Tag: Program Management

HPM Project, The Laurel Hotel and Spa Earns AAA Ultimate Luxury Five Diamond Recognition

Posted on November 14, 2023

AAA recently awarded The Laurel Hotel And Spa, located in the The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center on campus at Auburn University with a five-diamond rating, indicating ultimate luxury. The Laurel is the first hotel in the state of Alabama to be given this recognition, and one of only 89 total recognized hotels in the United States. AAA deems five diamond hotels their “crown jewel”, reserving this indicator for only the most extravagant accommodations. In total, 119 hotels worldwide are given this distinction.

The Laurel occupies the fifth and sixth floors of the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a facility for which HPM provided the full spectrum of program management services throughout construction, including quality assurance, procurement and preconstruction, schedule and budget controls and safety compliance. HPM oversaw logistics for aspects of the project being managed by numerous vendors, ensuring that cohesion and strategy were cornerstones throughout the entire process.

The Laurel is a key component of one of the Southeast’s most innovative facilities, seeking to blend academia, hospitality, culinary excellence and retail spaces into a marquee location on the Auburn University campus. The hotel provides advanced education and training for students seeking success in hospitality, culinary arts, event management and beverage appreciation.

Housed in the facility is the exclusive 1856, the country’s first tasting-menu-only teaching restaurant- a unique and elevated experience where education meets exceptional dining. The hotel’s rooftop features a beautiful infinity pool, bar and lounge area for guests to enjoy as they enjoy an unmatched view of Auburn’s campus.

Learn more about HPM’s work on the facility here!

Celebrating 20 Years of Partnership with Regions Bank

Posted on October 31, 2023

HPM recently celebrated 20 years of supporting Regions Bank in capital improvement projects of all shapes and sizes as they have experienced exponential growth. Our relationship began in August 2003 and has experienced consistent growth as Regions and its affiliates have expanded from a footprint of nine Southeastern states to a nationwide entity occupying 22 states spanning from California, Utah, Colorado, New York, Illinois and Virginia. Over the course of the last two decades, years, HPM has managed more than $800 million in project volume, 3,000 projects and 10,000 associate moves.

Both headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., HPM’s relationship with the Fortune 500 company (ranked #25 among banks in the United States) made sense from the start. In the earlier years, the firm’s efforts were focused primarily on project and program management, overseeing the many details that encompass the ground-up construction of a new facility. As the client’s needs have fluctuated, HPM has managed processes as large as multi-million-dollar operations centers and as small as installing or replacing cubicle signage.

Regions has relied upon HPM to handle the move management portion of numerous projects. HPM’s multi-disciplined Move Management team provides a variety of services to fit each project’s specific needs such as furniture and equipment inventories, space planning, furniture and equipment planning and procurement, furniture specifying, mover selection and coordination, move scheduling and logistics management including receiving, tagging and installing furniture and equipment and decommissioning of a space. These services have allowed Regions to realize seamless transitions of people, furniture and equipment from existing facilities into new facilities.

Throughout HPM’s tenure, Regions has demonstrated a spirit of innovation, consistently seeking to set new standards for employee spaces. In realizing their goals, we have assisted them in creating collaborative workspaces that foster teamwork and productivity. Always prioritizing the health and safety of employees, HPM has completed various projects on behalf of Regions to maximize security and prevent ramifications of natural disasters such as hurricanes, fires, floods and tornados. HPM project teams have procured and installed progressive audio visual and technological equipment while incorporating interior design elements such as fixtures, signage and furniture to modernize office and branch environments.

“HPM has a special relationship with Region’s Bank,” said Brooks Ballentine, Vice President, Eastern Region, HPM. “We are thankful for their continued partnership and are proud to be a part of bringing their vision to life.”

Mentorship Monday: Jake Chapman and Ben Smith

Posted on September 30, 2023

At HPM, we speak frequently about the ways in which we prioritize mentorship, as well as our reasons for doing so. Mentorship is an integral part of our DNA and culture, and it is rewarding to watch as mentor/mentee relationships produce positive results throughout the company. Today, we would like to introduce you to Jake Chapman, Preconstruction Manager and Ben Smith, Project Engineer, as they discuss the value of effective mentoring.

Why is professional mentorship valuable?

Jake (Mentor): Professional mentorship provides a great opportunity for experience and knowledge to be shared as well as best practices and lessons learned. I have learned a lot from my mentors along the way and they helped shape who I am as a professional in this industry. Having someone you feel comfortable around also makes it easier to ask questions about anything you may not understand or want to learn more about. Knowledge is meant to be shared and mentorship is a great avenue for that. Apart from that, mentorship has helped me grow as a person and a manager and I’m thankful to have a great relationship with my mentee, Ben.

Ben (Mentee): Mentorship is valuable because whether you’re a new employee, new to the workforce in general, or in any other phase of your career it is nice to have someone you can come to with questions or to seek advice. Whether it pertains more directly to personal development or professional development, it is important to have someone you can come to for guidance on situations or decisions that you might feel uncomfortable going to your boss about. Mentors can leverage lessons from their past to equip you to navigate your present and your future with wisdom.

What does mentorship look like within HPM?

Jake (Mentor): In my experience at HPM, mentorship has created healthy, productive and inspiring relationships among co-workers. Often working together, we experience the same highs and lows throughout a project and ultimately learn and grow through the process alongside one another. We share advice and guidance that we have learned along the way and I consider my mentors and mentees good friends.

Ben (Mentee): HPM’s culture of mentorship creates an environment of openness and honesty. It is great to have a professional in my corner that I get to work alongside daily.

What are the hallmark qualities of a great mentor?

Jake (Mentor): A great mentor should know how to set their mentees up for success. They should be able to teach foundations and best practices or provide direction on helpful resources and training classes. Feedback is also a great way to help them improve on what they are working on, as it is important for mentees to understand what they have done correctly and what they can improve on/how to improve on it. Great mentors welcome questions and concerns and help guide mentees as they navigate the professional world and their industry.

Ben (Mentee): My experience has shown me that great mentors are patient and tolerant, embracing opportunities to provide teaching and guidance. Mentors should be transparent, offering honest feedback about growth opportunities and the strengths and weaknesses they see in their mentee(s). The best mentors are those that see mentorship not as a burden, but as a chance to strengthen their industry, their company and their profession.

What have the two of you learned from one another in your mentor/mentee relationship?

Jake (Mentor): Being a mentor has taught me many things! I’ve learned how to better communicate and collaborate in a professional environment as well as provide effective feedback. I’ve learned how to become a better manager and leader. Spending time helping Ben learn anything preconstruction related has also helped me better understand everything that we are a part of. Having a healthy working relationship helps us both continue growing and learning along the way.

Ben (Mentee): I have learned that as your personal relationship grows, your work relationship will grow at the same time. Jake is a trustworthy mentor because he cares about my development both personally and professionally. He has shown me what mentorship looks like, and I hope to pass that on and serve as a mentor myself as I continue developing as a professional.

Built to Lead: Iriana Molusky

Posted on September 7, 2023

Meet Iriana Molusky, Assistant Project Manager!

A strategic piece of our growth strategy as a company is our robust Project Management track. Beginning with Project Engineers and scaling all the way up to Program Executives, our PM growth track was crafted to inspire motivation, work ethic and dedication to the process.

Assistant Project Manager, Iriana Molusky has enthusiastically committed to this growth track early on in her career. Iriana is based out of Jupiter, Florida and is currently providing support to a client in the aviation industry. We appreciate Iriana’s drive to develop and take on new challenges. Her leadership skills are strong, and we look forward to watching as she continues to grow and evolve. Continue reading to hear from Iriana as she shares more about her evolving career journey!

 

HPM: What does a typical day at HPM look like for you?

Similar to most of my colleagues on the Project Management track, there is really no such thing as a “typical day” for me. Each day comes with unique opportunities and challenges. On my most recent project, I was able to participate in many different aspects of project management, including change order reviews, creating and managing the master budget, GMP negotiations and pay applications. I find excitement in the constant change that comes with project management!

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is the multitude of opportunities it affords me to build relationships. Thus far in my career, I have been able to work with an array of Architects and General Contractors, all while forming meaningful friendships within the company.

 

HPM: What is your most memorable HPM project so far?

My most memorable project so far has been Hewson Hall at the University of Alabama. I had the opportunity to see this job through from beginning to end as a co-op, enabling me to appreciate every milestone as the facility progressed. Hewson Hall was my first project to work on with HPM, and I learned so much about project management from the Senior Project Manager on the job, Joshua Bollinger, who served as a great mentor.

HPM: What are the characteristics of a great leader?

A great leader possesses a combination of qualities and skills, such as effective communication, empathy, adaptability, integrity and the ability to inspire and motivate others. They are forward-thinking, open to feedback and capable of making tough decisions while considering the well-being of their team. A great leader leads by example, fosters collaboration and empowers their team members to reach their full potential.

HPM Hosts 5th Annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar

Posted on September 5, 2023

HPM Prioritizes Opportunities to Empower and Equip Rising Talent

On July 26-27, 2023, HPM hosted our 5th annual Emerging Leaders Summer Seminar, equipping current college students pursuing careers in construction with the necessary tools to succeed. The program focuses on attracting promising students from groups historically underrepresented in the construction industry. 

Interns and co-ops from across the company’s footprint gathered in Birmingham for this annual event, giving them a chance to build strong connections with peers pursuing similar professional opportunities. Members of this year’s Emerging Leaders class included Mary Claire Besh, Clay Carroll, Casim Ellis, Elli Garcia, Bella Perry, Josh Peters and Braxton Trest. These seven individuals representing five universities were selected for inclusion in the program due to their exemplary educational performance and commitment to demonstrating strong character. Attendees are pursuing an array of majors for their bachelor’s degrees including Building Construction, Civil Engineering, Construction Science Maintenance and Finance.

 

Leadership is an integral part of our DNA at HPM. We continually seek new opportunities to invest in individuals of all ages and backgrounds, providing tools to propel both professional advancement and personal character. We view true leadership as the ability to motivate, unite and effectively communicate with others, inciting positive change in the lives of others. We realize that to be a company comprised of dynamic leaders, we must create intentional time for training and mentorship, developing a team built upon a firm foundation of integrity.

Many students who participate in the program credit the Emerging Leaders Program as a driving factor behind their success in college and as a young professional.

 

“The Emerging Leaders program has enabled me to connect with the leadership team at HPM while learning more about the core values and history of the company as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth,” said Elli Garcia, Co-op participant and student at Mississippi State University. “The program equipped me to better articulate the ins and outs of program management and positioned me for success as I became aware of the many career options available to me. I look forward to continuing to build relationships with leaders at HPM who have the background, industry knowledge and experience to help me reach my full potential.”

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

 

“It is incredibly special to watch students navigate the entire process,” said Anna Dolen, HPM’s Senior Recruiter, who heads up the program. “From hiring interviews to the culmination of the Emerging Leaders Summit, I cherish the opportunity to build relationships with our co-ops and interns and find great satisfaction in watching them develop professionally.”

HPM Holds Ribbon Cuttings for Two New Schools in Manor, Texas

Posted on August 14, 2023

Manor Rise Academy and Manor Early College High School open in time for the school year

Two new schools have officially opened in Manor Independent School District (Manor ISD) in Manor, Texas. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies were held last week for Manor Rise Academy and Manor Early College High School. HPM served as program manager for the projects, providing project management, quality control and preconstruction services, as well as maintaining schedule and budget compliance throughout construction.

MECHS-Ribbon-Cutting

The $45 million Manor Rise Academy is a 116,000-square-foot school on a 40-acre campus on FM 973, set to provide students with new facilities and amenities to enhance their learning environment. The school’s interior includes athletic facilities; a competition gym with seating for up to 500 people; a dedicated gymnasium for physical education classes; a large media center; two art rooms; three maker spaces; performing arts classrooms; and student collaboration areas. Outside the school building, the campus will also house competition-level athletic fields, outdoor learning spaces and playgrounds.

Also opening is the $35.5 million Manor Early College High School, an 85,000-square-foot school situated next to the existing high school on Gregg Manor Road. The early college high school will accommodate around 800 students in grades nine through 12 who have a focus on career and technical education. The school’s open concept will provide a similar educational experience as seen on college campuses and will feature a commons area, coffee shop and cafeteria.

“Education projects require strict scheduling oversight to ensure an on-track completion by the start of the school year, and I am proud of our team at HPM for its dedication to an on-time delivery for Manor ISD. We thank the school district for its invaluable support and collaboration during these projects, and to our partners for ensuring success in the construction of these schools. As we move ahead on additional projects with the school district, we look forward to providing more quality program management services, expanding our footprint further into Manor.”

Ryan Austin, President, HPM
program management services

Manor voters approved a $280 million bond package in November of 2019, focusing on projects to accommodate student growth, address facility upgrades and repairs and improve transportation, security and technology within the district. It is one of the largest bond programs the district has initiated in its history. These projects are helping to accommodate growth in the 9,500-student district, which is expected to grow by 2.5% to 5% each year for the next 10 years, according to district student enrollment projections. 

Greater Austin is one of the fastest-growing major metropolitan areas in the U.S. and was recently projected to surpass San Antonio in population size by 2040, according to the Texas Water Development Board. The population of Manor, located just 12 miles northeast of Austin, has grown by more than 160% since 2010. Manor ISD is anticipating an additional 2,800 students over the next four years, and recognized the need for an experienced and dedicated program manager to oversee the bond program.

Additional project partners for Rise Academy include ADM Architect; Raba Kistner as geotechnical engineer; Civiltude as civil engineer; and Lee Lewis as the general contractor. For Manor Early College High School, partners include Claycomb Associates, Architects; Raba Kistner as geotechnical engineer; and Satterfield & Pontikes as the general contractor.

HPM Breaks Ground on Support Center Facility with Leonardo Helicopters

Posted on July 31, 2023

HPM and Leonardo Helicopters have officially broken ground on a state-of-the-art customer support center in Milton, Florida. HPM is providing program management and preconstruction services for the helicopter support center at Whiting Aviation Park, a site immediately adjacent to the Naval Air Station Whiting Field (NASWF). The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The Leonardo Helicopters Florida Support Center will span 113,000 square feet and include four large hangar bays, major component repair and overhaul, transmission work that will include Dynamic Test Bench, a full-sized paint booth and all associated tooling and equipment. In addition, a large parts warehouse will also be co-located to enable a more efficient supply chain response for the U.S. Navy’s TH-73 fleet at NASWF, as well as for commercial customers operating throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Leonardo helicopter

“This support center is an exciting addition to our extensive portfolio of aviation and defense projects across the country, and we have seen an immense demand for these types of facilities in Northwest Florida. The region continues to serve as one of the top locations for growth within the aviation and aerospace industries, and we have been busy providing quality program management services for a number of clients who are building in the market. We’re looking forward to working alongside Leonardo to deliver this highly anticipated support center, as it plays into Milton’s burgeoning growth story.”

Ryan Austin, President, HPM

To better serve the needs of this fleet and more than 1,000 Leonardo aircraft that are operating throughout the Gulf of Mexico and Central America, the company worked closely with partners at Santa Rosa County and Space Florida to select a site at Whiting Aviation Park for its new comprehensive customer support facility. Located on 267 acres of industrially zoned land owned by Santa Rosa County, the Whiting Aviation Park features a “first of its kind” limited access use agreement between Santa Rosa County and the US Navy, allowing tenants of the park to have access to NASWF’s 6,000 ft. runway and air traffic control. HPM was selected as the program manager for the project, set to oversee budget, compliance and scheduling controls during the planning and construction stages.

Leonardo Helicopter

“We are thrilled to break ground at Whiting Aviation Park on Leonardo Helicopters’ new Florida Support Center. With this modern and highly efficient facility, Leonardo Helicopters will be able to bring its industry-leading product support services even closer to our customers. We would not be here today if not for the constant partnership and support of the State of Florida, Space Florida, Santa Rosa County, Triumph Gulf Coast, and the United States Navy.”

Clyde Woltman, CEO, Leonardo Helicopters U.S.

Leonardo first announced its intention to build a helicopter support center at Whiting Aviation Park in 2019, before the United States Navy selected a variant of the Leonardo AW119, now named the TH-73 “Thrasher,” to serve as the primary training aircraft for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard as well as other allied nations. The first aircraft was delivered to the US Navy in June of 2021 and in July, with the support of Santa Rosa County and Triumph Gulf Coast, Leonardo opened a temporary hangar at Peter Prince Airport to gain its FAA Part 145 certification and begin repair work while a larger, permanent facility was being designed and developed at Whiting. Since that time, Leonardo has hired 19 full time employees in Santa Rosa County. 

HPM Named 2023 Project Achievement Award Winner by CMAA’s South Atlantic Chapter

Posted on July 17, 2023

HPM was honored to be named a 2023 Project Achievement Award winner the South Atlantic Chapter of CMAA in recognition of our work on Auburn University’s Rane Culinary Science Center. Representatives from HPM and the Rane project team were able to attend the annual CMAA SAC Project Achievement Awards Gala held in Atlanta, GA.

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. HPM’s representatives in attendance at the Awards Gala were inspired by the projects of fellow award winners having managed cutting-edge projects in various categories and were proud to have a seat at the table in a room filled with some of the best and brightest minds in our field.

The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is one of the most exciting new construction projects in the Southeast, seeking to blend academic, hospitality, and retail spaces into a marquee location on the Auburn University campus. The academic spaces consist of a teaching restaurant, culinary teaching kitchens, wine appreciation center, distilled beverages center, brewery, and classroom spaces.

The hospitality spaces feature high-end hotel rooms, living units, fitness center, spa, roof top event center, roof top garden, and roof top pool. The RCSC also includes an expansive food hall with numerous vendor spaces for tastes of all types. The project team provided preconstruction and construction services on the project including contract oversight and quality control and assurance, working closely with design teams during the planning stages to ensure the initial drawings aligned with the budget and timeline, while also managing communication with all partners and subcontractors to guarantee that progress remained on schedule.

HPM’s involvement in the realization of this project served as its solid foundation, ensuring that safety, schedule, budget and quality were all managed in a manner that would come to exceed the client’s expectations. Our firm oversaw logistics for aspects of the project being managed by numerous vendors, ensuring that cohesion and strategy were cornerstones throughout the entire process. Whether in office crunching numbers for estimates or in the middle of the action with boots on the ground to ensure safety and best practices, our group of experienced professionals brought organization, expertise and integrity that will forever be etched into the DNA of this best-in-class facility.

We would like to thank CMAA for recognizing the value of this project, Auburn University for trusting us with this important work, the outstanding vendors that served as excellent partners in delivering the facility and the members of #teamHPM who worked diligently for many years to see this dream through to reality.  

Built to Lead: Judy Adkins

Posted on July 11, 2023

Meet influential #teamHPM leader!

For most individuals, the construction industry evokes images of completed projects, site-visits and boots on the ground. While these are each important pieces of the work we do, no project would reach successful completion without dedicated professionals spearheading administrative tasks daily. HPM’s administrative team provides the information, data and insight needed for those on-site to manage projects effectively. Whether it pertains to schedule, budget or quality assurance, there are always tasks going on behind the scenes to ensure accuracy.

We would like to introduce you to Judy Adkins, HPM’s longest-tenured administrative professional. Judy is a Senior Administrative Assistant based out of the Birmingham office and has supported a wide range of HPM projects for over two decades. Judy is a leader in the company, inspiring others with her dedication to the industry, ever-positive attitude and willingness to jump in wherever needed! Continue reading to learn more about Judy and her career.

HPM: What does a typical day at HPM look like for you?

As an administrative professional, it is important to create a routine and stay organized. A few of my daily tasks include document tracking and uploading, creating and moving files and onboarding new team members. Consistency in performing these duties is key because it allows the team access to the most current information at all times. I am also responsible for calendaring and entering hours on behalf of my team while regularly communicating to offer support.

HPM: What is the best part of your job?

I love the flexibility offered by HPM because it allows me to be successful in my work while also prioritizing my family. Our company culture values team collaboration, variety and service, which inspires me daily to be the best version of myself.

HPM: What is your proudest accomplishment?

Though I currently work out of the Birmingham office, I spent 18 years working in the Tuscaloosa office as a part of the team servicing the University of Alabama account. This portion of my career is what I am most proud of because it was the chapter that helped me grow the most. I was able to work on UA’s expansion of Bryant Denny Stadium, construction of the Science and Engineering Complex and the reimagination of historic Tutwiler Hall. These ambitious projects demanded that everyone give 100% of their effort, and I’m proud to have been a part of such a motivated team.

HPM: Tell us about someone who inspires you. What made or makes this person a leader?

I have thought long and hard about a specific individual to point out, but the truth is that I am equally inspired by all members that compose the HPM family. Every team member I have worked alongside has been motivated, others-focused and hard working while keeping a smile on their faces.

HPM: What are the character qualities of a great leader?

A great leader is someone who possesses vision, courage and focus. Good communication is also a key trait of an influential leader.

HPM Welcomes Senior Project Manager Chandler Creel to Expand Life Sciences Sector

Posted on June 22, 2023

We are pleased to welcome Chandler Creel, as he joins the firm’s Atlanta office as a senior project manager, expanding the company’s life sciences resume.

Chandler brings over two decades of construction experience across four continents in residential, commercial, industrial, oil and gas, and life sciences.

His portfolio of design/construction project management, scheduling/planning, procurement, lean delivery, shutdown work, and business operations gives him a dynamic skillset to better serve HPM’s clients.   Before joining HPM, Chandler served as both a design and construction project manager at CRB Group. With a keen understanding of complex projects in diverse industries and a focus on project execution processes, Chandler successfully found a niche in the life sciences industry.

“I am thrilled to join the team at HPM,” Chandler said, “The company’s commitment to client-centered service aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues and leveraging all my experience to advise our clients through their programs and projects.”

Chandler contributes his successes to two key aspects – people and process. Whether working in Atlanta or Saudi Arabia, his innate ability to quickly build trust has become the foundation for working relationships on every project.

“Every client and contractor has their own unique needs and wants. Taking time to get to know everyone as people and understand their key motivations helps me create alignment and push the entire team toward the common goal. Plus, you end up making more friends that way.”

Chandler’s favorite problems are the ones avoided by robust processes and analysis. “My most successful projects (on time, under budget, happy client) have simply been a byproduct of focusing on the processes of how the team communicates, solves problems, and gets the work accomplished.”

Throughout his career, Chandler has found his ability to meet aggressive deadlines to be his biggest asset. Repeated trials by fire have granted him the ability to thrive in the most trying circumstances and have led to success in managing shutdown projects with immovable deadlines. “Life sciences clients are uncompromising in their schedule and quality demands. If you have good processes in place and trust for the people around you, you can deal with any issue and accomplish almost anything.”

Chandler looks forward to the continued expansion of HPM’s life sciences work, and leveraging HPM’s vast resources in planning, estimating, and holistic program management to grow HPM’s life sciences sector nationwide.

Ready to discuss your next project?

Get In Touch

Newsletter Sign Up