Category: Project/Program Management

Choosing the Right Program Manager for Your Aviation Project

Posted on April 14, 2021

The right program manager offers many benefits to aerospace companies and projects, including clear timelines, streamlined communication, and, perhaps best of all, peace of mind. With the right program manager in place, you can focus on and achieve overall project success and maintain a strategic approach for your investment without having to dig into the details.

But how do you choose the right program manager for your project? To help you navigate through the noise, here are the top six questions to ask when hiring a firm so you can find that right fit.

Do you understand U.S. and local building codes and regulations for permitting?
Why it’s important: National and local codes and regulations are complex. While they are designed to specify minimum requirements related to health, safety, and the welfare of building occupants, they can be challenging to comprehend fully. An experienced program manager will help you navigate these requirements through careful planning, ultimately allowing you to avoid common pitfalls.

Do you have a thorough understanding of the factors that will drive the budget, such as labor and materials?

Why it’s important: U.S. labor forces remain stretched, forcing the cost of labor to increase. The same is true with materials pricing, as across the board we are seeing a rise in the cost of materials (e.g., steel). An established program manager should know the market trends and local workforce, thereby helping you mitigate the impacts to your budget and realize success.

Do you keep up with U.S. construction industry trends and understand innovations and newly available solutions?

Why it’s important: As we see material and labor costs rising, innovative solutions like AI/machine learning or virtual reality/augmentation can offset the strain on workforce and budget. The best program managers will know that keeping up with emerging trends and tools is important to maximizing your ROI.

Do you have an advocate that can be your boots-on-the-ground resource?

Why it’s important: There is great value in engaging an experienced partner with trained eyes and ears who understands the local design and construction community as well as the aerospace industry. A program manager who already has established relationships can more easily act as a facilitator throughout the project, providing you with the confidence you need to ensure you are safeguarding your investment. By hiring the right program manager, you can maximize your attention to other endeavors and responsibilities and remove any barriers that may come between you and success.

Do you understand the various delivery models?

Why it’s important: An effective program manager will help you consider your options (CM-at-Risk, Design-Build, Integrated Project Delivery, etc.). Choosing the option that is best suited for how you do business is paramount to managing risk and creating a cohesive team approach. Plus, understanding the terms and conditions of your contracts helps ensure the project is delivered without an interruption in expectations.

Do you have the capacity for this project?

Why it’s important: You need to know if the PM team has time to take on a capital project and manage the day-to-day details. This direct question gives firms an opportunity to recognize their potential distractions and request help in adopting a speed-to-market mentality. Through clear communication from the beginning, you can find a program manager who will study the way you work, help you manage decision-making through the chain of command, and put pressure at given points so you can meet your goals and mitigate your risk in the process.

HPM is a nationally ranked program management firm with a track record of success providing value to giants in the aviation industry. Over and over again, we help our clients complete their projects faster and for a lower price.

Learn More About HPM’s Aviation Projects

Working Together to Get the Job Done

Posted on April 8, 2021

As program managers, we serve as the eyes and ears of the owner, ensuring that their best interests are at the heart of every decision. We manage all resources as if they were our own – which includes holding designers, suppliers, contractors, decision makers and ourselves accountable to the commitments made. Sometimes, other project partners involved come from previous experiences where working with a program management firm felt more like an additional layer of red tape.

This was the case for Carmon Construction Inc. (CCI), a construction company based in Albertville, Alabama, which had previously worked with firms that either forbid them from corresponding with the owner or architect or added a fee for doing so. When we partnered with CCI on the City of Albertville’s Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater, they found HPM to be quite different.

“To begin, HPM stayed on top of every problem or change requested by the owner, analyzed how it would affect the schedule and produced an independent cost breakdown with written analysis to the architect and owner,” said Carmon Smith, founder of CCI. “This proved to be very helpful. With this being a large project, site-wise, and with the owner choosing to contract with 10 or more separate contractors, orderly coordination of these was almost impossible. HPM did everything they possibly could to coordinate and get each contractor to do their part at the time it was needed.”

The Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater is a big deal in every sense of the word. The park includes five softball fields with one championship field, four baseball fields with one championship field and five multi-purpose fields, each with all-weather turf. It includes a 100,000 plus square foot recreation center with an indoor eight-lane competition pool, multiple basketball courts and an outdoor water park with a lazy river feature.

The park also features four miles of hiking trails, open grass areas, an RV Park and a 7,000+ seating capacity amphitheater equipped to host national touring acts and regional or community events. The 135-acre sports, leisure, wellness and entertainment venue is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs while generating an economic impact of $120 million annually.

No matter the size or scope of any project, clear communication among the various teams involved is a requisite of success. HPM furnished a complete table of contents for close out of the project in the first third of the project and CCI came to consider us as a partner in building the recreation center and amphitheater. The complex program schedule featured numerous logistical challenges ranging from complications due to the pandemic to one of the rainiest winters in North Alabama history, but our teams worked together to ensure that the program was a success.

“Carmon Construction was driving their work from day one,” said Caleb Camp, HPM project manager. “They had strong field leadership, obviously developed over a long career in the construction industry. Carmon Smith held his company to high standards and represented Albertville with class. The City of Albertville has a reputation and history of providing excellence to its citizens, and Carmon Construction delivered the facilities to continue this tradition.”

We strive to be the perfect partner, helping every group on every project achieve its goals. Together with CCI, we put the owner first and got the job done, delivering a remarkable recreation destination to a region that will enjoy its benefits for many years to come.

HPM to Serve as Official Program Management Partner of the World Games 2022

Posted on March 16, 2021

When Birmingham, Alabama, hosts The World Games in July 2022, the world will be watching. An anticipated 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries will participate in more than 30 different sports at unique venues across the Magic City, uniting global fans with the Birmingham community. With less than 500 days to go before competition officially begins, HPM is proud to announce that we will serve as the Official Program Management Partner of The Games.

HPM has developed into a nationally recognized leader in program management, representing owners in managing more than a billion dollars in construction volume a year. HPM’s portfolio spans the country, including work on Protective Stadium and Legacy Arena in Birmingham, throughout the University of Alabama campus including the latest renovations to Bryant-Denny Stadium, within Major League Baseball for the spring training homes of the Atlanta Braves, the Washington Nationals, the Houston Astros and the New York Mets, for sports facilities at Texas Christian University, and many high-profile projects for global clients throughout the U.S. such as Airbus and FedEx. In partnership with The World Games 2022, HPM will provide construction management services, with a focus on temporary fields of play for The Games such as beach handball courts, canopy piloting field of play, and boules courts. 

“This is an incredibly exciting opportunity for me personally and for our company as a whole,” said Ryan Austin, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at HPM. “We’re thrilled to have the chance to contribute to a once-in-a-lifetime event for the Birmingham community, one that so many have already worked hard to make happen. We’re eager to get started and be part of the process.”

In addition to the firm’s partnership, The World Games Committee announced today that Austin will serve on the board of directors, joining Brian Barr of Brasfield & Gorrie. The Birmingham-based construction firm has been named the Official Construction Partner of The Games.

Originally from Oxford, Alabama,  Austin holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from Auburn University and is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Construction Auditor. He also serves on the boards for the Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama, Cornerstone School, and Ingram State. 

“Brasfield & Gorrie and HPM are world-class construction and program management firms, and their partnership with World Games 2022 is so valuable,” said The World Games 2022 CEO Nick Sellers. “But even more valuable is the addition of Brian Barr and Ryan Austin to our board of directors. These two gentlemen are leaders in our community and state. Brian will serve as the Chair of our Construction Committee and Ryan serve as Vice Chair.”

ABOUT THE WORLD GAMES 2022

The World Games 2022 Birmingham will be an extraordinary Olympic-style sports experience where elite athletes from all over the world compete for gold in 34 unique, multi-disciplinary sports. Featuring 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries, the international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 25+ unique venues around the greater metropolitan area. The World Games 2022 Birmingham, which marks the 40th anniversary of the event, will take place from July 7-17, 2022 and will generate an estimated $256 million in economic impact. The World Games was established by the International World Games Association, an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee. For more information visit on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Celebrating International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week

Posted on March 8, 2021

Today is International Women’s Day, a day of advocacy for women’s rights and equality around the world. Incredible strides have been made in the last year towards creating a more inclusive society for all. Countries with women leaders received praise for their effectiveness in facing the COVID-19 pandemic and Kamala Harris became the first female Vice President of the United States, but there is still much to be done.

This week is also Women in Construction Week, celebrating the contributions of those who make up just 10% of the industry. On Thursday, March 11, HPM will host HPM Talks: Women in Construction, a webinar that brings together a panel of HPM women leaders to discuss why they pursued careers in the industry, and the successes and challenges they have experienced along the way. The panel will explore the power of mentorships, managing work/life balance, and why having a seat at the table as a woman matters now more than ever. It is important to challenge career stereotypes and encourage women to seek career opportunities in construction. One way we can do this is by highlighting the incredible women who work at HPM and inviting them to share advice for other women in the industry.

What is the best advice a female mentor or colleague has given you and how has it motivated you in your career?

“As women, we are often juggling a lot of different things at one time – work, career, laundry, kids, making sure everyone is fed, volunteering, mentoring, wedding planning, party planning, gift shopping, card writing, phone calls, etc. Sometimes it can be overwhelming, and you are left thinking – how in the world can I get everything done? Should I just stop doing all these things? A wise woman once told me, “I’ve learned that I often have a lot of balls that I have to keep rolling and they may not all be rolling at the max speed needed, but as long as I can keep the balls rolling, I can make it.” This has really stuck with me and encouraged me to keep going when it’s hard to keep track of everything that needs to be done! You can do it!”
Medora Gaddes, HPM Project Manager

“A friend once said, “Don’t compare yourself to others and don’t undermine or apologize for any success that you worked hard to achieve.” 
Heather Lochridge, HPM Project Manager

What is one piece of advice you would share with a young woman who is starting her career?

“My piece of advice that I would share to young women starting their career is to raise your hand.

Raise your hand to offer your opinions. You have a viewpoint that no one else in the room has. Make a point to contribute if you have a contrary opinion or value to add to the conversation. This also includes standing up for what you think is right. Use your voice.

Raise your hand to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerabilities by revealing what you don’t know. You will have to learn the skills to fake it till you make it, but equally important is the amount of knowledge that you take away from a job. Learn everything you can from your coworkers, your boss, and your clients. It will make the difference later.

Raise your hand to volunteer. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given. It may be scary and out of your comfort zone. There will certainly be opportunities that challenge you, but those are going to prepare you for the future by broadening your knowledge, strengthening your relationships, and shaping you as a leader.”
Sydney Unruh, HPM Marketing Coordinator

“I would encourage that person to start their 401K retirement and start putting in money and increase their contribution percentage every year they will be very happy they did when they hit their 40’s & 50’s.”
Judy Adkins, HPM Senior Administrative Assistant

“You make choices – and then your choices make you. You will become like the people you spend the most time with. Look for friends and mentors that talk about ideas – not people. These are the men and women that will encourage you to reach your goals and help you grow.”
Heather Lochridge, HPM Project Manager

HPM Talks Webinar: Women in Construction

Posted on March 4, 2021

To coincide with Women in Construction Week, HPM Talks brings together a panel of HPM women leaders to discuss why they pursued careers in the industry, and the successes and challenges they have experienced along the way. The panel will explore the power of mentorships, managing work/life balance, and why having a seat at the table as a woman matters now more than ever.

View the Recording

Panelists:

Questions & Answers from the Webinar

Hi! I am extremely interested in breaking into the construction field as an APM (to grow into a PM role). My skill set is not quite what a construction company would be looking for. Do you have any suggestions to help grow the correct skill set?

– Medora Gaddes, HPM Project Manager and Talent Development Coordinator: Experience! You likely have the foundational skill set to work in the construction industry so don’t sell yourself short. Qualities like drive, ability to learn and take initiative, communication skills, time management, and attention to detail are the skills the construction industry is looking for. You likely simply need to gain the construction knowledge, and that is something you can gain with experience. All you need is to find that first opportunity and build from there – like a lot of us who are in the field now have done! I would be happy to have a follow-up call to discuss and answer any questions you might have. Send me an email to connect at mgaddes@hpmleadership.com.
– Mary Kathryn Holt, HPM Project Manager: Without knowing your skill set or background, I’m not convinced that you do not already have some qualities that would make you a successful candidate for an APM position. Nevertheless, I would suggest investing your resources, whether that be time or money, into growing some marketable skills that would qualify you for an entry level position. Find a job description for an entry level position and use it almost as a checklist. If there are technical skills required (i.e. BIM or scheduling software) take a class to begin learning. Also, join a professional organization and attend meetings to get exposed to the industry and other professionals. All of this can be done with a minimal financial investment. Lastly, apply for some jobs. Interviewing is a great way to learn more about your strengths and weakness as they relate to the job you want.

HPM Serving as Owner’s Representative for Massive BJCC Expansion and Renovation Project

Posted on February 17, 2021

HPM is serving as the Owner’s Representative for the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority’s transformative sports and entertainment projects that are expected to play a leading role in the future of downtown Birmingham.

Totaling $330 million, our firm is providing guidance and oversight for a building program that includes both the construction of a brand new 45,000-seat football stadium that will serve as the future home of the University of Alabama-Birmingham (UAB) Blazers, as well as the comprehensive renovation and expansion of the 44-year-old Legacy Arena. Work is now underway on both projects, which are slated to deliver in Q4 2021. The project will position Birmingham as a top regional and national destination for meetings and conventions while also generating new opportunities to host a variety of top-tier sports and entertainment events.

HPM was initially chosen as program manager to oversee the pre-construction phase of the Legacy Arena renovation before our overall scope of work was expanded. We are working with construction teams and project managers to serve as the eyes and ears for ownership on both initiatives, continuing our distinguished track record on high-profile capital projects across Alabama. HPM partnered with Steel City Services, a Birmingham firm specializing in project management services, to deliver the scope of services required for the projects. In addition to our assignment at BJCC, HPM is also overseeing ongoing renovations for Bryant-Denny Stadium at the University of Alabama, and previously managed construction efforts for Regions Field in Birmingham.

“We are pleased to expand our relationship with the BJCC Authority, which has been a trusted partner of ours for many years now,” said Mike Lanier, HPM president. “That history provides HPM with an integral understanding of the BJCC’s processes and overall vision for this campaign and allowed us to hit the ground running by developing a strategic plan that sets clear goals and benchmarks for all project partners. Our background in sports and public sector projects across Alabama made this assignment a natural fit, and we look forward to helping the BJCC and downtown Birmingham open a new chapter full of promise and possibility.”

“The new stadium and modernized arena will be assets to the city of Birmingham for many years to come and we’re proud to work with a Birmingham-based company to see them through,” said Tad Snider, BJCC executive director and CEO since 2010. “These projects mean more opportunities for entertainment, sports, family entertainment, conventions and meetings, and the associated economic impact generated from these events that benefits the Magic City.”

Originally opened in 1976, Legacy Arena is on track for a modernization initiative to ensure the facility will continue to serve the greater Birmingham area for the next generation. Renovations kicked off in the spring of 2020, with planned improvements including a new suite level, a new upper level club area, a variety of enhanced food and beverage options, new seating, a 360 degree ribbon board in the seating bowl and refurbished lobbies with state-of-the-art escalator and elevator systems. A modernized glass-and-steel façade will enhance the arena’s exterior appearance. The impact of the project was recently recognized with the NCAA awarding Birmingham and Legacy Arena the Men’s Basketball Division One first and second round dates for 2023 and the Division One Women’s Southern Regionals in 2025.

Progress is also being made on Protective Stadium, a $174 million next-generation complex jointly funded by the BJCC Authority, City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, UAB and the Birmingham corporate community. Site work began in fall 2019, with construction work commencing in January. Its impressive main entrance will open onto a large open event plaza leading to a variety of retail and restaurant offerings that serve as an extension of the Uptown entertainment district. In addition to hosting Blazers home games, the stadium will also serve as a home for the AHSAA high school football state championship games on a rotating basis, the Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl, concerts and more.

While construction for both Legacy Arena and Protective Stadium are on aggressive schedules, our team will work with all parties to ensure target deadlines and milestones stay on schedule. We are proud to be part of this project, which marks the first ground-up football stadium that HPM has worked on and our largest arena renovation contract to date.

A Legacy Lives On: Giving a Storied Residence Hall a New Place to Call Home

Posted on February 8, 2021

Not only do residence halls house college students, they also house fond memories and mark the beginning of lifelong friendships and connections. Some historic residence halls have even housed generations over the years, making living in them a family tradition. When alumni visit these halls, they are reminded of so many memories from their college years and feel emotionally connected to their former homes which will always hold a special place in their hearts.

Tutwiler–one of these historic residence halls is located on the campus of the University of Alabama and is being rebuilt to house even more students and memories.

According to HPM President Mike Lanier, “To my memory, this is the single largest publicly bid project HPM has ever managed in our 22+ year history.”

The HPM preconstruction team and the University’s project teams have collaborated on this project over the last three years.

“The teams started working together on the project from its conception and are dedicated to ensuring the project is on schedule for completion and move-in ready for University students for the fall of 2022,” said Trent Hall, Senior Project Manager.

The five-story replacement to the historic residence hall includes a project budget of more than $140 million. It will exceed 300,000 square-feet and house 1,200+ freshman female students.

“The University and our team worked tirelessly cultivating the market for general contractors and subcontractors to bid the project in this overheated market we are all in, canvassing regionally trying to get qualified firms to pursue the project,” Lanier said. “Through it all they stuck to who we are and what we do at HPM day in and day out: evaluate, analyze, strategize, advise, listen, and counsel, but mostly lead.”

The Tutwiler residence hall will include double-occupancy units and community-style living spaces, and a feature of the residence hall will include keyless entry to the building. Additionally, the residence hall will include a food service venue, a storm shelter, and satellite Housing and Residential Community offices. Furthermore, furnishings are included in the project to fully equip all residence rooms, common areas, peripherals, and offices. Construction of the new residence hall began this fall and is scheduled to be completed in time for the 2022 fall semester.

Construction of Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater Complete

Posted on February 2, 2021

The City of Albertville, Alabama, announced in January the completion of its new Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater (SMPA), a transformative project that will spur a new wave of economic development and entertainment opportunities in the region. The 135-acre sports, leisure, wellness and entertainment venue is expected to create more than 1,200 jobs while generating an annual economic impact of $120 million.

HPM served as the owner’s representative for the City and played a key role in bridging the gap between multiple contractors during the various phases of construction. We were tasked with coordinating a complex program schedule that featured numerous logistical challenges ranging from the complications due to the pandemic to one of the rainiest winters in North Alabama history. Our team successfully navigated those hurdles while saving the City over $2 million in total project costs—A testament to HPM’s ability to weather any storm and deliver a successful project that exceeds expectations for our client, no matter the circumstances.

“Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater will be an economic driving force that will turn Albertville into a family destination for the entire region,” said HPM Project Manager Caleb Camp. “Whether it was finding new avenues for optimizing performance of the park’s sprawling utility network, or collaborating with the owner and contractors on change orders that would increase overall efficiency and keep things moving, the project partners rose to every challenge. We’re pleased to help the City of Albertville turn its game-changing vision into reality.”

The development will become the area’s premier destination for concerts, conferences, sporting events, private parties and recreational activities, featuring:

– 7,500-Capacity Amphitheater
– Two-Story Recreation Center
– RV Park
– 16 Tennis Courts
– 14 Playing Fields
– 4 Miles of Walking Trails
– 2 Dog Parks

The inside of the 103,000-square-foot recreation center features state-of-the-art basketball and volleyball facilities, racquetball courts, an 8-lane indoor competition pool, fitness center, elevated walking track, and meeting and party rooms. Outside, the complex boasts multiple playgrounds and an outdoor competition pool, as well as a recreational pool and water park featuring a lazy river, wave pool, splash pad and slides. The building’s interior includes tongue and groove decking that spans the entire roof, enabling the facility to properly transfer loads to the structure while insulating and eliminating the need for traditionally low ceilings.

“Early on in this process, it became evident that the massive scope of the Sand Mountain Park project, with its vast multitude of partners—from a largescale design and development team, to two general contractors and a host of sub-contractors, a number of consultants, and so on, required us bringing in a firm that had profound experience in management and oversight at this level,” said Albertville Mayor Tracy Honea. “The city landing on HPM to fill this role didn’t come without much deliberation and due diligence, and I can say that we are very pleased with the professionalism and perseverance they have displayed throughout the project’s entirety. From our great relationship with ‘boots on the ground’ Project Manager, Caleb Camp, to our frequent and available access to HPM executive leadership in Birmingham whenever necessary or requested, we have enjoyed a very impactful partnership with HPM that has proven to be integral in bringing our world-class park to a successful completion.”

HPM Selected as Program Manager for Buffalo Rock Distribution Hub Expansion

Posted on January 7, 2021

HPM will serve as the program manager for Buffalo Rock’s 1 million-square-foot expansion in Birmingham, Alabama. It is the soft drink distributor’s largest infrastructure investment to date. This includes the renovation of an 895,000-square-foot warehouse and an approximately 120,000-square-foot office building, which will serve as the central distribution hub for the premier provider of food and beverage products. HPM’s Senior Program Development Manager Bruce Quisno and Project Manager Jeremiah Owen will oversee the project.

Buffalo Rock acquired the properties located at 400 Industrial Drive and 800 Lakeshore Drive earlier this year and recently announced plans for the massive expansion, which includes a $75 million investment in new technologies, infrastructure improvements and property renovations, leading to the creation of up to 50 new jobs in the initial phase of the project. As part of a strategic growth initiative to expand over the next decade, these state-of-the-art upgrades will double Buffalo Rock’s output, provide 90 loading docks, reduce the number of touches and improve efficiencies.

This office acquisition will significantly improve employee experience, increase productivity and allow for future growth. The renovated facilities are expected to be operational by the fall of 2021. Hoar Construction and GMC have partnered to be the lead Design-Build team for the project.

“Our team selected HPM for many reasons, but most notably because they demonstrated the ability to offer a full suite of planning solutions that carried us from acquisition to operation, and we couldn’t be happier with their performance at this stage of the journey,” said Matthew Dent, Buffalo Rock President and Chief Operating Officer. “We are not only moving with speed, but we are considering all options and addressing budget questions in real time as we bring this campus restoration to life. I am confident our employee-partners will love the experience this investment creates, and I am certain our customers will see the benefits this investment brings them in terms of service and quality.”

Buffalo Rock first tapped HPM to oversee programming and planning for the initial stages of the project. HPM led site analysis efforts, including a site assessment involving environmental studies and the hiring of consultants to perform upfront due diligence, which ultimately enabled Buffalo Rock to purchase the property. By performing a cost analysis and identifying which areas of the project to prioritize, HPM helped Buffalo Rock and its partners identify and control costs in planning, condensing the overall project timeline.

“I’m pleased with the strategic planning services we were able to provide Buffalo Rock as the company scouted various sites for its expansion, which led them to finding the ideal location off of Lakeshore Drive in Birmingham,” said HPM’s Quisno. “HPM’s expertise in preconstruction planning and site analysis positioned us as the perfect partner to ensure that every detail of the new site was carefully scrutinized and accounted for before any decisions were made, and now we’re ready to oversee the execution of Buffalo Rock’s expansion plans. I know our team is excited to see Buffalo Rock’s growth goals realized, and we’re honored to serve as a strategic partner for a company that continues to invest in Birmingham by expanding its operations here, creating jobs and partnering with the City to develop our community’s workforce.”

This assignment adds to our growing portfolio of clients and projects within the food and beverage industry, including the recent expansion and improvement of Royal Cup Coffee’s manufacturing facilities in Birmingham. The project received a Manufacturing Innovation Award from ProFood World in 2019.

At Home in a New Classroom

Posted on November 30, 2020

When Homewood High School teacher Melissa Dameron-Vines heard the news that she would be moving into a brand-new classroom, she wasn’t sure how she felt about it. A classroom becomes a sort of home away from home for a teacher, and Dameron-Vines had been in hers for 10 years. Plus, packing up a classroom while planning for the year ahead is a lot of work, and she wondered how different this new space could be. That all changed when she saw her classroom for the first time.

“I actually walked in and just starting crying,” Dameron-Vines said. “It’s beautiful. The clean walls, the beautiful windows. I have not pulled my blinds down one time because it’s so pretty.”

Built in 1972, Homewood High School was expected to reach its full capacity of 1,200 soon, and news of a bond issue, a hastily assembled land use study and the hopes and dreams of many community members spun into grand plans for a new building. However, using a demographic study and a facilities assessment of each school, HPM determined that construction of a new facility exceeded the system’s needs and far outstripped its budget. Instead, we were able to draw up a plan for renovations, expansions and updates to all five schools in the district to anticipate population growth, provide newer and more functional facilities and address the top priorities laid out in community meetings and surveys—while staying within the available budget.

The high school received more than a dozen new classrooms, updated athletics and performing arts wings and interior renovations to modernize the overall facility. Improvements to building automation and access control will save the district maintenance time and money.

For Dameron-Vines, a new classroom means updated technology, more storage along the walls and higher ceilings that make the room feel bigger. She said her favorite feature of the room, the large windows along one wall, seem to keep students engaged rather than distract them from their work, and everyone appreciates the natural light that pours in.

“The room has a good feel and it has truly been a joy to be in here since school started,” Dameron-Vines said. “Especially when things are so strange, it takes a little bit of that away and makes me feel really comfortable and happy.”

Category: Project/Program Management

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Questions & Answers from the Webinar

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