Contractors need to be nimble enough to position themselves for whatever the market yields. “We want to be a ‘must consider’ for every project, and to be that, we must constantly improve,” says Pat Di Filippo, Executive Vice President of Turner’s Northeast region.
For the past several years, design-build has accounted for 10–15% of Turner’s work. “If you’re going to do design-build, you have to be able to drive the design,” Di Filippo says. The company is also pursuing projects more aggressively via public-private partnerships.
Last year, the company launched Turner Engineering Group, which now has 16 experts. Di Filippo, who leads the group, says there is “a tremendous thirst” for TEG’s services throughout the company. Its services have been expanded to include design peer review.
One recent project where TEG is providing services is the $114 million Center for Cyber Security Studies at the U.S. Naval Academy, which the design-build team of Turner and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has been selected to deliver. The 206,400-sf facility will include a research and testing tank to support its engineering and weapons labs, an observatory, offices, and collaborative spaces for students and faculty.
Turner also has been cultivating its self-perform capabilities, such as concrete pouring. Last year, it hired nine regional Lean practice managers to streamline construction and reduce costs.
Making Turner a Lean practices company is a work in progress. “But the results are moving in the right direction,” Di Filippo says.
He is cautiously optimistic about business, especially in New York City, where several mega-projects are in the works. “We’re geared up for opportunities,” he says.
RETURN TO THE GIANTS 300 LANDING PAGE
Related Stories
Modular Building | Feb 16, 2020
On the West Coast, prefab gains ground for speedier construction
Gensler has been working with component supplier Clark Pacific on several projects.
AEC Tech | Feb 13, 2020
Exclusive research: Download the final report for BD+C's Giants 300 Technology and Innovation Study
This survey of 130 of the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms tracks the state of AEC technology adoption and innovation initiatives at the AEC Giants.
Office Buildings | Feb 11, 2020
Forget Class A: The opportunity is with Class B and C office properties
There’s money to be made in rehabbing Class B and Class C office buildings, according to a new ULI report.
Contractors | Feb 4, 2020
Suffolk diversifies, issues new brand identity
General contractor expands services beyond construction into vertical service lines.
Sponsored | HVAC | Feb 3, 2020
Reliable Building Systems Increase Net Operating Income by Retaining Tenants
Tenants increasingly expect a well-crafted property that feels unique, authentic, and comfortable—with technologically advanced systems and spaces that optimize performance and encourage collaboration and engagement. The following guidance will help owners and property managers keep tenants happy.
Libraries | Jan 23, 2020
Information or community center: The next generation of libraries must be both
Are libraries still relevant in a digital world?
Market Data | Jan 23, 2020
Construction contractor confidence surges into 2020, says ABC
Confidence among U.S. construction industry leaders increased in November 2019 with respect to sales, profit margins, and staffing, according to the Associated Builders and Contractors Construction Confidence Index.
Contractors | Jan 20, 2020
Wellness is for builders, not just for buildings
New research on wellness in the construction sector highlights interventions that could be effective in addressing dehydration, weight management, poor air quality, and stress.