Building Conversations

The Life Sciences Boom: Investment, Innovation & the Future of Global Growth

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:50 -0400

In this episode of Building Conversations, STO Building Group's Vice President and Life Sciences Sector Leader, Jennie Taveras, and Nick Oddy, Strategy Director at Structure Tone London, explore the rapid growth of the life sciences sector and why London is emerging as a global hub for investment, innovation, and development.

More Than a Seat at the Table: From Uncertainty to Confidence

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 10:23:47 -0400

What does it take to lead with authenticity, build trust, and create lasting impact in construction? In this special Women’s History Month episode of Building Conversations, host Christie Mullen—Director of Business Development at Structure Tone New Jersey—sits down with Wendy Castro, Director, Design & Construction at Rockefeller Group, and Christine Bunner, Project Manager at RC Andersen for an honest conversation about mentorship, inclusive team culture, problem-solving, and the power of women supporting women across complex projects.

Leaning Forward: Advancing Women in Construction

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 08:56:29 -0500

What does it truly take to advance women in construction—not just recruit them, but retain, support, and elevate them into leadership? In this episode of Building Conversations, Claudia Healy—STO Building Group’s Chief Human Resources Officer—sits down with NAWIC CEO Sheronda Carr and Northeast Regional Director Jillian Penkin to unpack the real retention challenges—bias, culture, and the difference between mentorship and sponsorship.

Ask the Expert: Construction Procurement with David Hamilton

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 09:28:00 -0500

In this Building Conversations Ask the Expert episode, David Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Construction Procurement Solutions, answers listener questions about construction procurement and the evolving strategies reshaping how projects are delivered. From industry fragmentation and supply chain complexity to direct manufacturer partnerships and technology-driven visibility, Dave explains how modern procurement approaches help reduce risk, improve cost certainty, and keep projects on schedule. Tune in to learn how smarter procurement decisions create more control, transparency, and better outcomes for clients.

The Precon Playbook: How Early Strategy Shapes Project Success

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 09:33:36 -0500

In this episode, Greg Dunkle, Chief Operating Officer at STO Building Group, sits down with three pre-construction leaders—James Mezzadri, Estimating Manager at Structure Tone New York, Troy Addis, Senior Vice President at LF Driscoll, and Kurt Thomas, Vice President of Business Development at Layton Construction—to discuss how pre-construction sets the tone for project success. They explore how early collaboration builds client trust, drives schedule and cost certainty across sectors, and how tools like VDC, pull planning, and shared platforms help teams stay aligned from estimating through delivery.

Ask the Expert: The State of the Construction Labor Market with Greg Dunkle

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 09:56:35 -0500

In this Building Conversations Ask the Expert episode, Greg Dunkle—Chief Operating Officer at STO Building Group—answers listener questions on one of the industry’s toughest challenges: the national labor shortage. From the 500,000-worker gap to rising wages and shifting demographics, Greg breaks down how today’s workforce trends impact project cost, schedule, quality, and safety—and what clients should be asking when selecting a contractor.

Ask the Expert: Inside the World of Compliance with Leah Ramos

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 08:02:04 -0500

In this episode of Ask the Expert on the Building Conversations podcast, Leah Ramos, Senior Vice President of Ethics, Compliance, and Audit at STO Building Group, breaks down the biggest myths around compliance and explains its true role in protecting integrity, reputation, and trust. From managing integrity-related risk and guiding teams through new markets, to vetting subcontractors, navigating bidding processes, and ensuring ethical practices across the supply chain, Leah shares how compliance works behind the scenes to help projects succeed.

Innovation Expo: Buildots

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 08:50:51 -0500

In this episode of STO Building Group’s Innovation Expo Series, host Rob Leon sits down with Jessica Herrala, Regional Vice President of Buildots, to explore how Buildots is transforming progress through AI and computer vision.

Leading from the Field: Lessons from the Superintendent Roundtable

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:28:01 -0500

From fostering collaboration to sharing best practices, this episode goes inside the STO Building Group Superintendent Roundtable. Join Greg Dunkle, STOBG’s Chief Operating Officer, as he sits down with two Roundtable members—Ernie Tessein, General Superintendent at Structure Tone Philadelphia; Brian Bernhoft, Construction Manager at Abbott Construction—along with Superintendents Academy participant, Matthew Persico, Superintendent at Structure Tone New York. Together, they explore evolving industry challenges, their personal paths into the industry, and the unique value the Roundtable brings to field leaders across STOBG.

Innovation Expo: Day 2+

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 07:44:44 -0500

In this episode of STO Building Group’s Innovation Expo Series, host Rob Leon sits down with Alex Rothman, co-founder and CEO of Day 2+ and Michael Sci, STOBG’s Senior Vice President of Facilities Construction Services to explore how this next wave of construction technology is reshaping scheduling, material tracking, field communication, site-scanning robotics, and more.

Synergy on Site: Exploring IPD (RE-RELEASE)

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 08:05:13 -0400

Ever wondered how modern construction delivery methods are reshaping the industry? Join Chris McGinnis, Senior Project Manager at LF Driscoll, Mike Dikon, Vice President at LF Driscoll, and Steve Greulich, Associate VP of Capital Projects for Penn Medicine, as they explore how Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is transforming collaboration, boosting efficiency, and redefining success on projects.

Ask the Expert: The Power of AI in Construction with Rob Leon

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 08:44:24 -0400

How is artificial intelligence transforming the way we build? In this episode of Ask the Expert, host Rob Leon, Chief Innovation Officer at STO Building Group, explores how AI is reshaping the construction industry—from streamlining project workflows to turning massive amounts of data into smarter, faster decisions.

Innovation Expo: How Outbuild is Reinventing Construction Scheduling

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 07:32:50 -0400

In this episode of STO Building Group’s Innovation Expo Series, host Rob Leon sits down with Franco Giaquinto, founder and CEO of Outbuild, to explore how the company is transforming construction project management through collaborative, integrated scheduling tools.

From outdated processes like whiteboards and Excel sheets to AI-powered insights, Outbuild is helping owners, general contractors, and trade partners streamline planning, improve relationships, and deliver projects more efficiently.

Breaking Ground: Circularity Through Partnerships

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:13:54 -0400

How can the construction industry shift from a “take, make, waste” cycle to a circular economy? In celebration of Zero Waste Week, host Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group is joined by Tim Conway, VP of Sustainability at Shaw Industries, and Avery McKitrick Sustainability Coordinator to explore how takeback programs and supplier partnerships are transforming waste management on jobsites.

Boston’s Circular Shift: Building Smarter, Greener, Better

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 07:10:14 -0400

In celebration of Zero Waste Week, join Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group, Michael Orbank, Sustainability Manager, Northeast Region at STO Building Group, and Andrea Love, Principal and Director of Building Science at Payette, as they explore how Boston teams are turning demolition into deconstruction—leveraging partnerships across owners, designers, contractors, and vendors while navigating policy, storage, and market challenges.

Inside NYC’s Push for Material Circularity

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:12:59 -0400

In honor of Zero Waste Week, join Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group, Ryan Hughes, Sustainability Manager at Structure Tone New York, and Tiffany Williams, Sustainability Manager at Rudin, as they explore how selective deconstruction, material recovery, and take-back programs are transforming NYC construction.

Ask the Expert: Mastering Building Façades with Michael Signorile

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 08:35:42 -0400

In the latest episode of Ask the Expert, Michael Signorile, Exterior Envelope Supervisor at Pavarini McGovern, dives into the world of building façades. From design considerations and constructability reviews to cutting-edge technologies like BIPV and electrochromic glass, Signorile shares strategies for delivering high-performance, energy-efficient, and visually striking façades on complex projects.

Built to Chill: Exploring Cold Storage Construction

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 06:51:58 -0400

What does it really take to build high-performance cold storage facilities in today’s market?
Join Layton Construction’s National Building Group as Executive Vice President Eric Nay hosts a dynamic conversation with Thomas Gubbins, Director of Client Relations and Pre-Construction, Christopher Webb, Design Manager, Sean Doherty, Project Manager, and Mike George, Vice President of Operations on the booming world of cold storage construction. From refrigeration systems to convertibility, automation, and emerging trends, the team shares real-world insights and what sets Layton apart in this highly technical and fast-growing sector.

Ask the Expert: The Elevator Playbook with Michael Walsh

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 09:10:18 -0400

In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert, series, Michael Walsh, Vice President of Elevator Construction Consultants at STO Building Group, shares key insights into elevator system planning, coordination, and innovation. From design-phase red flags to the rise of AI-powered elevators, Walsh breaks down strategies that keep projects on schedule and performing at their best.

Next-Level Building: Drones, AI, and Reality Capture

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 09:58:31 -0400

How is reality capture technology changing the way we build? Join Greg Dunkle, STO Building Group’s Chief Operating Officer, Jon Ferguson, Vice President of Virtual Design and Construction at Layton Construction, Austin Lay, Senior VDC Manager at Layton Construction, and James Pipe, Chief Product Officer at Drone Deploy as they explore how tools like drones, 360 cameras, and AI are transforming project accuracy, documentation, and data management on today’s jobsites.

Ask the Expert: Safety Innovations with Keith Haselman

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 08:58:53 -0400

In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series on the Building Conversations podcast, STOBG’s Senior Vice President of Safety, Keith Haselman, explores the cutting-edge innovations—like drones, wearables, AI, and radar—reshaping how we keep jobsites safe.

Stacking the Deck: The Rise of Mass Timber in Modern Building

Fri, 23 May 2025 10:08:53 -0400

Could mass timber be the catalyst for the next era of construction efficiency and sustainability? Join Doug Kroll, Director of Business Development at Layton Construction, Pete Kobelt, Director of Mass Timber at STO Building Group, and James Litwin, Vice President of Construction at Harbor Bay, as they dissect how this groundbreaking material is streamlining project delivery, enhancing design flexibility, and reducing environmental impact.

Ask the Expert: The Future of Workplace Design with Stephen Dennis

Fri, 16 May 2025 08:02:32 -0400

In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series, STOBG’s Global Services Account Executive, Stephen Dennis, breaks down the biggest cost trends shaping commercial interiors in 2025—from finish levels and permitting pain points to post-pandemic design priorities. Join Stephen as he dives into practical insights on workplace densification, sound design, and how companies are planning for the next decade of office space.

Innovation Expo Series: Featuring BuildVision

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 13:54:30 -0400

What’s the future of procurement in construction? At STO Building Group's Innovation Expo, Chief Innovation Officer Rob Leon was joined by David Hamilton, Senior Vice President of Construction Procurement Solutions (CPS), and Ben Lyddane, COO of BuildVision, to discuss how technology is reshaping procurement processes. Their conversation explored the challenges facing traditional procurement, the innovative solutions BuildVision brings to the table, and how smarter procurement strategies can drive efficiency and success in project delivery.

Innovation Expo Series: Featuring Join

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 08:40:04 -0400

Today’s episode features a conversation from STOBG’s Innovation Expo Series—a video series designed by STOBG Innovation to help professionals in our industry learn more about the construction technologies and process improvements revolutionizing construction. This session features a conversation between Rob Leon, STOBG’s Chief Innovation Officer, and Andrew Zukoski, Founder and CEO of Join, a collaborative preconstruction platform.

Women Who Build: Strength, Family, and Inclusion in the Field

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 16:36:28 -0400

What does it take to balance motherhood and a career in construction? In this special Women’s History Month collaboration episode, join Rebecca Leonardis, STO Building Group’s SVP of Marketing and Communications, Stacey Dackson, Structure Tone New York's Vice President of Operations, and Tonia Rivers, host of Mothers in Construction and owner and president of WLS Construction Consultants, as they dive into what it means to build not just structures but legacies—juggling deadlines, leadership, and the unique challenges of being not just women, but mothers, in the industry.

Ask the Expert: Navigating Office-to-Residential Conversions with Brooks McDaniel

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:46:48 -0400

In the latest episode of the Ask the Expert series, STOBG Senior Vice President of Building Repositioning, Brooks McDaniel, explores the complexities of office-to-residential conversions. Join Brooks as he debunks common myths, breaks down cost comparisons, and discusses design challenges, zoning impacts, and government incentives shaping these transformative projects.

Ask the Expert: Exploring Life Sciences Construction with Jennie Taveras

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:36:01 -0500

In our Ask the Expert series, STOBG Vice President & Life Sciences Sector Leader, Jennie Taveras, discusses the intricacies of life sciences construction. Join Jennie to learn what we mean when we say ‘life sciences,’ how builders are keeping up with the rapid advancement of medical and research technology, and what strategies are helping us deliver projects faster and safer than ever before.

Ask the Expert: Decoding Net Zero with Jennifer Taranto

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 08:16:38 -0500

In our newest Ask the Expert series on the Building Conversations podcast, STOBG’s Vice President of Sustainability, Jennifer Taranto, explores the evolving world of net zero buildings—what it means, key drivers behind the movement, and how government regulations, renewable energy, and emerging technologies are shaping the future of sustainable construction.

Studio Shifts: Building the Future of Broadcast & Media Spaces

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 08:23:03 -0500

Have you ever thought about where all your favorite podcasters record? Join Kiera Brady, Structure Tone New York Project Manager, Scott Corneby, Structure Tone New York Executive Vice President, Michael Farrell, Structure Tone New Jersey Regional Vice President, and James Dunn, Pavarini North East Project Manager, as they discuss what goes into constructing broadcast and media spaces—and how our approach as builders is evolving with the advancement of technology.

Synergy on Site: Exploring IPD

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:48:37 -0400

NYC's Commercial Reinvention: Office to Residential (RE-RELEASE)

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 06:11:45 -0400

With more than 25% of the country’s office stock projected to become obsolete by 2030, how is an international commercial hub like New York City adapting? Join STOBG’s SVP of Building Repositioning, Brooks McDaniel as he discusses the city’s trend towards residential conversion with commercial design leader and managing partner at MdeAS, Dan Shannon.

Building a Mindful Connection: The Built Environment & Mental Health (RE-RELEASE)

Mon, 20 May 2024 10:09:13 -0400

Join STOBG’s VP of Human Resources, Keith Lodge, as he interviews Lauren Moss, SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Vornado Realty Trust, Dr. Whitney Austin Gray, SVP at the International Well Building Institute (IWBI), and Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STOBG about the connection between the built environment and mental health.

Controlled Implosions & Campus Construction at Vanderbilt University

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 08:09:06 -0400

From the controlled implosions of two existing towers to groundbreaking sustainability efforts, the design and construction of Vanderbilt’s newest residential colleges has it all. Join Brooks Rutledge and the project team as they reflect on the highlights of this one-of-a-kind campus transformation.

From the Boardroom: Wisdom From Women at the Top, Part 2

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:54:55 -0500

Exploring the essence of leadership: Join Claudia Healy, STOBG's Chief Human Resources Officer, as she interviews three members of STOBG's Board of Directors—Jane Chmielinski, Natalie Gochnour, and Julie Schoenfeld—on their experiences, challenges, and lessons on shattering glass ceilings and redefining leadership in their respective fields. (Part 2 of 2)

From the Boardroom: Wisdom From Women at the Top, Part 1

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 08:54:45 -0500

The Slingshot Effect: Today’s Mission Critical Market

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 08:49:09 -0500

The post-pandemic data center boom isn’t slowing down, so how are hyperscalers, builders, and manufacturers keeping up? Join STO Mission Critical Project Executive, Jim DiNoia, as he discusses the influx of mission critical work with SVP of STO Mission Critical, Martin O’Neill, and Vice President of Data Center Engineering at Sentinel Data Centers, Nick Marzorati.

Transformative Tech: Eliminating Construction Silos with Day 2+, Part 2

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:52:46 -0400

What is Day 2+? Join Executive Chairman of STOBG, Jim Donaghy, SVP of Technical Operations, Steve Neeson, and Structure Tone New York’s Director of Special Projects, Marc DeLuca as they explore how this cutting-edge platform will transform the construction process, the roles of project team members, and the way CMs collaborate with clients and partners. (Part 2 of 2)

Transformative Tech: Eliminating Construction Silos with Day 2+, Part 1

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 11:51:30 -0400

An Oral History of Structure Tone: Rebuilding After 9/11 (RE-RELEASE)

Thu, 07 Sep 2023 11:49:20 -0400

On September 11th, 2001, our Structure Tone team lost a number of friends, clients, family members, and partners, as well as three of their own—Brendan Lang, Anthony Peluso, and Kieran Gorman. In their memory, we're re-releasing Episode 6 of Structure Tone’s Oral History series, featuring a number of long-time New York employees remembering their experiences that day.

Paving the Way: How Construction Drives Economic Vitality

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 06:13:10 -0400

How can builders leverage the full strength of our communities? Join Jay Smith, President of Ajax Building Company, as he interviews Ajax’s Director of Outreach and Vendor Diversity, Ted Parker, and two members of the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality, Keith Bowers and Darryl Jones. Together, they discuss the power of partnership when it comes to engaging MWDBE businesses and how these DEI efforts help drive Tallahassee-Leon County’s economic well-being.

Building a Mindful Connection: The Built Environment & Mental Health

Tue, 20 Jun 2023 15:07:21 -0400

What role does the built environment play in influencing our well-being? Join STOBG’s VP of Human Resources, Keith Lodge, as he interviews Lauren Moss SVP and Chief Sustainability Officer at Vornado Realty Trust, Dr. Whitney Austin Gray, SVP at the International Well Building Institute, IWBI, and Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STOBG about the connection between the built environment and mental health.

NYC’s Commercial Reinvention: Office to Residential

Wed, 24 May 2023 08:33:18 -0400

An Oral History of Structure Tone: A New Chapter

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 14:45:55 -0400

The 2010s sparked an age of reformation—for the construction industry and for New York City. Inspired by the momentum, Structure Tone invested in a new HQ that would not only reflect the company’s roots but serve as a beacon for progress. Tune in to Episode 7 of Structure Tone’s 50th Anniversary Oral History series to learn more about building this space and the impact it had on the company’s culture.

Breaking Barriers: Women in the Field

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 12:31:50 -0500

What does it mean to be a woman in the field in New York City? Join Structure Tone New York's Superintendent, Kiera Brady, VP of Operations, Stacey Dackson, and Project Manager, Eileen McCarthy, as they share their experiences, their insights, and the challenges they faced building some of NYC’s most iconic projects.

An Oral History of Structure Tone: The Beginning (RE-RELEASE)

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 09:38:01 -0500

It’s Irish American Heritage Month! In honor of Structure Tone's Irish roots, we’re resharing a favorite podcast episode from Structure Tone’s Oral History series—featuring founder, Pat Donaghy, telling his immigration story.

Special Joint Episode - TSX Broadway: Raising History in Times Square

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 07:54:25 -0500

TSX Broadway is being transformed into an unprecedented, entertainment-driven destination that will redefine how people engage with Times Square. In this special joint episode with The Anti-Architect Podcast, Pavarini McGovern Vice President, Jason Vesuvio teamed up with Christian Giordano, President & Co-owner of Mancini Duffy, to tell the story of this iconic project—including lifting the historic Palace Theatre 30 feet in the air.

Featuring insights from Bill Mandara Jr., CEO and Co-owner of Mancini, Tony Mazzo, President of Urban Foundation/Engineering, Benjamin Alper, Associate Principal of Severud Associates, and Joe Levi, Project Manager at Pavarini McGovern, and co-hosted by Jason and Christian, this episode covers the who, what, when, and why of the TSX Broadway theater lift, as well as what’s next for the team as construction continues.

https://tsxbroadway.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-anti-architect-podcast/id1552247664

Alternative Project Delivery Defined

Fri, 18 Nov 2022 08:17:55 -0500

Design-build, design-assist, IPD, hybrid approaches—what’s the difference between each of these delivery methods, and how do owners determine which approach is right for them? Join Govan Brown’s Colin Gray, Structure Tone New York’s Stephen Soviero, Layton Construction’s David Burton, and LF Driscoll’s Ed Hanzel as they compare their experiences leveraging alternative delivery models in markets across North America.

An Oral History of Structure Tone: Rebuilding After 9/11

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 08:28:13 -0400

It’s been 21 years since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. We lost a number of friends, clients, family members, and partners, as well as three of our own—Brendan Lang, Anthony Peluso, and Kieran Gorman. In their memory, Episode 6 of Structure Tone’s 50th Anniversary Oral History series features a number of our long-time New York employees remembering their experiences that day, the people we lost, and our company’s role in recovery and rebuilding.

An Oral History of Structure Tone: Building Relationships in the ’90s & ’00s

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 10:04:31 -0400

In the 1990s and 2000s, Structure Tone was growing so quickly that the company’s office space could hardly keep up! From welcoming a handful of new faces to winning the iconic MetLife project, tune in to Episode 5 of Structure Tone’s 50th Anniversary Oral History series to learn more about this transformational period for the business.

Speed to Market: STO Mission Critical in Texas

Thu, 30 Jun 2022 11:49:07 -0400

In the fast-paced world of mission critical construction, speed matters—and builders everywhere are looking for game-changing solutions that will help them deliver on cost, quality, and schedule. Join Grant O’Neal, Operations Manager for STO Mission Critical in Dallas, Brett Skyllingstad, VP of Business Development for Structure Tone Southwest, Chris Shackelford, Project Executive for Structure Tone Southwest, and Al Jaurez, a Helix Steel expert, as they explore the mission critical market in Texas and an innovative approach to concrete reinforcement.

Mastering Uncertainty: The Construction Supply Chain

Thu, 23 Jun 2022 08:09:02 -0400

What happens when even the best-laid plans are consistently challenged by supply chain disruptions? Join David Hamilton, VP of Purchasing at Structure Tone, Joe Rossi, Executive Director of Workplace Delivery & National Real Estate at Verizon, Charlie Pavelec, SVP of Shambaugh’s Electrical Division, and Tom Ike, EVP of Lutron Electronics, as they dive into the day-to-day challenges and long-term opportunities today’s unpredictable supply chain represents.

Building Repositioning: Creating a Greener World

Mon, 18 Apr 2022 08:09:47 -0400

When it comes to building repositioning, what motivates developers to build green? Tune in as Curtis Brown, STOBG’s VP of Business Development explores that topic from all angles—from environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to new emissions regulations—with Brian Geller, Senior Sustainability Manager at The Durst Organization, Brooks McDaniel, SVP of Building Repositioning at STO Building Group, and Jennifer Taranto, VP of Sustainability at STO Building Group.

An Oral History of Structure Tone: Era of Expansion

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:23:10 -0400

By the 1980s, Structure Tone leaders began considering opportunities outside of New York City—but growth for the sake of growth wasn’t exactly the plan. Tune in to Episode 4 of Structure Tone’s 50th Anniversary Oral History series to hear our regional leaders reflect on what drove this exciting era of expansion.

Preserving History at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (RE-RELEASE)

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 08:01:14 -0400

In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, we're re-releasing one of our earliest podcasts. Join Rich Schneider and Mike Neary of Structure Tone New York as they discuss preserving and updating New York City’s venerated St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Layton’s Approach to VDC

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 08:24:22 -0400

The demand for BIM and VDC solutions is growing stronger every day—and builders need to continue to innovate and evolve to keep up. Join Public Relations Manager, Bryan Packer, as he discusses Layton Construction’s unique approach to BIM and VDC with the company’s virtual design and construction team: Jeff Metcalf, Vice President of Information Systems, Jon Ferguson, Director of Visualization, and Tim McLachlan, Director of BIM.

The Power of Partnership: MWDBEs

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 15:14:24 -0500

In honor of Women in Construction Week, Danielle Simone, STO Building Group Vice President & Regulatory Compliance Counsel, had a candid conversation about the MWDBE process with one of Structure Tone New York’s longtime partners, and President of Egg Electric, Ellen Aschendorf, as well as Structure Tone’s Regional MWDBE Manager for the Northeast, Mafe Alizo.

Evolving Expectations in the Industrial Sector

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:07:27 -0500

In the fast-paced world of industrial construction, every second counts—but delivering the highest quality product on time, on schedule, and on budget, has never been more challenging. Join industrial construction experts Jeff McKinnon, Senior Director of Corporate Development at Govan Brown, Eric Nay, Executive Vice President of Layton Construction’s National Building Group, Scott Frank, Project Executive at LF Driscoll, and Jason Quinn, Senior Vice President of Estimating at Pavarini McGovern as they discuss the evolving obstacles of building in the high-speed, high-tech industrial sector.

Quality Construction: A Celebration of Workmanship

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 17:17:36 -0500

Why is a zero-punch project so elusive? Join STO Building Group Executive Chairman, Jim Donaghy, as he discusses the ins and outs of delivering a top-quality project with a project team that recently completed a zero-punch move-in on an 110,000sf headquarters: BCCI Construction’s Studio Director & Quality Manager, Lisa Dunmeyer, BCCI Field Operations Manager, Matt Ludwig, and Principal with AP+I Design, Meera Agrawal.

Supporting Mental Health in Construction

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 09:02:28 -0500

Pain isn’t always obvious, especially on a construction site. Join Abbie Klein, Vice President of Benefits, Compensation, & Special Projects at STO Building Group and co-chair of the STOBG mental health committee, as she discusses the history of mental health issues in the construction industry with trained psychotherapist and lecturer, Beth Glanville and sustainability manager at Structure Tone London, Roseanna Hart.

An Oral History of Structure Tone: Building in the ‘80s & ‘90s

Mon, 20 Dec 2021 14:36:46 -0500

From pagers and payphones to physical change orders, building in the 1980s was certainly different! Tune in to Episode 3 of Structure Tone’s 50th Anniversary Oral History series to hear current and former tenured employees recall the energetic atmosphere of building in the ‘80s and ‘90s, some groundbreaking project wins for Structure Tone, and the fun memories made along the way.

An Oral History of Structure Tone: Creating a Family Culture

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 16:01:01 -0500

The celebration continues! In episode two of Structure Tone’s 50th Anniversary Oral History podcast series, we’re honored to share a special appearance from the legendary leader of operations, John White Sr., as well as stories about growing up in the business from several members of the company’s executive leadership team: STO Building Group’s Executive Chairman, Jim Donaghy, Structure Tone’s Regional COO, John White Jr., and STO Building Group’s Executive Vice President of Client Relations, Eugene White.

An Oral History of Structure Tone: The Beginning

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 08:32:43 -0400

2021 marks Structure Tone’s 50th year in business! Join us as we continue to celebrate how far we’ve come through a special oral history podcast series. Today we are honored to share the reflections of company founder, Patrick Donaghy. Listen in on how the company came to be, what’s behind our client-first approach, and some funny stories along the way.

Building for Blast

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 08:10:37 -0400

Join Justin Goodman, director of business development at Structure Tone Southwest, as he discusses the complexities of building blast resistant structures with subject matter experts: Aaron Westover, vice president of the industrial division at Rigid Building Group, Chris Talley, regional vice president of Structure Tone Southwest, and Rudy Tejeda, vice president of industrial work for Structure Tone Southwest.

The Possibilities of Smart Buildings

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 16:15:28 -0400

What makes a smart building smart? Join Structure Tone New York Project Manager & Mechanical Specialist, Doug Kruser, as he discusses the vast possibilities of smart building systems with two partners he worked with when building and implementing the award-winning smart building technology in WarnerMedia’s 1.2Msf Hudson Yards headquarters: Michael Krall, Executive Director of Smart Buildings at JPMorgan Chase, and John Hester, Owner & Chief Consultant at Hester Consulting, LLC.

The Evolution of Corrections & Detention Facilities

Fri, 06 Aug 2021 15:46:55 -0400

From mental health considerations to modular design and delivery, correctional facility design and construction has transformed over time. Join Senior Vice President of STO Building Group, Amy Wincko, as she interviews three corrections construction experts: VP of Ajax Building Company Jay Smith, VP of Layton Construction David Burton, and Construction Manager at Layton Construction Dave Whimpey.

A Mission Critical Market Update: EU & UK

Thu, 15 Jul 2021 08:01:18 -0400

How has the transition to post-pandemic life impacted the mission critical market? Join Structure Tone London’s business development director, Richard Irwin, as he gains insight into the UK and European data centre markets from three mission critical experts: John Wilson, Director at SMBC and specialist in data centre financing, Will King, Managing Director of DC Byte, and Jason Monks, Mission Critical Project Director at Structure Tone Dublin.

Space as a Service

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 16:06:12 -0400

From sit-stand desks to changing the way the world thinks about coworking—join us for a pre-pandemic discussion between Joseph Cribbin, president of Structure Tone Southwest, and Jeff Lamb, president and COO of Vari, a Texas-based company that’s redefining the workplace, one space at a time. Since the interview, the way we interact with the built environment has changed drastically, making Vari’s commitment to offering space as a service as relevant as ever.

LF Driscoll's Modern Approach to Diversity

Mon, 03 May 2021 07:56:28 -0400

Diversity is a fact; inclusion is a choice. Join LF Driscoll’s EOP and controls manager, Saege Steele, as she discusses what’s worked—and what hasn’t—when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the construction industry with two executives who are leading the charge: Blane Stoddart, president and CEO of BFW Group, and Mike Delaney, executive vice president at LF Driscoll.

Innovation & the AEC Angels, Part 2

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 08:06:43 -0400

Determined to drive innovative change from within the industry, Thornton Tomasetti, STO Building Group, Syska Hennessy, and SHoP Architechs formed the AEC Angels to assess, test, fund, and accelerate promising AEC technologies. Join Rob Leon, executive VP of STO Global, as he speaks with two founding members of the AEC Angels—Executive Chairman of Thornton Tomasetti, Tom Scarangello, and Executive Chairman of STO Building Group, Jim Donaghy—about what the group is testing now, and what parts of the AEC process they’re looking to disrupt next. This is PART 2 of our two-part interview with Tom and Jim.

Innovation & the AEC Angels, Part 1

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 16:54:06 -0400

In an industry that’s been historically slow to adopt the latest technologies, the architecture, engineering, and construction fields present incredible opportunities for tech investors and developers alike. Determined to drive innovative change from within the industry, Thornton Tomasetti, STO Building Group, Syska Hennessy, and SHoP Architechs formed the AEC Angels to assess, test, fund, and accelerate promising AEC technologies. Join Rob Leon, executive VP of STO Global, as he discusses the origin and purpose of the AEC Angels group with two founding members—Executive Chairman of Thornton Tomasetti, Tom Scarangello, and Executive Chairman of STO Building Group, Jim Donaghy. This is PART 1 of our two-part interview with Tom and Jim.

The US Northeast Corridor: A Life Sciences Supercluster

Fri, 26 Feb 2021 17:56:40 -0500

With all eyes on the industry developing and manufacturing the vaccine, five markets across the US Northeast—Boston-Cambridge, Washington D.C., New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York City—were named in the top ten US life science clusters by CBRE. Join Kaitlyn Blazer, business development manager at Structure Tone Philadelphia, as she discusses the life sciences construction boom with experts in the region: Pat Toner, STO VP and national life sciences sector leader, Stephen Neeson, SVP of operations and life sciences sector leader for Structure Tone New Jersey, and Nick Cassaro, senior life sciences project manager for Structure Tone Boston.

Mass Timber Construction: The Carbon Sequester

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 08:17:00 -0500

From the embodied carbon associated with construction materials to the operational carbon produced throughout a building’s lifecycle, the design and construction industry has the opportunity to make a big impact when it comes to carbon. Join STO Building Group’s director of sustainability, Jennifer Taranto, as she interviews two subject matter experts: David Briefel, sustainability director and design resilience leader at Gensler, and Jeff Morrow, president of J. Morrow Solutions, as they discuss the ingredients of net zero carbon buildings and how mass timber construction can fit into the equation.

A Holistic Approach to Flex Space with Hana, Part 2

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 11:41:35 -0500

What can the physical workplace offer the next generation of workers? Join Executive Vice President of STO Global Services, Rob Leon, in PART 2 of STO’s two-part interview with Hana’s Director of Brand & Communications, Lindsay Wester, and VP Global Head of Product & Experience Design, Andrew Kao, as they discuss the Hana Innovation Partners program and how COVID-19 could transform the way future workers think about the office.

A Holistic Approach to Flex Space with Hana, Part 1

Mon, 04 Jan 2021 13:17:52 -0500

Creating spaces where people with purpose can accomplish great things—that’s Hana’s mission. But what does a flexible workplace look like in the post-pandemic world? Executive Vice President of STO Global Services, Rob Leon, spoke with Hana’s own Director of Brand & Communications, Lindsay Wester, and VP Global Head of Product & Experience Design, Andrew Kao, about how the flexible space provider is preparing their spaces for what’s coming in the short-, medium-, and long-term. This is PART 1 of our two-part interview in Lindsay and Andrew.

Taking the Lead to Return to the Workplace

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 08:24:53 -0500

As COVID-19 shifted what a “workplace” should look like, organizations across the globe have mobilized to pull together new protocols and practices for their workspaces as they consider when and how to bring back staff. In April, the Govan Brown team began discussing this very challenge with clients, many of whom really weren’t sure how to approach their return. Join Govan Brown’s SVP of corporate development, Trevor Howie, as he interviews VP of human resources and CSR, Sarah Paul, and special projects manager, Jordan Winter, about how they turned Govan Brown’s own COVID-19 playbook into a guide to help their clients and nonprofit partners return to the workplace.

A Look at AEC Remote Learning with ENR

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 12:16:27 -0500

In construction, the best education is the one you get on the job. But in a world where remote learning is the only option, how is the AEC industry—particularly the hands-on field of construction—teaching, mentoring, and hiring students and new graduates? That’s what Debra Rubin, ENR’s Editor-at-Large for management, business, and the workforce, was hoping to find out when she reached out to Greg Dunkle, CAO of STO Building Group, back in September. Now as the college semester is coming to a close, Greg and Debra reconnected to discuss her findings.

The Post-Pandemic Workplace

Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:28:02 -0400

With millions still working from home, what does the post-pandemic workplace look like, and how is the corporate interiors market preparing for this new normal? Join Executive VP of STO’s Global Services group, Robert Leon, and STO’s Director of Sustainability, Jennifer Taranto, as they discuss the pandemic’s impact on commercial real estate, design, and construction—from short-term infection control measures and tech solution to new sustainability, wellness, and safety standards.

Construction Across the Tri-State

Mon, 17 Aug 2020 08:46:48 -0400

When New York shut down construction earlier this year, Connecticut and New Jersey followed suit—or so it seemed! With active projects in New York, New Jersey, and across Connecticut, Pavarini North East juggled three sets of state guidelines and continued building in several COVID hotspots. Join PNE’s director of operations, Brian Boyce and director of project administration, Katlyn Tracey, to find out what it was like to continue operating while surrounded by shutdowns.

Mission Critical in the Age of Social Distancing

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 07:57:28 -0400

When the world transitioned to working, learning, and socializing from home in the blink of an eye, how did the internet—and its critical infrastructure—keep up? On this episode, we talk to Terence Deneny, VP of STO Mission Critical, about how internet providers, telecommunication firms, and social networking companies have handled the influx of traffic and how he thinks the pandemic will affect the future of mission critical real estate and construction.

Adapting to the New Normal On Site

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 16:37:13 -0400

What does a safe jobsite look like during a global pandemic? The construction industry has experienced mass shutdowns across several regions in the US but work in the Midwest and the South has ramped up. Layton Construction operates in both regions and is currently working at record volume. On this episode, join Paul Drecksel, COO, and Jeff Beecher, EVP of operations at Layton Construction to hear how they’ve been adapting their safety protocols on site and in real time.

Shutting Down and Gearing Up in Boston

Fri, 22 May 2020 11:34:04 -0400

From shutting down jobsites across entire cities in some regions, to working through the crisis in others, the construction industry has been turned upside down by the global pandemic. As the project community continues to navigate this new normal of heightened safety standards and mandated social distancing, we’re virtually interviewing construction leaders from across our markets to find out how they’ve responded to the changing circumstances. On this episode, the first in our new COVID series, join Mike Ryan, SVP of Structure Tone Boston, to hear what it was like to be the first city in the US to shutdown all jobsites.

The Evolution of Data

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 08:38:08 -0400

What’s changed in the European data center market since IBM opened its first international office in 1956? On this episode, join Jason Monks, Structure Tone Dublin’s in-house data center expert, and Garry Connolly, president and founder of Host in Ireland, as they discuss the evolution of data and data centers, the benefits of hosting digital assets in Ireland, and why Irish contractors are the top choice when it comes to designing, building, and operating data centers across Europe.

The Value of CRE Tech

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 16:50:41 -0500

In an age where landlords are more like hoteliers, how can commercial real estate technology enhance the tenant experience? On this episode, join Jonathan Schultz, an early-stage seed investor and thought leader in the CRE tech space, for a behind-the-scenes chat about the evolution of technology, opportunities for innovation within the AEC industry, and embracing change.

Bonus Episode: Building Hope with Make-A-Wish

Mon, 02 Dec 2019 07:39:36 -0500

How can the AEC industry band together to give back? Tune in to our special bonus episode to find out how NYC's real estate and construction community has joined forces with Make-A-Wish to bring joy to little New Yorkers living with critical illnesses.

Preserving History at St. Patrick's Cathedral

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 09:41:12 -0500

What does it take to restore every square inch of a century-old structure? Join Rich Schneider and Mike Neary of Structure Tone New York as they discuss preserving and updating New York City’s venerated St. Patrick’s Cathedral. From hand-cleaning every inch of the interior to implementing a unique mist fire suppression system, the project was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all involved.

Data-driven Design

Thu, 17 Oct 2019 21:03:13 -0400

What happens when weeks of robust research and data collection meet workplace design? Find out how Aaron Schiller’s award-winning design firm uses in-depth analytics to help their corporate clients boost productivity.

Tradeswomen the Trailblazers

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 16:36:31 -0400

With more women in construction management roles today than ever before, have we forgotten about tradeswomen and their fight for gender equality on site? On this episode, meet Lorien Barlow, director and producer of Hard Hatted Woman, the first feature-length documentary film about women breaking down gender barriers in the construction trades.

ACTion in the world of VDC

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 07:38:00 -0400

Imagine a world where the design team, construction team, and their subs work directly from a shared, buildable model. Join Clayton Lyons, Donal Lyons and Xinan Jiang to find out how STO's Advanced Coordination Team (ACT) is doing just that by leveraging construction technology differently.

Building Repositioning in NYC

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 16:20:00 -0400

To build new or transform the old? Join Jason Vesuvio, vice president of core and shell firm Pavarini McGovern, as he discusses building repositioning in the ever-evolving landscape of New York City.

Sustainable Building

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 09:51:00 -0400

Ever wonder when the construction industry started paying attention to sustainability and wellness? In this episode, you'll get an inside look at the push for healthier, more sustainable buildings from Sustainable Construction Leader (SCL) and International Well Building Institute (IWBI) Award Winner, Jennifer Taranto.

Trailer

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 15:26:00 -0400

From utilizing technology in the field to searching for a more sustainable approach to building, today nearly every field in construction is pressing up against the limitations of the past. Powered by the STO Building Group, Building Conversations is a monthly interview series focused on the trends that are driving our industry to new heights.