Tag: project management

Aviation Construction: Overcoming Industry Challenges

Posted on April 24, 2025

Aviation construction in 2025 presents unique challenges that require specialized expertise, strategic planning, and proactive problem-solving. From supply chain disruptions to regulatory compliance and cost assurance, these projects demand a level of precision and adaptability.

If your team is planning an aviation construction project in the coming year, here are some top considerations and first-hand experiences from HPM Senior Program Managers Alan Butler and Stewart Nobles. With extensive combined experience working on aviation and airport projects, the two share insights that will keep projects on track.

Navigating Supply Chain Challenges in Aviation: Expect the Unexpected

Supply chain disruptions are not exclusive to aviation, but the industry’s reliance on highly specialized equipment intensifies the impact. New tariffs are anticipated to pose challenges in cost and supply chain over time. When working with international suppliers, it’s important to anticipate possible delays and have a plan of action in mind if it’s clear they will affect your project deadlines.

“Instead of assuming everything will go perfectly, we design with contingencies in mind—what are the impact/options if that equipment delivery is delayed?” Nobles said.

The Importance of Cost Assurance: Value Quality and Long-Term Success

Cost overruns are a common concern in construction, but in aviation projects, the stakes are even higher. Our experience has shown that meticulous cost planning and value engineering are critical to keeping budgets on track.

Experience from past projects enable us to guide our clients toward informed decisions that balance cost savings with long-term reliability. Evaluating the trade-offs of value engineering ensures that cost-cutting measures do not compromise the overall project success.

“Lessons learned on one project become a value add to the next client. That’s why you hire experience—we’ve already got the scar tissue,” Butler said.

Know Your Location: Understand Regulations and Build Relationships with Local Experts

Aviation construction projects are subject to stringent regulations that vary by location. Understanding and navigating these regulations early in the project lifecycle is essential to avoid costly delays.

“When you build in the aviation market, it’s construction on steroids. There are more regulations, more agencies, more complexity. Having the knowledge and experience to develop and execute a plan is critical to a projects success,” Nobles said.

Why Experience Matters in Aviation Construction

HPM’s collective experience across multiple aviation projects has reinforced one critical truth: hiring a team with deep industry expertise is the best way to mitigate risk and ensure success. Lessons learned from one project become a valuable asset in the next. No matter what challenges arise in your aviation construction project, having seasoned leadership and expertise on your side empowers your team with foresight into potential roadblocks and proactive solutions before they affect your bottom line.

Aviation construction is not just about building infrastructure—it’s about creating environments that support safe, efficient, and sustainable air travel. By applying our hard-earned knowledge, we help our clients overcome challenges and deliver projects that stand the test of time.

Reach out to us to learn how our expertise can help you navigate complexities in your aviation construction projects and achieve your goals.

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.”

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.

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.”

HPM Celebrates National Construction Safety Week

Posted on May 6, 2024

HPM is proud to join over 250 companies in celebrating National Construction Safety Week for the tenth consecutive year. This annual observance was created to bolster a safety-centered culture across the industry. This year’s theme, Value Every Voice, reminds participants of their responsibility to speak up for safety on site. No matter their role, each person on a job site must be empowered to call attention to potential hazards. Construction Safety Week is a great reminder to take ownership of the health and safety of all working alongside them.

Construction Safety Week 2024

This morning, HPM joined Hoar Construction in hosting a Construction Safety Week breakfast to kick off this year’s festivities. Vice President of Field Operations Mike Pitts shared a meaningful quote, “If you see it, you own it. If you walk by it, you condone it.” Attendees signed a banner pledging to value every voice. All who signed committed to doing their part to ensure safe environments both on and off job sites.

Additional events will be held throughout the week across the company’s footprint. Various instructional training sessions will be held, one of which includes a heavy equipment demonstration at RPI Rentals. HPM looks forward to offering employees numerous opportunities to gather with coworkers this week in recognition of the vital role safety plays in the life of our company.

Construction Safety at HPM

Safety is critical to the HPM culture, and the health and safety of anyone in our care is paramount to our overall success. All HPM employees are expected to adhere to the project safety requirements while visiting a job site, and the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is always worn while on site. Safety glasses, hard hats, high-visibility vests, and work shoes are the minimum requirements.

Our role in safety may change from project to project, but it’s HPM’s role as the owners’ representative to verify and understand the contractor’s obligation with every project as it pertains to safety. Our culture requires that we “know the deal” which means we confirm our responsibilities on every new project rather than assuming they are the same as they were on our last project.

HPM’s Field Coordinators play an active role in ensuring safety protocols are strictly adhered to. This protects everyone in proximity to the job site, while also protecting the owner from potential lawsuits. An important factor is ensuring the job site is safe, particularly when located in a highly trafficked area. For instance, HPM manages numerous projects for clients in the K-12 and higher education industries. On these projects, students and faculty are often attending classes near active job sites. Field Coordinators add tremendous value in implementing the highest level of safety precautions to protect everyone in the vicinity of the project.

HPM Hosts Second Annual Georgia Education Executives Summit

Posted on May 1, 2024

April 24-26, executive leaders in Georgia education gathered for HPM‘s Second Annual Summit. School districts from across the state were represented at the event held in Adairsville. The Summit is a premier event designed to connect leaders in the K-12 industry to create unique strategies for navigating common challenges. Speakers included national experts in financing, staffing, planning and international business. Presenters shared insights on optimizing learning environments for students while maximizing facility lifespans.

About the Program

Featured keynote speakers included Cheryl Logan, Executive Director at the University of Pennsylvania and Casey Morris, Senior Director of Capital Planning at Ameresco. HPM’s Chris Allee, Megan Whitten Cordingly, Greg Ellis, Jake Ortego and Tracy Richter also shared best practices for navigating successful capital improvement programs. Each session was designed to foster a conversational, interactive environment to build connectivity among participants.

In a particularly insightful session highlighting program controls, attendees took an in-depth look at cutting-edge technology designed to empower leaders to make more informed decisions and better communicate with internal and external stakeholders. Embracing the digital world is paramount to achieving a successful program. Guests were also offered an approach to facility condition assessments that breaks the cyclical nature of facility planning. When implemented, this strategy enables K-12 leaders to create actionable, defensible and sustainable capital plans resulting in predictable outcomes.

The Summit’s closing session provided information on the role of educational facility standards in the development of an effective long-range facilities plan. These standards play a critical role in shaping the curriculum. Furthermore, they can be utilized to inform new construction, renovation and modernization, ultimately serving as a tool to generate improved educational performance.

“I was extremely satisfied with the quality of the content provided at The Summit,” said an attendee. “The Setting the Standard session brought everything together and was tremendously applicable. I am very likely to attend the event again and recommend that my peers in Georgia education do the same.”

Why HPM?

HPM partners with K-12 school districts to create and implement data-driven long-range planning initiatives. This team of seasoned planning professionals is comprised of former educators turned facilities conditions and assessment experts. They frequently teach the essential practice of integrated planning into capital improvement programs. HPM’s continuous planning practices consistently yield efficiencies and savings to K-12 clients. In turn, every dollar within a bond program is utilized to its full potential. Learn more about HPM’s extensive resume managing large-scale programs on behalf of K12 school districts.

Why Hire an Outsourced Project Management Team?

Posted on April 22, 2024

The ever-increasing approaches, expenses and decisions that accompany the construction process may drive hiring an external project management team to the bottom of your priority list. Paradoxically, the overwhelming nature of these demands may be the very reason you need professional support. In this article, we will take a look at three of the most transformational benefits of procuring a project management team to sit on your side of the table as you undergo a capital building program.

Elevated Technology

Project management firms are often well-versed in the most up to date, cutting edge technology. HPM makes it a priority to sharpen every tool in our technology tool belt to best serve the owners we represent. From tracking expenses and change orders, to monitoring project schedules with acute attention to detail, technology enables project management teams to ensure excellence. Procore, one of the most commonly used construction management platforms, specializes in streamlining processes related to project management, quality and safety, project financials, invoice management, design coordination and bid management. Implementing this software allows you, as the owner, to build with fewer risks and bigger profits.

SmartPM, an automated project controls and schedule analytics software is another frequently used tool. This platform can be used as a standalone or integrated with Procore to automate the most complex aspects of project management. To visualize the data collected from SmartPM and Procore, project management teams often use Microsoft Power BI. This tool transforms data into an easily digestible dashboard, allowing you to make informed decisions. Employing a project management team well-versed in these technologies allows you the freedom to carry out your daily responsibilities while remaining informed of progress on the job site.

Stakeholder Involvement

Owners undergoing construction projects are charged with the tall task of satisfying varying ranges of stakeholders. It can be difficult to balance the input of all vested parties. Project management teams help create an environment of thorough, transparent communication, ensuring all voices are heard. The elevated technology PM teams implement enable your stakeholders to feel involved and included throughout the construction process. Access to stream-lined, concise points of data fosters a high level of involvement, allowing the project to achieve optimal outcomes. A project manager fully committed to your project can serve as the go-to expert, fielding questions and alleviating your workload.

Peace of Mind

Last but certainly not least, employing a team of project management experts provides you the invaluable gift of peace of mind. With a qualified team of experts on your side, you can rest assured, knowing your investment is being safeguarded at all times. Project management teams independent from the general contractor bring a unique perspective on the job site. Your priorities are their priorities, and your interests are their interests. They serve as your full-time eyes and ears on the project, protecting your budget, maintaining your schedule and ensuring your expectations are not only met, but exceeded.

North Alabama NAWIC Chapter #396 Officially Chartered

Posted on April 10, 2024

March 28, 2024, marked a pivotal milestone for the North Alabama community as Chapter #396 of National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) was officially chartered. To commemorate the occasion, a celebration was held at 106 Jefferson Hotel in Huntsville. Members from NAWIC’s National, Nashville and Greater Birmingham chapters witnessed as chartering members were sworn in.

Among the eight women inducted as the inaugural North Alabama Board of Directors was HPM‘s Sarah Logan, who is serving as the chapter’s first Vice President. Amidst her colleagues, Sarah is known for providing exemplary project management services, most recently completing a dual-facility renovation project at Drake State Community & Technical College.

“I am honored by the opportunity to serve as the inaugural Vice President for the NAWIC North Alabama Chapter #396″, said Sarah. “More than anything, I look forward to connecting with fellow females in the industry as we link arms to pursue and advocate for meaningful opportunities for women in construction.”

Additional officers for the inaugural calendar year include Sara Beth Wilcox as President, Alexa Toler as President-Elect, Mary Seldon Luther as Secretary, Kasi Phillips as Treasurer, and Maurene Hanner and Andrea Simpson as Directors.

NAWIC was created by 16 founding members in the Fort Worth area in 1953. The organization’s mission from day one remains its purpose today: to advocate for the value and impact of women in construction. With more than 115 chapters across the nation, the organization has grown exponentially over the past 71 years.