Category: Project/Program Management

CMAA SAC Names HPM 2024 Project Achievement Award Winner

Posted on July 9, 2024

CMAA’s South Atlantic Chapter (CMAA SAC) recently released its 2024 awards, recognizing HPM as a Project Achievement Award Winner for The University of Alabama’s Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center.

Construction Management Association of America

CMAA offers Project Achievement Awards annually to recognize projects that stand out as examples in the construction industry, demonstrating excellence and innovation. These awards are reserved for facilities that push the industry forward and motivate its leaders to push past perceived limitations and pursue what others have deemed impossible. Representatives from HPM attended the annual Awards Gala in Atlanta, GA, where guests were inspired by the projects of fellow award winners, having managed cutting-edge projects in various categories.

Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center

The 15,000-square-foot Randall Welcome Center comprises the first level of the historic Peter Bryce Main facility and serves as the “front door to campus” for all who visit. Inside the facility are numerous interactive elements designed to provide prospective students with a glimpse into campus life. From academics to athletics, guests are guaranteed to enjoy an immersive display of the UA culture. The welcome center is aptly named in honor of Dr. Catherine J. Randall and her late husband, Pettus Randall. The Randall family is beloved among the University of Alabama community, known for their commitment to generous hospitality.

One particularly unique space within the facility is the Roll Tide Room. This room features a custom interactive AV element comprised of (54) individual LED screens that are webbed together to create a single image. The wall is constructed to mimic a rolling tidal wave, creating an interactive immersion experience.

HPM & The University of Alabama

HPM collaborated with UA to achieve their vision of a strategic restructuring of the historic facility, originally constructed in 1861. Seeking to preserve the defining characteristics of the original architecture, HPM managed every detail with care. The project team provided comprehensive services ranging from preconstruction to field coordination to move management, all with students in mind.

HPM’s relationship with the University of Alabama began two decades ago in 2004. For 20 years, HPM has worked with the university on construction and renovations across campus. From residence halls to athletic complexes to academic facilities, HPM has an established history of managing capital projects on the Capstone’s behalf.

ENR Ranks HPM #25 on Top 50 Program Management Firms List

Posted on July 2, 2024

Each year, the Engineering News-Record (ENR) gathers data from firms nationwide to determine their Top 50 Program Management Firms list. HPM has been included in the list every year since 2014.

About ENR

ENR generates annual rankings in an effort to create structure in a large and, at times, overwhelming industry. Their surveys procure relevant information from key segments within the industry, including general contracting, engineering, architecture, and more specialized services, such as program management. Rankings are determined based on revenue generated both within the U.S. and abroad. ENR’s news, analysis, and commentary are published to empower construction industry professionals to do their jobs with greater knowledge and efficiency.

HPM’s Ongoing Growth

HPM has experienced exponential growth in the niche service offerings of construction audit and planning, along with more hallmark services like preconstruction, project management and owner’s representation. The company continues to spearhead projects on behalf of leading corporations in aviation and aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and technology while managing construction for cutting-edge sports and entertainment venues, higher education facilities and best-in-class K-12 schools.

Recent years have brought a surge in higher education projects for the company, opening doors to partner with numerous institutions for the first time in firm history. Current higher education projects include Mississippi State University’s Azalea Hall, the University of Mississippi’s Jim and Thomas Duff Center for Science and Technology Innovation, the University of Alabama in Huntsville’s College of Engineering, and the University of North Alabama’s Bank Independent Stadium.

In addition to embarking on first-time programs with new partners, HPM maintains decades-long working relationships and ongoing projects with numerous esteemed clients. In 2023, HPM celebrated 20 years of work with Regions Bank, and celebrated 20 years of work on campus The University of Alabama in April this year. The company has managed projects on behalf of FedEx for eight years.

To support the company’s external growth initiatives, HPM has made strategic growth strides internally. In 2023, the firm hired 49 new employees and promoted 18. As a result of HPM’s ongoing development, employees have been provided with new opportunities for scalability and career advancement.

HPM Hosts 6th Annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar

Posted on June 26, 2024

On June 12-14, HPM hosted the 6th Annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar. The program equips rising talent with the necessary skills and resources to create long-lasting, successful careers.

Interns and co-ops from across the footprint traveled to the company’s headquarters in Birmingham, AL, to participate in the three-day event. The Emerging Leaders program provides a unique fusion of networking and educational opportunities. Among the most valuable components of the event is the setting it offers participants to connect with like-minded peers pursuing similar career paths. This year’s Emerging Leaders class includes Robert Beason, Mary Claire Besh, Marin Carter, James Chalmers, Griffin Cordova, Tate Duncan, Elli Garcia, Rijker Hutson, Emma Roach, Cheyenne Scarborough, and Steven Schultz. Together, the group represents six universities and a variety of majors, including Industrial and Systems Engineering, Building Science, Civil Engineering, and more.

This year’s curriculum included topics such as setting goals, presentations and public speaking, and building relationships. During breaks from teaching sessions, attendees participated in team-building activities designed to foster collaboration and communication. The company’s leading executives and project managers attended the seminar, many of whom were presenters. Each presentation was given in a conversational format, allowing participants the opportunity to ask questions and grasp HPM’s culture.

“Attending Emerging Leaders and meeting everyone has made me fall in love with HPM’s company culture,” said a participant. “I genuinely believe this company cares about me and my well-being.”

A unique aspect of the Emerging Leaders program is the opportunity to witness many of former co-op students and interns transition into full-time HPM employees building careers in preconstruction, project management, field coordination, planning and beyond.

“As Senior Recruiter, I meet students at universities nationwide throughout the year. When I talk with prospective interns and co-ops, I look for individuals with an appetite to learn and develop as leaders,” said Anna Dolen. “I could not be prouder of this year’s Emerging Leaders class in particular. Each of them is characterized by integrity and intelligence that is sure to be the foundation of impactful careers. It is rewarding to see the recruiting process come full circle at the Emerging Leaders Seminar each summer.”

HPM and UNA Break Ground on Bank Independent Stadium

Posted on June 18, 2024

HPM has announced the groundbreaking for Bank Independent Stadium at the University of North Alabama, marking Florence, Alabama’s first dedicated stadium. A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday, June 14th, and construction is expected to begin immediately with a goal of project completion in Fall 2026.

The event came just a few hours after members of the Board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing and supporting Bank Independent Stadium design and overall budgetary approach, which paved the way for moving the project into its third and final phase. The launch of the historic Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign to raise $100 million for UNA has helped propel this project forward.

“The fundraising success we have experienced this far – and less than a full year into the Shine On, Gold comprehensive campaign – indicates that we have tremendous support and momentum for Bank Independent Stadium as well as for the other priorities that are part of the campaign,” said UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts. “It is gratifying to witness the great excitement for this project and to note how it complements the growth and academic success of the institution as we approach our third century of offering educational excellence.”

The Bank Independent Stadium has a base cost of approximately $65 million. To date, total fundraising for the stadium has soared to $25 million, and officials expect to add significantly to that figure once work on the project begins. The UNA Board has authorized the institution to borrow up to $35 million toward the cost of construction. Additionally, the UNA Department of Athletics reserved funds for this project during the planning process and will make those available for construction.

HPM is working closely with UNA to provide specialized services throughout the entirety of the project. Starting with preconstruction, HPM is overseeing budgeting, scheduling, design management, risk assessment and contract negotiation. The program management firm, which has worked on over two million square feet of athletic facility projects, uses its more than 25 years of experience and industry connections in the Southeast to effectively understand the university’s needs and serve as the official owner’s representative until the project’s completion.

“The start of construction of Bank Independent Stadium signifies a new chapter for UNA’s athletic program and the City of Florence, and HPM is ecstatic to be part of this dynamic project,” said Ben Henson, Vice President of Program Development at HPM. “Bank Independent Stadium will be a transformative addition to the University, ushering in a new era of growth for the school and bringing best-in-class recreational and entertainment offerings to the community.”

The design was approved by the Board and includes capacity for more than 10,000 Lions fans as well as other amenities, including the ability for future expansion, a 360-degree fan concourse, a premium tower featuring a new weight room, 13 spacious suites, a multipurpose stadium club, outdoor gathering areas, and multiple seating options with new fan amenities.

Concurrent with construction on Bank Independent Stadium, work will also be taking place at the baseball field adjacent to the stadium and at the UNA Spring Sports Complex at Cox Creek. The location will include a multipurpose turf field and track that will be available for academic, athletic, intramural, and community use. UNA’s football and soccer teams will use the multipurpose field during construction. As Bank Independent Stadium prepares to open, the Marching Pride will become the primary tenant of the Sports Complex at Cox Creek.

UNA Baseball will enjoy a reimagined space for the 2025 season that will include a new state of-the-art playing surface, an all-chairback seating concourse, a video board, and a unique outfield wall that resembles Fenway Park’s historic “Green Monster.” HPM will also be providing program management services for the Sports Complex at Cox Creek and baseball field.

HPM’s Bootcamp Program Raises the Bar for Professional Development

Posted on June 3, 2024

On May 24-25, HPM conducted Project Management Boot Camp, an internal professional development program that has become a core pillar of the company culture. Since the first boot camp in 2023, HPM has set a goal of holding 8 of the events per year. Half of the yearly boot camps are dedicated to professional development for field coordinators, while the other half are customized for project managers. Employees outside of the project management and field coordination departments are also invited to attend. Each event is curated to foster communication, teamwork, and critical thinking while educating attendees on the latest industry trends and internal best practices. The program is designed to provide a combination of opportunities for learning and socialization.

Last week’s boot camp event was held at HPM’s Mobile office. Day 1 topics included cost management, budget management, and risk management. The budget management course provided extensive training around building and managing internal and external budgets using the #1 construction management platform, Procore. After completing the first day’s curriculum, attendees enjoyed a dinner social as a group.

Day 2 of the boot camp began with a dynamic team-building exercise designed to foster communication and collaboration within the group. Following the activity, additional training sessions were conducted, focusing primarily on relationship building and schedule management. Senior Schedule Manager Matt Jackson gave a presentation on building detailed program schedules, providing best practices for tracking progress and eliminating threats to progress. To conclude the event, the operations team conducted a Q&A session to ensure attendees were well-versed in all company policies, benefits, and resources.

“HPM’s boot camp programs provide a unique space for employees to sharpen their technical skills while building relationships with their colleagues,” said Caleb Camp, Operations Manager. “Investing in the professional development of our employees is a core tenant of the company’s values, and we are pleased to continually improve processes that equip project teams with the resources they need to thrive in their roles.”

7 Crucial Conversations for Airports Hiring a Program Manager

Posted on May 30, 2024

How do airports benefit from hiring an owner’s representative? Site selection, project team procurement, construction auditing – your needs during a capital expenditure program can be as varied as the projects are complex. When you have major investments, a need for speed-to-market, and a reputation at stake, minimizing risk and maximizing return are table stakes. That’s where an owner’s representative or a program manager thrives. A program manager offers many benefits to airports, 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 owner’s rep/program manager for your project? To help you navigate through the noise, we’ve compiled our list of the top seven questions to ask when hiring a firm to represent you during the planning, design, and construction process in the U.S. so you can find that right fit.

1. 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.

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

Why it’s important: As the market booms, 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 on your budget and realize success.

3. 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 are being used to offset the strain on the workforce and budget. The best program managers will know that keeping up with emerging trends and tools is important to maximizing your ROI.

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

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 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.

5. Do you understand the various delivery models?

Why it’s important: An effective program manager will help you consider your options (Progressive Design-Build, 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. In particular, the Progressive Design-Build delivery model has become increasingly attractive to airports as it allows the owner to have more input into the overall design of the facility, manage costs in a proactive manner, and achieve substantial schedule benefits. An airport can significantly benefit by hiring a program manager that has experience not only in managing a Progressive Design-Build project but managing the construction of airport terminals utilizing the Progressive Design-Build delivery model.

6. 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.

7. Do you understand what construction activities are eligible for your funding/grants, and do you know when you will need to have the funding available/on hand?

Why it’s important: To ensure that your project is maximizing the funding opportunities available, it is imperative to know what types of activities are eligible for specific funding sources/grants in order to prevent ineligible expenditures from being paid directly from the airport funds. Further, it is critical to understand the anticipated cash flow for the project in order to proactively ensure that money is on hand as invoices are received.

As a leading program management firm with a history stretching back to the 1940s, we know how to act as true advocates for our clients, helping airport owners complete their projects faster and for a better price. From coast to coast, HPM has managed more than $12 billion and audited over $30 billion in construction value during our 25-year history of program management work.

Interested in learning more? Contact Us today!

The Huntsville Times Highlights Drake State Renovation

Posted on May 21, 2024

The article below was written by Scott Turner and published by The Huntsville Times.

A Health Sciences facelift, and 4 more things about Drake State’s $15 million renovation

A $15 million renovation project has recently been completed on the Drake State Community and Technical College campus on Meridian Street in north Huntsville. The project included the renovation of the Health Sciences building and the library and administration building that is the face of the Historic Black Community College campus.

Here are five things to know about the renovation:

1. It was funded by the CARES Act.

In an earlier interview with the Huntsville Times, Drake State President Patricia Sims said the college had been historically underfunded. The renovation of the library and the Health Sciences expansion are being done with federal COVID-19 recovery money from the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Securities) Act.

2. Health Sciences building gets a ‘facelift’.

HPM Project Manager Sarah Logan said the 12,800-square foot Health Sciences building was completely gutted and renovated on the inside. The general contractor built a new facade. The front face of the building is new.

“They kind of gave it a facelift, if you will,” Logan said.

There is a new reception area. There are offices for the Health Sciences staff. There is a new conference room and breakroom area. The labs start in the last half of the building. There are simulation labs with an observation area. Students go into simulation labs and instructors view them and grade their clinicals. Further in the building are larger labs where students learn and practice skills in groups before they get tested on them.

“There are four skills labs each with a mixture of new and old equipment,” Logan said.

3. Health Sciences building expanded for growth.

Drake State spokesperson Daniel Owen said the expanded Health Sciences building will allow registered and practical nursing students to gain valuable “hands on experience.”

“With the four skills labs they have areas for growth,” Owen said. “It’s more opportunities for students to practice. That was what was really important about upgrading this building.”

Students from the medical assisting program at the school will also use the building. There are currently 190 health sciences students.

“The nursing program needed room to grow in order to meet the demands of health care employers in the area,” Drake State Health Sciences Department Division Chair Alice Raymond said. “The new space allows for expanded programs and better clinical experiences due to the multiple large skills labs. Students now have a safe, low-stress environment to practice their skills and gain hands-on experience. It also gives us an opportunity to start a new dual enrollment practical nursing program. This will allow students to begin their health sciences career pathway in high school and begin earning certifications.”

4. Library becomes a “one-stop shop”.

The first two floors of the 39,000 square-foot library got full-interior renovations, Logan said.

“The third floor, where the administration staff is, received finishes,” Logan said. “It got new carpet, new paint, ceiling tiles, just touch ups like that.”

Owen said the library became a “one-stop shop” with the renovations.

“The renovation undertaken by Drake State has transformed the student services division into a comprehensive hub, streamlining access to a myriad of services, including our wraparound support offerings,” added Drake State Dean of Students Nicole Bell. “This demonstrates Drake State’s deliberate efforts to ensure that students feel cared for by providing services tailored to their needs. By becoming a one-stop destination, we embody our commitment to being a caring campus, emphasizing our dedication to prioritizing students above all else.”

The advising and financial aid office now in the library was previously housed in the Health Sciences building.

“When the library’s size was consolidated on the second floor of this building, we were able to build out these spaces,” Logan said.

In addition to advising and financial aid, there is a bookstore in the library. All of student services and testing are in the building. The dean of instruction office and dean of students are also in the facility, along with the office of the president and the development office.

“There is a large classroom, a lecture hall. There is a really large conference room on the second floor,” Owen said. “They’ve had some classes in there as well.”

The library also houses the Veterans Resource Center. The renovation of the library and Health Sciences building took 14 months. The project included an upgrade to the mechanical yard attached to the library.

5. Construction is not complete on campus.

Not included in the renovation project is the construction on the $18 million advance manufacturing center adjacent to the Health Sciences building. That 50,000-square foot facility is being built with funds allocated by the Alabama Legislature for the Alabama Community College System between 2017-19, Sims said. Fite Construction of Decatur is the builder.

Levi Mayer, assistant dean of instruction, told the Times the center will house five programs: mechatronics (industrial maintenance), electrical technology, engineering design, welding and machine tool technology. Mayer said there were 173 students involved in the programs out of a student body of more than 900. The school is seeing growth through its Connecting Students to Industry program, where manufacturers such as Mazda Toyota, Toyota Motor Manufacturing and Polaris are involved with the training.

It is the first new building on the 61-year-old campus since the library opened in 2005.

Oak Mountain State Park Completes Campground Renovation

Posted on May 20, 2024

Oak Mountain State Park held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 18, 2024, commemorating the completion of the newly renovated campground. The facilities will officially open to the public beginning Memorial Day Weekend. After closing for construction in August 2023, the re-opening is a highly anticipated kick-off to the summer season at one of Alabama’s most popular state parks.

Camping Reimagined at Oak Mountain State Park

The $13 million project includes a brand-new camp store, dog park, and Alabama State Park’s first National Demonstration Site (NDS) playground. Expanded, ADA-compliant tent and RV sites are also part of the renovation, broadening accessibility for all guests. Visitors will now have access to widened, modernized camping pads, high-speed Wi-Fi, and fully accessible family unit bathhouses, including laundry facilities with heating and air conditioning. All RV sites come with a grill, fire pit, lantern hook, and picnic table, making for a luxurious “glamping” experience. For the naturalists, tent sites have been equipped with new amenities as well.

“We truly believe the new campground will revolutionize the experience campers enjoy at Oak Mountain State Park”, said Chris Blankenship, Commissioner of Conservation for the State of Alabama. “Everything is bigger and better than it was before, and we can’t wait for our loyal customers to get here and enjoy everything the park has to offer.”

Ensuring Excellence

HPM managed the Oak Mountain State Park renovation providing logistical support from preconstruction through closeout. A crucial component to achieving success was remaining on track with the project’s master schedule. An extensive list of materials with long lead-times required thorough planning and proactivity to circumvent supply chain issues. Proper procurement methods and meticulous schedule tracking allowed the team to complete construction on time. Each measure of diligence taken by the project team paved the way for the campground’s official opening date to be upheld.

Prior to undergoing renovations at Oak Mountain State Park, the Alabama Dept of Conservation & Natural Resources (ADCNR) called upon HPM to serve as program manager for a series of renovation projects at parks throughout the state. The three-year capital improvement program will benefit 14 state parks. HPM partnered with ADCNR to determine how to best schedule the projects and allocate resources to all corners of the state, and will continue to see the projects through to completion.

Round Rock ISD Breaks Ground on Early College High School

Posted on May 16, 2024

Round Rock ISD, HPM, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors, O’Connell Robertson have announced the groundbreaking of a $31 million facility for Early College High School (ECHS), an existing high school with more than 500 students in Round Rock, Texas. HPM will serve as program manager for the project.

ECHS provides an advanced curriculum at both the high school and college levels, allowing students the unique opportunity to prepare for careers directly out of high school or advancing them in their college credits. Currently, ECHS operates out of 10 portable buildings on Austin Community College’s Round Rock campus. This project will consolidate the students, staff and faculty into one 46,500-square-foot facility.

The new building will include classrooms and science labs, student breakout spaces, a cafeteria and central common area to accommodate 150 students, a fitness center, an administration suite, outdoor dining facilities, and study spaces. The site will also be located on Austin Community College’s Round Rock Campus on College Park Drive, allowing students easy access to both campus facilities.

“We are pleased to continue our legacy of providing premier program management services on K-12 initiatives with this meaningful, game-changing project for Round Rock ISD,” said HPM President, Ryan Austin. “Soon, ECHS students and faculty will have a state-of-the-art facility to call home that provides the nurturing, modernized learning environment needed to continue achieving the level of education they deserve. We are excited to work alongside Round Rock ISD and additional partners and look forward to announcing future milestones as progress advances.”

HPM will offer project management, quality control and preconstruction services for the project, ensuring budget and compliance is adhered to throughout construction. Bartlett Cocke General Contractors serves as the Construction Manager at-Risk collaborating with O’Connell Robertson as the architect of record for the school facility.

HPM Completes Renovation at Drake State Community and Technical College

Posted on May 13, 2024

HPM has announced the completion of renovations at Drake State Community and Technical College on the library building and Building 700, which will now house the school’s growing nursing program. HPM served as the construction manager and advisor for the $15 million project, which began in June 2022. The firm provided preconstruction services, including estimating and drawing reviews, project management, field coordination and closeout services.

“The new library and nursing school facilities at Drake State Community and Technical College will greatly enhance student life and overall campus involvement, said HPM President Ryan Austin. “While we have had a long-standing relationship with the Alabama Community College System, this is our first project with Drake State. We look forward to growing this partnership on numerous projects to come.”

The three-story library, which is the only multistory building on the campus, received major renovations to the lower two floors. The first and second floors now include the library; financial aid, admissions and advising offices; a testing center; campus bookstore; game room and lounge areas for students. The third floor houses the campus administration offices, which were previously located in Building 700, and received new paint and ceiling upgrades.

After the school’s nursing program outgrew its former location in Building 100, the decision was made to move it to the larger Building 700 to meet enrollment needs. After the renovation, Building 700 now includes four large-skills labs; two simulation labs, where professors can observe students practicing; and conference rooms and offices for the faculty and staff. With HPM’s guidance on budget allotment, the nursing school was able to purchase $400,000 worth of new equipment with savings, including additional beds, training mannequins and medical carts.

In addition to the renovation of the library and Building 700, HPM oversaw the complete overhaul of the mechanical yard attached to Building 700 in a separate project package. The renovation of the mechanical yard included the installation of two chillers and new electrical equipment, doubling its size. The upgraded mechanical yard allows for future growth on campus, as new buildings will now be able to hook up to the equipment due to its larger size and capacity. HPM also coordinated with the contractor and the campus during the installation of new utility lines to ensure that pathways and building entrances remained open safe for use during the school sessions.

“The completion of these renovations marks a pivotal moment in Drake State’s commitment to academic excellence,” said Drake State President Dr. Patricia Sims. “Our updated library and the transformation of Building 700 to accommodate our expanding nursing programs will enhance student experiences and cultivate a dynamic learning environment. We extend our appreciation to HPM for their expertise and dedication throughout this project, which will impact our students for years to come.”