Photo by Matthew Millman

To accelerate the schedule, the contractor leaned on lessons learned from previous SFO projects, particularly when it came to minimizing airport-specific protocols. Badging processes and operation requirements were coordinated months in advance, ensuring the on-time mobilization of trade partners to access the airfield and terminal. The team strategically integrated daily operations to meet noise and security requirements by phasing and limiting off-hour work while minimizing operational disruption to the airport and passengers. Strategically dividing submittal packages by zone and scope allowed construction activities to proceed on some areas while design refinements were finalized on others in parallel. For this portion of work, virtual design and construction tools were critical, such as a preconstruction heat map that identified floor low spots and benchmark variances. This ensured constructibility alignment and helped the team sequence framing and finish details more accurately ahead of materials arriving on site.

The LEED Gold certified space features a biophilic design approach, incorporating natural wood, daylight and plantings. Sustainability strategies included diverting 80% of construction and demolition waste—despite the logistical challenges of removing debris through an active airfield—and cutting indoor water use by 35.74% with high-efficiency low-flow fixtures and water-saving design strategies.