we can actually see what’s going on in the project and take action to rectify the problems.”

AI also has the ability to process vast amounts of data about a jobsite regarding safety in a faster and more efficient way than humans can. While project teams are capable of recognizing potential hazards on their own, AI can assist in rapidly processing the information and providing effective solutions.

“If we receive indicators saying that conditions are right for an accident, we are able to be proactive and take additional steps on the jobsite to prevent those accidents.” said Shupe. “AI would allow us to get ahead of accidents by seeing things that a normal person wouldn’t be able to see just by looking at all that data.”

Although AI has immense capabilities that can benefit project teams, Shupe recognizes that the idea of AI surveilling a jobsite can be unsettling to some workers.

“I think it’s really important for us to keep in mind that we need to keep safety personal. We need to make sure we’re having conversations with people, so they understand that we really do care about them and we’re not just utilizing technology to keep our workplace safe.”

Lago has the same perspective in the VDC department and doesn’t want people to feel like they could be replaced by this technology.

“We need to focus on being builders first. A computer is not going to be more valuable than our people. Our people are our biggest asset, so it’s important for them to continue to feel valued,” said Lago.

Looking to the future, Thai Nguyen, TMK Construction Director of Innovation, is excited about AI’s capabilities but also stresses the importance of human involvement.

“AI will create a lot of efficiencies in what we do–things that are mundane, redundant–things that don’t provide a lot of value,” said Nguyen. “The reality is AI isn’t going to replace the human. You still need humans to make those decisions based on the best information they can get. That’s what AI is giving us today is those insights and giving us better information, allowing our people to make those decisions in the field faster and better.”

On the Innovation side, generative AI technologies are continuing to evolve and be implemented on jobsites. Nguyen sees a bright future involving AI in many aspects of construction but is particularly interested in how robotics can be paired with AI to create a more efficient and happier project team.

“At some point, you can have a robotic dog on a jobsite that can not only perform a task at night, giving humans a better quality of life, but then the AI and the machine are able to do things that are more predictive.” Said Nguyen. With generative AI, it is always learning and improving so as an AI-powered robot continues to learn, it can build upon its capabilities and predict what information project teams need to be successful.

The future of AI in the construction industry is promising, with significant development in the VDC, Safety and Innovation sectors. AI continues to advance the industry by providing efficient solutions and proactive information that contribute to a safe, successful jobsite.

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Passengers can now walk through TSA and enter the expansion that includes a marketplace boasting faux-realistic trees in a central gathering space, 15 new dining, retail and service concessions and expanded and high-end amenities such as inviting passenger hold room space, restrooms and a mother’s room. Six new flexible gates can handle domestic and international flights and accommodate multiple airlines.

The state-of-the-art customs and border protection (CBP) space is complete with booths, back-of-house operations and new baggage handling systems for international passengers. In usual fashion, the space highlights iconic art pieces. These include a three-piece mural in the CBP area showcasing Tennessee and artwork depicting musicians, actors, artists and the culture of Tennessee displayed along the tunnel that welcomes international passengers to the United States.

After working in close collaboration with the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority (MNAA) for the past five years, our teams are pleased to turn over such a high quality product. Additionally, TMK Construction would like to thank the progressive design-build team, especially Fentress Architects for their commitment to this project’s success.

Interested in Reading More?

Click the following links to learn more about TMK Construction’ work at the Nashville International Airport: BNA Concourse D and Terminal Wings | BNA Terminal Lobby Reveal | BNA Concourse D Extension

Click here to read more about the BNA Vision Program.

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At the core of the design and construction efforts was the desire to support, promote and advance the underserved and minority populations both on and off campus, advancing dreams that at many times feels unobtainable. The design-build team created a building that demystifies the requirements for medical school application, supports those matriculating through the program and acts as a resource for engagement with the local community to provide premiere healthcare options to Riverside County.

On September 26, 2023, TMK Construction + CO Architects, UC Riverside students, faculty, staff, alums and local and state officials celebrated the building’s ribbon cutting and grand opening–marking a pivotal moment in the school’s history as the School of Medicine celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

“The new building provides modern and thoughtfully designed learning and study spaces that will not only serve our students but the entire community. It provides room for future expansion, helping to fulfill our mission of training a diverse workforce of physicians to serve the healthcare needs of inland Southern California.”

_{Deborah Deas, MD, MPH, Vice Chancellor for Health Sciences, Mark and Pam Rubin Dean of the UC Riverside School of Medicine}

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Phase II of the rehabilitation includes the redesign of the lake and water resource management as part of the new site plan designed by PWP Landscape Architecture and Rogers Partners Architects + Urban Designers. The previously constructed design compromised the health and viability of the trees, plantings and manufactured lake. The non-eco-friendly design of the lake resulted in algal blooms, an unsustainable fish habitat, dying trees and costly, labor-intensive maintenance. Phase II also addresses the rehabilitation of Signers Island with improved pathways for visitors. The overall goal is for the underutilized space to become a vibrant urban park that will highlight environmental sustainability.

TMK Construction will reconstruct the lake to support a functioning ecology while reducing the impacts of storm water on the surrounding landscape and buildings. Additional scope includes upgrades to the surrounding landscape, soil remediation and planting new gardens with native species and flowering plant life. The 36-acre restoration includes upgraded amenities, a new lake ring that will allow visitors to walk farther out into the lake and a series of gathering spaces, which form an event plaza, that can be used to host events. In recognition of the historic significance of the site, the design also incorporates educational opportunities for visiting students and families.

The Trust for the National Mall is the leading nonprofit, nonpartisan philanthropic partner of the National Park Service. The nonprofit organization dedicates itself to restoring, enriching and preserving the National Mall through expertise, private funding and in-kind support for projects. In 2018, TMK Construction completed the $4.8 million Phase I of the rehabilitation of Constitution Gardens, which consisted of the relocation and restoration of the Lockkeeper’s House. Preconstruction for Phase II is underway, with construction anticipated to begin in late 2023.

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From excellence in safety to design partner of the year, trade partners were nominated by TMK Construction project teams to celebrate outstanding performers in a variety of categories. A regional selection committee then reviewed the nominations to determine the best of the best.

The trade partners recognized for the 2023 Trade Partner Appreciation Luncheon include:

Excellence in Procurement – Welch and Rushe

On the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) Building 245 project, TMK Construction had to look for alternative contractors to complete the mechanical and plumbing scope of work. With very limited time to receive a proposal from Welch and Rushe and to confirm they could have a crew on-site within two weeks, Welch and Rushe guaranteed that they could complete the project and mobilize in such a confined timeframe.

Excellence in Contract Administration – Helix Electric and Hercules Fence

All three National Institutes of Health (NIH) project teams nominated Helix Electric for their ability to navigate and excel in managing three unique projects with different contract types. Helix has assisted TMK Construction greatly in navigating the unique requirements of NIH and has been crucial in the contract procurement process for all NIH projects to meet their Small Business Enterprise (SBE) goals. They are a high-performing team and their ability to manage three very unique projects has been impressive.

The Hercules project management team was proactive and willing to join in on several coordination calls with the owner and design team to ensure that the design changes that came late in the Compass Data Center project would still maintain both the owner’s and the client’s security needs. Hercules went above and beyond to invite their manufacturers to these meetings for a clear line of communication so any changes could be addressed quickly.

Small Business of the Year – Mohawk Bridge and Iron

Nominated by the Bladensburg Bus Garage project, Mohawk Bridge and Iron set the pace with TMK Construction’ self-work crews, staying out in front of all foundations and slab-on-grade and installing rebar as fast as TMK Construction crews can install the formwork. Typically, complicated rebar in pile caps, grade beams and slabs can be a cumbersome and challenging scope of work. Working with Mohawk made for a straightforward and well executed scope thanks to the attention to detail and overall knowledge up front.

Best New Trade Partner – Glass Projects Resource and John H. Hampshire, Inc.

Glass Projects Resource (GPR) led by example as one of our top design-build trade partners on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Surgery, Radiology and Laboratory Medicine (SRLM) project by setting a precedent of detailed design standards and developing a high-trust owner relationship. They committed to the design-build approach by working in parallel with our architect of record to help steer the team towards highly coordinated design to ultimately avoid re-work during construction. GPR led the effort by being the first partner to have their drawing sets ready for others to emulate and forward everyone’s coordination efforts. Additionally, GPR built immediate trust with the owner and made recommendations towards alternate glass products to the owner that have better longevity and performance at no cost. GPR was also nominated by our estimating department for being proactive during the procurement phase in generating RFI’s to assist the owner in finalizing the design as well as actively participating and developing value engineering solutions. 

John H. Hampshire quickly adjusted to the TMK Construction way faster than any new contractor working at East Campus Building 3 (ECB3). Their quick response time from the office and field teams, their professionalism, safety record, proactive administration and manpower supplementation are reasons John H. Hampshire was nominated as a best new trade partner.

Design Partner of the Year – Gensler

TMK Construction has worked closely with Gensler on over 30 projects across the region, including a dozen design-build projects. Gensler has remained a trusted and steadfast partner on our design-build projects, including the ECB3 project at Ft. Meade, earning them the Design Partner of the Year award.

Innovation Award – Total Civil Construction

Total Civil has dealt with a challenging, small site on the NIH 40A project, surrounded by active main roads on two sides of the project, a loading dock that was required to be fully operational and an existing active research laboratory encompassing all four sides of the site. Total Civil successfully completed the site utilities and earthwork scopes while maintaining a functioning loading dock adjacent to the project and limited impacts to traffic. During their work, Total Civil maneuvered around unforeseen utilities while also dealing with ever changing civil and structural designs. Total Civil helped TMK Construction and the owner find solutions to move site utilities around existing active utilities, including proposing a new routing for the sanitary sewer line.

Excellence in Quality – Shickel and Rosendin Electric

On the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Virginia Headquarters project, Shickel consistently demonstrated their high expectations of their work during the installation of both the feature and digital Walls. Shickel noted minor issues in their own work on the feature wall during installation and took it upon themselves to take down the panels and add stiffeners to ensure a final product not due to specification requirements, but because that was their own internal target. Their own high standards allowed for a seamless punch process with the client.

Rosendin Electric’s base contract for the Compass Phase 1 project was to pull and terminate into OFCI power centers, generators, vertiv A/C units, and power distribution units. They were also responsible for setting up load banks and associated cabling to support Level 4 and Level 5 commissioning. As manufacturer issues were discovered and design changes arose during this testing, Rosendin led the effort to develop over 100 Methods of Procedure (MOP) to help correct the snags. Each MOP was carefully developed to isolate power, ensure the electricians had the proper access and tools to perform the work, and was coordinated with the facility operations group to limit impact to the facility.

Excellence in Safety – T&A Construction and ACM Services

T&A was nominated by the Yellow Lot 02 (YEL02) team due to their understanding, alignment and execution of owner safety standards. T&A has been on site to work on point up, punch list and drywall removal/replacement and has put in much effort to remain consistent with documentation on the project. They continue to achieve consistent success in working safely and with the utmost diligence.

Nominated by the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST) Building 245 project, ACM Services’ demolition scope of work was particularly challenging on Task Order 8 because of major descoping of work that occurred because of an owner change. ACM Services actively participated in pre-demo coordination walks, demolition permit walks and trade partner coordination meetings to work with all contractors that may be impacted by their work. ACM Services utilized different methods to minimize the impact of their work on other trades as well as the owner occupying the building at the time of demolition. When faced with a challenge of cutting existing bollards at the main entrance and point of access of the building, ACM worked to come up with a mobile containment tent that could keep the general public safe from the cutting operation, while allowing access/egress to the building.

Outstanding Performer, Contract less than $1M – David Allen Company

David Allen Company was a true partner on the INOVA Café and Servery project. Their original contract value was about $280,000, and with various changes to the terrazzo mixes and additional scope, they proceeded with work and supported the project schedule even when the changes were upwards of an additional $260,000. Their field crews also adapted to the various noise limitations and owner directed shut downs mid-operation without incurring cost back to the owner. The agreed estimated daily square-footage rate was 275 square-feet per day. David Allen was able to achieve 368 square-feet per day, despite many project challenges.

Outstanding Performer, Contract less than $10M – Berkel

Berkel joined the Compass Phase 2 project during the preconstruction phase to provide feedback to the A/E team to streamline design and reduce cost. As they were getting ready to begin the work, Berkel assigned Superintendent Gigi Marie to the project who brings a positive attitude, 30 years of experience and communication skills that set him apart from others. Gigi’s ability to plan and prepare for the project set Berkel up for success. From the regional experience and understanding of the project conditions, equipment needs were understood and communicated to the regional office. Berkel was able to pull from their resources across the country to get the correct drill rigs and casing material for a successful job.

Outstanding Performer, Contract less than $20M – Shapiro & Duncan

Shapiro and Duncan has been on the Bladensburg Bus Garage project since breaking ground. They have continued to meet or exceed schedule, coordinate well with other trades, provide valuable insight to challenges and be an overall team player. Shapiro & Duncan’s field staff goes the extra mile when it comes to safety and quality for not just their work but other trades as well. Shapiro & Duncan’s office staff is always on top of submittals, billing and MEP coordination efforts. They go above and beyond to make sure work is being coordinated with TMK Construction and other trades to ensure a smooth installation in the field.

Community Impact Award – Allstate Floors of DC

TMK Construction believes in supporting the communities in which we live, build and work and supports our trade partners who share these similar values. AllState Floors of DC is a prime example of putting people before profit and providing opportunities to communities and individuals that deserve a second chance and access to the economic prosperity. With this commitment, President and Founder Jose Ortiz Gaud established the workforce readiness program Run, Hope, Work in 2014 to provide a pathway out of financial poverty for high-risk youth population. The intervention was designed to holistically reduce the number of unemployed young adults in Washington, D.C. by providing employable skills training, certifications and most importantly, jobs.

2023 Trade Partner of the Year – Total Civil Construction

TMK Construction selected Total Civil as the 2023 Trade Partner of the Year for their ability to continue bringing innovative solutions to some of TMK Construction’ most challenging projects. They have been instrumental in helping our projects progress while mitigating project challenges, all while remaining a true partner to TMK Construction.

About Trade Partner Appreciation Week

In 2022, the Mid Atlantic Region Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community (DEIc) forum identified a need to better support, honor and celebrate our trade partner community. As a result, the region created Trade Partner Appreciation Week. Jobsites are encouraged to celebrate their project and small business successes, recognize project employees and host a BBQ to present jobsite awards. The week culminates in the annual Trade Partner Appreciation Awards luncheon.

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The milestone project marks the beginning of TMK Construction’ relationship with CRAA and Elford, as well as its presence in the Ohio market.

“Elford is thrilled to partner with TMK Construction, America’s #1 airport builder, to serve CRAA as the Construction Manager for our new airport terminal. We are honored to join a dynamic group of talented community leaders and a world-class design team to build a new hub that will serve as Central Ohio’s connection to the world for generations to come.”

_{Mike Fitzpatrick, President, Elford}

The project scope includes the replacement of an existing terminal, which opened more than six decades ago in 1958 and has served more than eight million passengers annually. Designed by Gensler in partnership with local architect Moody Nolan, the new 1,000,000 SF terminal will increase its capacity to service more than 13 million passengers annually. Following the completion of the new terminal project, the existing terminal will be demolished.

The new passenger terminal will be located on International Gateway across from the existing consolidated rental car facility (CONRAC). It will be comprised of five primary components which include a pedestrian bridge, an entry canopy and head house, a marketplace and east and west concourses. The pedestrian bridge will connect the terminal to the CONRAC and parking garage. The canopy will run along the north façade of the terminal and extend over four lanes of traffic. It will feature a 74-foot, cantilevered structure with an exposed back span extending into the headhouse. The marketplace will serve as a central gathering area and provide stunning views of the airfield to the south. It will house a dining area surrounded by concessions and freestanding retail pavilions. The east and west concourses will house secondary retail and concession spaces, and hold rooms in addition to boarding gates.

Planning is currently in the design development phase. Future phases of the project are under development. Construction is slated to begin in late 2024 with an anticipated opening date between the end of 2028 or the beginning of 2029.

 “We are truly honored to be selected as CRAA’s partner on a landmark project that will transform the future of aviation in Columbus. We found an ideal local partner in Elford. They bring values that align perfectly with ours and a 113-year history in the Columbus region. Together, we are committed to fulfilling CRAA’s vision for the New Terminal Project in a way that is collaborative, inclusive and maximizes benefits to local business and the Central Ohio community.”

_{Matt McCaulley, Director of Operations, TMK Construction}

KEY FEATURES 

• Levels: Two floor terminal for passengers, and a third floor for administration
• Program: Terminal, Concourse, Concessions, Ground Transportation Center, Public Safety Building, Concessions Warehouse, Landside Roadways, Airside Apron and Taxiway, Connecting Pedestrian Bridge
• Gates: 36, which will accommodate A320 and 737 aircraft. Includes two international arrivals gates and Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facilities.
• Checkpoints: One, consolidated to offer clarity and efficiency 
• Remain overnight (RON) aircraft parking positions: 18
• Maximum annual passengers (MAP): Capable of 13 million
• Sustainability: Aircraft hydrant fueling system, reclaimed water, LEED sustainable design profile

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Allie joined TMK Construction in 2011 as a field engineer on the $72.8 million Armed Forces Retirement Home New Commons and Healthcare Center in Washington, D.C. She continued to build her experience in the Mid Atlantic Region, working on a data center and research center/laboratory before transferring to the Pacific Region in 2016. She worked as a project engineer on the Building 40 renovation at Tripler Army Medical Center before being promoted to area superintendent on the Mauka Concourse Extension at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

At the age of 30, TMK Construction promoted Allie to project manager on the $157 Kailua Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Tunnel Influent Pump Station and Headworks Facility. It was the region’s first wastewater project and opened the doors to future work and training in the specialized sector.

“Allie immediately set the tone from my first day at Waianae WWTP,” said Project Engineer Maile Tufele. “I had no previous construction experience and she coached me every step of the way. She would come out into the field and review my layout and check my takeoffs before concrete placement. Even when I moved to another project, she always called to check in on me.”

Training the next generation of leaders is as important as the projects she manages. She is currently overseeing the $428 million Sand Island WWTP Secondary Treatment Phase 1 project. Despite having over 100 salaried and craft workers on staff, Allie takes the time to get to know everyone. When she sees someone struggling, she takes the time to get to the root of the problem and works with them to get past obstacles.

“When Allie became a project manager, she was my direct supervisor and made an instant impact,” said Area Superintendent Kenton Shoemaker. “Her enthusiasm and energy radiated to others on the team and her lead-by-example style set the tone for expectations of everyone. What sets her apart was her humility. She was not afraid to come to me with questions about a process or project issue outside her experience and ask questions, and this hands-on, open-minded approach were fantastic examples for me to follow in my own career.”

For Allie, commitment to others goes beyond her day-to-day duties. From 2022 to 2023, she served as president of the Rotary Club of Windward Oahu Sunrise. During her time as president, she spearheaded donation drives for Windward Oahu schools and other youth organizations, supported the organization’s scholarship program and assisted with Adventist Health Castle’s Christmas tree lighting event. Allie has also led several outreach and volunteer programs for TMK Construction, such as raising funds for Helping Hands Hawaii Adopt a Family Program and building showers and sinks facilities for the Girl Scouts of Hawaii’s Camp Paumalu on Oahu’s North Shore.

“Allie’s exceptional problem-solving abilities truly shine when working on large and complex projects. Her professionalism and unwavering confidence are contagious, inspiring her team to reach new heights. What sets Allie apart is her extraordinary talent for motivating others and her genuine passion for continuous self-improvement. She never fails to bring her team along on the journey of success. Allie’s remarkable achievements both in life and on various projects make her an outstanding exemplar of a young professional deserving of this prestigious award.”   

_{Thomas J. Diersbock, Regional Vice President, TMK Construction}

Allie joins the top 20 ENR California finalists in the 2024 February issue of ENR California & Northwest. All regional finalists will be entered into ENR’s National Top 20 Under 40 list and honorees will be announced this fall.

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In an effort to highlight these key players in the construction industry, we partnered with authors Jenny Kerr Schroen and Chris Eccleston of “Grit Leads to Greatness” to celebrate small business and trade partnerships. 

“Grit Leads to Greatness” is a children’s book that draws both children and adults into the world of construction by secret passageways, snowboarding, volcanoes, waterslides and rollercoasters. 

The author’s mission is to ignite a movement and change the way the world sees the construction trades by inspiring a new generation, uniting the industry and leaving a legacy.     

As part of our collaboration, our teams created a special edition comic featuring TMK Construction’ character Trailblazer the Truck. 

Join Trailblazer the Truck as he teams up with the characters from “Grit Leads to Greatness” in a specially crafted comic strip which highlights the power of collaboration and innovation as these characters work alongside small businesses.

❮ ❯

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University of California, Irvine Verano 8 Graduate Student Housing

The new UC Irvine Verano 8 Graduate Student Housing community adds 1,055 beds for graduate students across five seven-story buildings. Verano 8 also includes a 15,996 SF community building that serves residents and the broader community with diverse social, study and event spaces. The spaces include lounges, a game room, music practice rooms, study suites, a large multipurpose room for events and lectures and a wellness/yoga room. In addition, the project includes a 10,311 SF maintenance and operations facility and a 253,442 SF, 853-stall parking structure.

The five residential buildings at Verano 8 surround the community center. They include integrated lounge spaces and have studio, two- and- four-bedroom units. The community features carefully landscaped areas, including a communal plaza, large community lawns and intimately scaled outdoor rooms between buildings. Shade structures are installed along the community’s pathways to ensure comfort for pedestrians. Additional outdoor amenities include ample bike facilities, shared barbeque areas, native and drought-tolerant plants, robust stormwater infrastructure and a hammock garden.

The new Verano 8 community was designed to address critical priorities for UC Irvine’s graduate students–specifically affordability, community, inclusive design, sustainability and privacy. Durable, long-lasting materials and energy-efficient design measures reduce the university’s costs and translate into the ability to offer significantly lower rents for students than in the surrounding communities. In addition, social spaces such as decompression zones and communal lounges were constructed to aid students dealing with loneliness and anxiety.

The advanced facility was designed to optimize resident health and is LEED Platinum certified and Fitwel certified. Features that support student health and well-being include active stairs, biophilic design strategies and community gardens. Other sustainable practices incorporated into this project include the building organization and orientation to take advantage of environmental cooling and daylight harvesting, the use of a concrete structure that acts as a thermal mass and active solar photovoltaic generation.

Environmental Cooling

The organization of the site and buildings was optimized to capture prevailing winds to provide cooling without using energy. The residential units have purposefully designed larger operable windows to maximize ventilation.

Daylight Harvesting

The building and site orientation illuminate interior spaces with ambient outdoor light. Rooms were designed to provide balanced daylight access while minimizing heat gain and glare from low sun angles.

Thermal Mass with Concrete Structure

Using a durable concrete structure allows the building to act as a thermal mass that absorbs and releases energy due to its material and density. During certain times of the year, this can increase the thermal comfort of the residents and reduce energy use. With the large window openings, the building allows ample natural light inside. During the winter, this light will radiate into the building and warm up the concrete slab. When the sun sets and the outside temperature drops, the warmer concrete slab will radiate heat into the space, helping keep the students comfortable. During the nighttime summer months when the windows are open, the space temperature in the apartments will cool off. This cooler air will also cool the structure. As the sun rises and the temperature rises, the cooler slab temperature will continue to absorb heat from the solar radiation, providing a cooler space into the morning.

Active Solar Photovoltaic Generation

Photovoltaic (PV) panels are located on residential building roofs throughout the site to generate clean, renewable energy. PV panels are a highly visible symbol of sustainability and UC Irvine’s commitment to the stewardship of energy resources.

1021 O Street State Office Building

Situated in the heart of Sacramento’s historic government center, the new 1021 O Street State Office Building serves as the temporary home for California’s legislative and executive elected officials and staff for the duration of the Capitol Annex Project. Over the long term, it will provide additional state-owned facilities for joint occupancy by legislative and executive branch entities. The State of California, Department of General Services’ (DGS) led this 472,000 SF project, which rises 10 stories above downtown Sacramento and provides stunning views of the State Capitol Building.

Making the building open and inviting to the public and facilitating public involvement with the elected officials was a high priority. The pedestrian-scaled, transparent base of the building invites the community to engage in the democratic process and facilitates continued public access to legislative hearings and state representatives while the state’s Capitol Annex is rebuilt. Two levels of publicly oriented space allow constituents to participate in government through four public hearing rooms and a press room with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems to support broadcasts, overflow monitors with public seating in the lobby areas and facilities for teleconferencing with staff and constituents. The upper floors house legislative and executive offices, and collaboration spaces for more than 1,250 state employees.

The 1021 O Street State Office Building was designed and built to embody the State of California’s goals to achieve carbon neutrality and serve as a beacon of sustainability. It was constructed to stand the test of time, both in terms of its timeless aesthetic and high-quality materials. The project achieved the maximum number of LEED Innovation points for strategies including construction waste diversion, integrated pest management, green cleaning policies and low mercury lamps. An interactive dashboard in the building lobby shares live metering of climate, air quality and the building’s energy consumption and renewable energy generation. The project exceeded the State’s goals of LEED Gold and CalGreen compliance, and earned LEED Platinum and CalGreen Tier 2 certifications, all of which helped DGS achieve its carbon neutrality and infrastructure resiliency goals. The 1021 O Street State Office Building serves as a benchmark for future DGS buildings, setting a new standard for sustainability and flexibility for the State.

Design for Energy

As one of California’s first all-electric state office buildings, the design implements a rigorous approach to energy conservation. The façade plays an integral role in this approach. Conceived as a layered shell, the outer façade overlays a pre-cast/pre-glazed glass fiber reinforced concrete enclosure resulting in enhanced building insulation and improved thermal performance. The optimized façade also responds to differing environmental conditions on each face, balancing solar gain, daylight and views. Vertical fins serve as a functional framework for the entire building, creating visual continuity while providing necessary shading in Sacramento’s Mediterranean climate. As a result, almost no direct solar load reaches the glazing, resulting in greater clarity of views and deeper daylight penetration. This in turn supports a more pleasant and healthy workplace environment.

A centralized Building Management System enables real-time analysis of building performance and fine-tuning of mechanical systems including a low friction air delivery system and water to water heat pump. The building features 100% LED lighting and individual task lights, and EV-charging stations. The building is powered by 100% renewable energy through community solar agreements resulting in 103% energy savings from baseline.

Design for Water

The team took an aggressive approach to water reuse and conservation. The building’s water use was reduced by 40.65% from the baseline, resulting in 957,116.25 gallons/year savings from the baseline through low-flow fixtures, dual plumbing to accommodate future reclaimed water connection to supply toilets and urinals, and efficient treatment and reuse of cooling tower make-up. Outdoor water use was also reduced by 71% from the baseline through drought-tolerant landscaping strategies and low-flow irrigation.

Design for Wellbeing

The design enhances occupant health and wellbeing throughout the building. The high-performance façade and efficient mechanical systems maximize occupant comfort, indoor air quality, access to daylight and sweeping views. Irresistible stairs at the center of building encourage physical activity. The third-floor café serves local and healthy foods. Biophilic design elements such as lush outdoor terraces, natural materials, and a landscaped streetscape provide occupants with a direct connection to nature and the outdoors. The team selected healthy materials, including more than 50 products with Healthy Product Declarations, 150 with Environmental Product Declarations, more than 75 products with material ingredient reporting and additional low-emitting certified products.

Design for Resources

The design implemented a strategic approach to material selection, going beyond LEED v4 requirements while balancing sustainability and ecological goals with economical innovation. Conceived as a layered shell, the building façade is composed of prefabricated modular kit-of-parts and 100% FSC certified wood was used throughout the interior. Combined with cement replacement, the post-tensioned concrete slabs reduced the building’s overall embodied carbon by 9.16% from the baseline resulting in a global warming potential of 438.7 kgCo2e/m2.

Design for Ecosystems

The design amplifies biophilic benefits for occupants and the community, celebrating Sacramento’s treed urban landscape. Lush outdoor terraces interspersed on different levels of the building’s “Heart” provide occupants with spaces for respite and a direct connection with nature. Seventeen native valley oaks line the building from east to west, creating a vibrant streetscape that brings nature indoors through the transparent façade. The planting palette features 20 native, drought-tolerant species of trees, ferns and succulents that increase floral biodiversity and pollinator habitat. Overall, the design preserves 66% of the site as open space and integrates 9,839 SF of vegetation.

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