Texas Focus Newsletter // Q1 2024
bUILDING cONNECTIONS
In this issue, we focus on building connections—whether it's the strong relationships with our team members, our collaborative approach to projects, or our engagement with the wider community. As we continue to build connections, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, we're not just constructing buildings; we're shaping the future one project at a time which drives to the core of Kitchell: Together, building value every day.
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PROJECT FOCUS
Kitchell's Commitment to Excellence in Construction at the UT Austin Library Storage Facility Expansion
Safety Passion Drives Excellence
ARTICLE
We Have Moved!
ANNOUNCEMENT
Beverly Girgis Preconstruction Manager
PEOPLE FOCUS
Recently Completed Projects in Texas
LIST
Building Connections
Breaking New Ground in Health Education
Article
Beverly Girgis
Meet Preconstruction Manager Beverly Girgis, a cornerstone of Kitchell's success in Texas. With over two decades of experience and a knack for building rapport, Beverly exemplifies our commitment to excellence. From her endearing nicknames to her passion for turning ideas into reality, Beverly reflects the heart of our company.
“Even after working in this industry for 23 years, I’m continually amazed at how an idea on a cocktail napkin can turn into a structure that lasts for decades, and how a drawing can provide people with enough information to make it come to life.”
Beverly Girgis, Preconstruction Manager
2024 brings exciting projects in the Houston area, and Beverly is particularly excited about the new Health Professions Building at Sam Houston State University’s (SHSU) Conroe campus (which breaks ground in April).
“The Health Professions project marks a significant milestone for our Houston office, being our third collaboration with SHSU. With several new scopes involved, the prospect of tackling new challenges is always exciting. Plus, the building itself is pretty impressive.”
Breaking Ground in 2024: Construction begins on Sam Houston State University's Health Professions Building
Kitchell is also looking forward to continuing its partnership with Memorial Hermann, especially as we near completion of the Sugar Land Medical Office Building and continue to renovate the Children’s Heart Institute.
“Healthcare renovations, for me, are like Halloween. It is always exciting to see what you get in your treat bucket, but it can be a surprise. Sometimes you are like, “Reese’s! Yes! I love Reese’s!” and sometimes you are like “Oh dear, it's licorice." But I love the challenge of these projects – it’s some of the most rewarding work we do.”
Advancing healthcare: Kitchell's ongoing partnership with memorial hermmann Health system
SAFETY PASSION DRIVES EXCELLENCE
Step into the world of Kitchell, where safety isn't just a requirement—it's a deeply ingrained passion. In the diverse landscape of building in Texas, where safety standards vary and challenges abound, Kitchell's commitment to safety shines through our field staff and our Texas Safety Coordinator, David Punteney.
“For us at Kitchell, safety is more than a checkbox; it's the heartbeat of our operations,” shares David. “Ensuring the well-being of every individual involved in our projects is not just a duty; it's a core belief etched into our DNA.”
David Punteney, Safety Coordinator
Dynamic Safety: Tailoring solutions to every client's needs
In handling safety across various diverse projects in Texas, adaptability is key. Kitchell prides itself on its ability to not only meet but surpass client expectations by embracing a dynamic approach to safety management. “Every client brings a unique set of safety priorities to the table,” notes David. “We thrive on the challenge of integrating various methodologies into our safety arsenal, ensuring that each project receives the attention it deserves.”
"Working with clients who prioritize safety above and beyond OSHA standards is particularly gratifying as it underscores their unwavering commitment to maintaining a secure work environment.”
The kitchell Advantage: A Collaborative Approach to SAfety
At Kitchell, safety isn't just a solo endeavor— it's teamwork led by dedicated Safety Professionals. Through open dialogue and a commitment to continuous improvement, this team stays at the forefront of safety innovation. The wealth of knowledge within the team fosters an environment where seeking guidance is encouraged, and every query is met with respect. “Our collaborative ethos is what sets us apart,” affirms David. “Within our team, expertise is shared, ideas are nurtured, and every voice is valued. It's this collective spirit that ensures a comprehensive approach to safety management.” In the world of Kitchell, safety isn't just a practice—it's a way of life that guides every action on and off the jobsite.
Dynamic Safety: Tailoring solutions to every Client's needs
University of texas at Austin
The Library Storage Facility Phase IV project, an expansion of library storage facilities totaling 84,000 square feet, is situated on the University of Texas at Austin Pickle Research Campus. It features multiple types of storage spaces, including high-bay cool storage, separate low-bay cool and cold storage areas, and processing space. It also features a new loading dock, a researcher reading room, a circulation spine, and a new public entry. This expansion is part of a larger master plan, akin to the Harvard Library Depository model, focused on housing low-circulation items in a highly controlled environment. Additionally, it will accommodate collections from the UT Austin Main Campus, including items from UT Libraries, Dolph Briscoe for American History, and Harry Huntt Ransom Humanities Research Center. The project provides office and conferencing spaces for onsite staff and enhances site circulation and parking near the new building's public entrance.
Kitchell’s Building Information Modeling (BIM) approach centers on collaborative software implementation from day one through project closeout. We allow trade partners to have access to the live models so they can provide real-time feedback during the design iterations and/or model within the live environment, which allows the design to move along seamlessly. The BIM is part of an integrated process and detailed workflows which include quantity extraction/visualization, industrialized construction plan, and coordination/constructability. Project Superintendent Evan Taylor spearheaded the BIM initiative for the project, collaborating with the entire team and receiving support from Kitchell's Virtual Construction specialists. BIM was used to:
Kitchell's BIM-powered approach ensures seamless collaboration & efficient execution, enhancing accuracy & reducing conflicts on the UT Austin Library Storage Facility Expansion
Ensure accurate documentation of existing conditions Allow trade partners to produce shop drawings after work was coordinated, which reduced clashes and therefore resubmitttals. Provide a 3D visual aid to all parties Create an as-built model in conjunction with OpenSpace, which provides a 360° view of a built environment throughout construction through completion.
Rendering courtesy of Jacobs
Breaking New Ground in Health Education: Constructing Innovative & Multifaceted Medical Learning Environments
At Kitchell, we are thrilled to announce the commencement of our newest project in Texas: the Health Professions Building at Sam Houston State University. Breaking ground in April, this new venture underscores our commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future healthcare leaders. Design development documents for the project were among the items approved recently by the Texas State University System Board of Regents. To be located next to the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe, the four-level Health Professions Building will serve as a new home for SHSU’s allied health programs in the core fields of Athletic Training, Dietetics, Physician’s Assistant, and Physical Therapy. Click HERE to read more!
Rendering courtesy of SmithGroup
For over 70 years, Kitchell has been at the forefront of constructing state-of-the-art facilities that foster innovation, learning, and excellence in healthcare education. Our portfolio boasts the completion of medical teaching projects totaling over $2.3 billion in value, all while nurturing long-standing partnerships with prestigious institutions across the nation. From the University of Arizona’s award-winning Health Sciences Innovation Building to the comprehensive Clinical Skills & Simulation Suite at the University of California Riverside to teaching hospitals like UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Medical Center, our projects have consistently set the benchmark for excellence in health education. In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the need for cutting-edge educational facilities that mirror the complexity and dynamism of real-world medical environments has never been more critical. Unique medical education spaces, such as advanced simulation labs, are at the forefront of this transformative shift, offering immersive simulation events that incorporate game-based learning to prepare students for the unpredictable nature of patient care. These labs go beyond traditional learning, enabling students to engage in scenarios that replicate emergency situations, surgical procedures, and clinical decision-making in real-time. Additionally, the integration of nursing and clinical skills training areas within these spaces ensures that students gain hands-on experience in patient care, from basic assessments to complex interventions.
Simulation Center at The University of Arizona Health Sciences Innovation Building
Pharmacy training spaces within these innovative educational facilities are designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of medication management, compounding, and the critical role pharmacists play in patient health outcomes. Surgical and imaging technology training areas are equipped with the latest equipment, from laparoscopic simulators to state-of-the-art imaging scanners, allowing students to hone their technical skills and understanding of anatomical structures in a risk-free environment. Moreover, the advent of 3D-printed tissues has revolutionized the way future medical professionals learn about the human body, offering unparalleled opportunities for advanced simulation support. This technology enables the creation of realistic organ models and complex tissue structures, providing a tactile learning experience that textbooks simply cannot match. Health informatics spaces within these educational settings are designed to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and leverage electronic health records, data analysis, and digital health applications. These spaces foster an understanding of how informatics can improve patient care, streamline workflows, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare systems. By integrating these diverse yet interconnected learning environments, medical education facilities are not just preparing students for the healthcare landscape of today but are paving the way for the innovations and challenges of tomorrow.
A LEGACY OF HEALTH EDUCATION cONSTRUCTION
In building these medical education spaces, from simulation labs to health informatics suites, our expertise extends beyond mere construction to a profound understanding of the specific needs and intricacies of each area, including the costs associated with creating such advanced, multifunctional environments. Our approach is rooted in a deep commitment to innovation and efficiency, ensuring that each project not only meets the highest standards of educational excellence but also aligns with budgetary considerations, thereby delivering value without compromising on quality or the educational mission. Click HERE to download Kitchell's recent Health Education experience.
Renderings courtesy of SmithGroup
Recent Completions
Highlights from newly completed projects in the Texas region.
This 20,000 SF renovation and build out included Cath Labs, ORs, Pre-Op, PACU, and administrative offices. To expedite construction, Kitchell laser scanned the existing space and overlaid the existing BIM model on the images, which enabled us to quickly plan and accurately construct the removal of ceilings and installation of the infrastructure prior to removing a single screw or light fixture. This forward planning allowed us to bring the entire second floor of ORs online several months sooner, as requested by the Owner.
Texas Medical Center Surgical Suite Expansion
Memorial Hermann Health System
Houston, Texas
This 65,000 SF ground up Medical Office Building (MOB) and Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) consists of two parts: (1) the Medical Office Building portion is a two-story, 40,000 GSF building housing cardiovascular, general surgery, gastroenterology, imaging (one finished MRI and space for future MRI), orthopedic surgery, dermatology, Mohs surgical, plastics and psychiatric clinics, 2) Connected to the MOB is a single-story, 20,000 GSF Ambulatory Surgery Center.
Ascension seton health center georgetown
Ascension Health
Georgetown, Texas
Kitchell just completed the buildout of this new 309,000 SF distribution warehouse for Memorial Hermann Health Systems. This includes new office space for the permanent staff, worker, and driver restroom pods. All new MEP interior services for the warehouse space were provided, and Kitchell coordinated with the owner supplier to help install all new state of the art material racking/distribution system for medical supplies.
Warehouse Distribution Center Buildout
The East Plaza upgrades are part of an overall upgrade of the Lyndon Baines Johnson State Office Building. The project includes water remediation including canopy anchor system, repairs to HVAC systems, enhancements to indoor air quality, improvements to MEP systems and correcting life safety/security deficiencies and correcting architectural deficiencies and finishes.
LBJ STATE OFFICE BUILDING EAST PLAZA
Austin, Texas
This renovation and expansion project consists of a 9,100 SF addition and 21,575 SF of renovations to the existing Recreational Sports Center/Health & Kinesiology Center building. The addition houses an NCAA-regulation basketball court with two cross courts and spectator seating. The renovation portion includes 11,450 SF for the north entry and 8,500 SF for racquetball, plus 1,625 SF for the gym lobby, outdoor storage, and a ramp.
recreation center expansion
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, Texas
This is a multi-phased, 67,000 SF multi-floor renovation for the Children’s Heart Institute. Kitchell recently completed the first phase, which involved renovating the entire second floor of the Cullen Building on campus to serve as dialysis and infusion for the pediatrics unit. Additional phases are currently underway.
Texas Medical Center Children's Heart Institute Renovation
We Have Moved
Our Houston Office recently moved, but not far! We’re just one floor below in the same building at Brookhollow Central. Stop by to say hi, play a round of pop-a-shot, and check out our new space! Kitchell Houston 2900 North Loop West, Suite 1050 Houston, Texas 77092
As construction recently wrapped up on the Ascension Seton Health Center Georgetown this August, the team reflected on the successes of this project that will bring much-needed quality healthcare to Georgetown, Texas.
IMPACTING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Building spaces that improve our communities and support our neighbors is the driving force behind everything we do at Kitchell.
Continue to Video
Chris Kirch
New President of Kitchell Contractors
congratulations!
Chris Kirch, who most recently served as Market Sector Executive for Kitchell in Houston, has been selected as the new president of Kitchell Contractors, Inc. We look forward witnessing his efforts while Chris supports a new era of leadership for Kitchell.
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of this incredible 73-year-old company.”
Read more at KitchellProgress.com.
Kitchell is dedicated to building value in our communities through donations and volunteerism. We support the communities in which we operate, much the same way Sam Kitchell envisioned when he founded Kitchell in 1950. Sam believed philanthropy was an essential part of doing business and supported causes that were important to him personally and professionally. While the organizations we donate to have evolved over the years, we have not wavered in this spirit of service. Kitchell is known as one of the top corporate givers in our industry because of the passion of our people, who engage, volunteer, and give to causes that are important to our company and to our communities. Check out how Kitchell’s Texas Teams have been out and about in our local communities!
Kitchell in the Community
The Kitchell Houston team gathered to cook up some of Ron Garrett’s famous chili at the 5th Annual Houston Chili Fest. The 1,100 attendees raised over $81,000 for two great charities - the ALS Association of Texas and Folds of Honor.
Market Sector Executive Chris Kirch and his wife, Kristin, are on the Executive Committee for the Montgomery County Heart Ball, and Kitchell has been a sponsor for five years. The event, which was held in February, raised nearly $700,000 for the American Heart Association - Texas.
Troy Lee, Mike Salmeron, Kourtney Marini and Jose Leija traded their hardhats for hair nets to help package meals for Feed My Starving Children in February. Over 272,000 meals were packed in two days at this year’s FMSC MobilePack event in North Austin, which feeds 746 kids for a year!
The Kitchell team supported Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas by packing lunches that are given to families who are focused on caring for their critically-ill or injured children.
A packing party was held to assemble ‘thank you’ bags for the healthcare staff at Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston.
A groovy time was had by all as Kitchell’s Houston team came out to support this year’s Memorial Hermann Good Vibrations event that raises funds to ensure their ongoing commitment and ability to provide critical programs and services to meet the community’s growing healthcare needs.
OpenSpace
OpenSpace is a technology platform that provides advanced photo documentation tools powered by artificial intelligence. Kitchell’s adoption of the technology has enhanced construction project documentation, created greater accountability for trade partners, streamlined coordination and increased productivity with visual tie-ins to traditional workflows, and improved overall safety on our job sites.
CAPTURE OpenSpace hardware consists of a hardhat mounted camera. Kitchell team members wearing it simply walk the site and the technology does the rest as the camera captures 360-degree views. The software automatically stitches the images together and ties them to the construction plans virtually. The simplicity allows for our teams to document projects more thoroughly, more frequently creating a more comprehensive visual record. Kitchell team members can focus on building, not documenting.
Using technology for enhanced accessibility and greater accountability
How does it work?
VIEW All team members can track progress remotely from the trailer, home office, or from anywhere in the world. COVID-19 protocols have affected all construction projects and this tool greatly alleviates the need for travel and physical site visits. Users can view the project many ways, including: Splitscreen Mode – with the same areas shown at different dates and BIM Compare – showing a comparison of the built environment to the BIM model. On-site team members can even use Reveal Mode to see what is behind walls with their smartphone. OpenSpace also integrates with project management software, Procore, to enhance Kitchell workflows and productivity. Team members can instantly add visual data to RFIs, Observations, Issues and more. Instant clarity in understanding issues that come up translates directly to less delays and rework.
ANALYZE From advanced progress tracking and benchmarking to instant object identification and search functionality, OpenSpace brings AI tools so Kitchell can better understand projects. And we are only scratching the surface. Kitchell is even using the data capture for predictive safety analytics. Using the OpenSpace data, along with other sources, Kitchell is using AI to identify which projects pose the highest risks of having an incident. This allows our teams to proactively take the necessary actions to prevent an injury before it happens. CLOSEOUT Need to access an area for maintenance or renovate in the future? Clients and Facilities Maintenance Staff benefit from a complete visual record of what is behind EVERY wall, floor, and ceiling at any time down the road.
Above: A Kitchell intern demonstrates the Reveal Mode in OpenSpace allowing owners to see what is behind walls.