SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF: STO Special Projects Team
As any property owner knows, improvement construction projectsGo to https://stobuildinggroup.com/projects/ come in all shapes and sizes. A company may need a 250,000sf headquarters relocation—or simply to replace the carpet in their current space. That’s why STO’s New York office developed its Special Projects team, a group of seasoned construction professionals who tackle the often smaller, sometimes unique real estate needs of clients.
“We developed this team nearly 25 years ago to challenge the assumption that we will only do larger, high-end projects,” says Stacey Dackson, vice president and director of STO’s Special Projects team. “We still have the backing and resources of a larger contractor but can deliver the faster, smaller projects.”
NICHE EXPERTISE
One reason this team is identified by “special” projects rather than “small” projects is that while the size or value may be small, the projects are just as complicated—if not more so—than larger-scale efforts.
For example, a small space with a complicated trading floor and SEC operating requirements takes quick decision-making and a thorough understanding of the technical needs of trading floor infrastructure. Other niche areas of expertise for the team include:
- Retail spacesGo to https://stobuildinggroup.com/projects/sectors/retail/
- Fast-tracking scheduling and pricing
- Tenant improvements
- Landlord services
- “Day 3” follow-up services
- Invisible imprint in occupied spaces
“Many financial companies can’t pause a live trading environment. We’re especially skilled at moving quickly and imperceptibly to avoid any impacts to their operations.”—Anthony Mosca, Project Manager, Special Projects
RELATIONSHIPS
What this special brand of construction management comes down to is relationships. The Special Projects team serves as:
- the client’s go-to for a simple door hardware change or full fit-out
- advisors to the client team
- full-service analysts with the project team, including the landlord, architect, and other partners
- partners with subcontractors hand-picked for certain areas of expertise
- a bridge within the STO network to bring purchasing, legal, and other resources on board quickly
Given the tight schedules, unique circumstances, and special features of each project, Structure Tone’s Special Projects team really becomes a representative for the entire team to make sure the
project is delivered as expected.
“Structure Tone exceeded our expectations in terms of attention to detail, meeting our timelines, and hearing and addressing our specific needs,” says Wynne Comer, COO, AGL Credit Management. “They were patient and attentive and we truly felt they sincerely cared about the build-out and AGL.”
TEAM SKILLS AND RANGE
That sort of agility is a hallmark of the Special Projects team—and a skill some may not assume a large firm like Structure Tone could be capable of. But the flexibility and adaptability of the team’s approach allows them to tackle these quick-turnaround types of efforts.
“We recently worked with Structure Tone on a project over the holidays. It was a very tight timeframe to deliver, with no room for error, and they accomplished it.”—Katy Cassel, Facilities Manager, Hiscox USA
The Special Projects team’s ability to think on their feet makes them a perfect match for the severely condensed schedules of what some may call “small” projects like power and data relocations, carpet replacements, conference room upgrades, or restroom renovations. At the same time, the team can tackle full-floor office interior fit-outs and densification efforts just as easily.
“We’re not as siloed on small projects as you tend to be on mid-size and larger projects,” says Marc DeLuca, Structure Tone account executive. “All activities are ‘critical path,’ so teamwork and good communication are essential.”