Last updated on May 22nd, 2024 at 04:04 am

Many variables come into play into building an office space that is simultaneously beautiful and functional. This list presents Philadelphia firms that are capable of increasing office space, updating the firm brand, improving employee productivity, and making recruitment easier. No matter how big or small the update, these firms have a team of contractors capable of creating quality work, and many have principals that possess decades of experience and creative ability.

The firms on this list are also known to bring home Building Excellence Awards, Safety Awards, Construction Excellence Awards, and even Builder of the Year Awards. Alongside these awards are rankings within established industry magazines like Engineering News-Record (ENR), Remodeling Magazine, Qualified Remodeler, and Inc. Magazine.

Many of these firms also hold memberships with organizations like the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA).

10) McBrick Building Group

112 Edison Furlong Rd., Doylestown, PA 18901

Established in 2000, McBrick Building Group is a full-service general contractor known for building projects for the senior living, commercial, residential, and industrial sectors. One notable example is a corporate office fit-out for a new facility at American Baptist Home Mission Societies in King of Prussia. A modern workspace, it has a reception area featuring custom-made walnut flitch panels. All this wood was collected from a single tree to ensure that the grain of the wood matched. You’ll find, in the center, a futuristic concave desk made of Corian. Above, unique halo lighting helps highlight the 3form transparent panels behind the desk. Along with this upscale lighting is trough lighting down both corridors converging at a feature wall with a light formed cross. Like the reception area, the office and conference rooms are also lit by modern LED lights that help provide an energy efficient workplace. With beautifully crafted furniture and handmade, imported, subway tiles and polished concrete flooring, this fit-out is state-of-the-art.

McBrick Building Group was established in 2000. Noel Weiss currently serves as its president. Noel started his industry career in 1971 framing houses while on summer break from Kutztown University. Throughout his career, Weiss has spearheaded more than a thousand construction projects and now brings that extensive experience to the firm, constructing senior living facilities, health care institutions, and commercial fit-outs.

9) The Sullivan Company

2 LaGrange Ave., Essington, PA 19029

The Sullivan Company’s most notable advantage is the team itself. Established in 1995, it has carpenters who boast the skills and equipment to do fine restoration and new construction. These contractors and superintendents also have at least 20 years of experience in the field and have a minimum of OSHA 10 training. The firm is also affiliated with several industry organizations including the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), the American Concrete Institute (ACI), the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), the Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), and the Urban Land Institute (ULI).

Through the hard work of this qualified team, the firm was able to do projects for numerous companies including HSBC Bank, Deutsche Bank, the Philadelphia Stock Exchange, and the Department of Energy. Another example of the firm’s work is Systche’s fin wall construction. Since the lobby previously had bare, white walls, the fin wall’s texture brought a bright and open feel to the space.

8) Irwin and Leighton Commercial Builders

1014 W. 9th Ave., King of Prussia, PA 19406

Irwin and Leighton Commercial Builders grew into the million dollar company it is today thanks to its ingenuity and its ability to form solid relationships. When it was established in 1909, the firm was soon working with some of the biggest names of the era: Pennsylvania Railroad, Bell Telephone, Sears Roebuck, and Ford Motor Company. The firm also renovated Princeton University’s Holder Courtyard and Firestone Common room made famous as one of the locations of 2001 Academy Award Winning film A Beautiful Mind.

Since then the firm has completed renovations and additions for Lockheed Martin Space Systems. Completed for one of the firm’s oldest clients, this project included two additions: an 18,000 square-foot High Bay for antenna systems testing and a 17,000 square-foot multipurpose meeting and training facility called the Patriot Center. The firm also connected new additions to campus buildings and extended utilities from existing mechanical spaces through occupied areas to the new addition.

The firm has been included on ENR’s 2016 list of top Mid-Atlantic contractors and it has gained affiliations with the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), and the Urban Land Institute Philadelphia. Currently, Irwin and Leighton Commercial Builders is led by firm president and CEO Travis E. Getney who started his career at the firm in 1998 as a project manager before his experience, attention to detail and devotion helped him gain his current role.

7) Souder Brothers Construction

499-A Horsham Rd., Horsham, PA 19044

Since its establishment in 1978, Souder Brothers Construction has been known for providing a full range of services for high-end residential and commercial construction. A versatile construction company, it has completed additions and renovations for Quaker Valley Foods. Even though Quaker Valley Foods continued to operate during the project, the firm was able to install the main lobby’s new architectural cable railing system, put in a new two-stop LU/LA elevator, complete renovations to existing offices, and put in some roof replacements.

Currently, the firm is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Bucks County. It also works under the guidance of firm owner and president Bill Souder who started his construction career by doing carpentry projects for neighbors. By the age of 20, Bill and his brother Tom had started Souder Brothers Construction which continued on with a stable, 20-year history. By 1999, Bill Souder started a new services division and built up the new department into a seven million dollar business in less than a decade.

6) Structure Tone

1500 Walnut St., Suite #1410, Philadelphia, PA 19102

Annually building 1,500 projects, Structure Tone is known to have 130 LEED accredited professionals after being established in 1971. Due to the combination of vast resources and years of experience, the firm has become one of the leading construction management firms in the country. The firm makes use of cutting-edge technology, including virtual tools that help reduce project costs and shorten schedules.

The firm has countless visually appealing projects, but one great example is a 52,000 square feet high-end office space. The project involved completely renovating the 40th floor of the existing building, re-configuring, and updating the 41st, and cutting in a grand floating staircase that would link the two floors. This space includes a mixture of open workstations and enclosed offices, collaboration areas, conference rooms, focus rooms, and large meeting areas. The staircase, in particular, holds a complex design that required a variety of materials and finishes. The columns supporting the open area around the staircase were wrapped from top to bottom in elegant marble stone from Italy.

The firm has won numerous awards such as the General Building Contractors Association (GBCA)’s Best Cultural Institution Project and the Construction Excellence award. It also won the AIA Philadelphia Chapter’s Award of Excellence and was ranked by the Engineering News-Record (ENR) as the #1 New Jersey Interior Contractor, the #1 Philadelphia Contractor, and was also ranked 15th in ENR’s list of top contractors.

The firm is also a member of industry organizations that include the American Society for HealthCare Engineering (ASHE), USGBC, and NAIOP. Currently, executive chairman James K. Donaghy leads the firm. A dynamic and creative leader, James has led the implementation of development and training programs. He’s also the driving force behind Structure Tone University, a dynamic international education and development resource.

5) D and B Elite

681 Moore Rd, Suite #102, King of Prussia, PA 19406

D and B Elite was only established in 2010 but the firm has team members who have well over 60 years of combined experience in both design and construction. Committed to high-level service, D and B Elite is able to deliver new homes, new communities, home remodeling projects, and commercial construction. One great example of the firm’s work is the Wyomissing Development Group fit-out. Completely gutted, the 2,400 square foot space gained new offices, a conference room, a private bathroom, a kitchen, a fitness gym, and a reception area. The office also features custom cabinetry, granite countertops, a tile backsplash, and a custom private shower. The space also has new soundproof walls.  

Recognized for its quality design and construction, D and B Elite is a member of many local, regional, and national builder and remodeler associations such as The Home Builders Association (HBA) of Berks County, The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), The National Association of Homebuilders Remodelers (NAHBR), The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA), and The Pennsylvania Builders Association (PBA).

Alongside these memberships, the firm has also won numerous awards including the HBA of Berks County’s 2019 Builder and Remodeler of the Year. In the previous year, the firm was also ranked #295 on Qualified Remodeler’s 500, #5 in Lehigh Valley 45 Fastest Growing Businesses, and #85 for Remodeling Magazine’s Top 550. The firm has also been featured in publications such as Reading Eagle.

D and B Elite currently has three divisions stemming from three founders. The commercial construction was started by Dan Gring. With 14 years of construction experience, Gring has built over 300 homes and has controlled more than $10 million worth of inventory. He also has extensive experience in all facets of commercial construction including medical, business, retail, multi-family, and residential. Over time, Gring has become responsible for over two million square feet of office fit-out remodeling and over one million square feet of ground-up commercial building construction.

4) Bittenbender Construction

5 N Columbus Blvd., Pier 5, Philadelphia, PA 19106

Bittenbender Construction is known as one of the fastest-growing and most diverse construction companies. Though only established in 2003, it has completed commercial projects for the cultural, academic, healthcare, retail project, and corporate sectors. One notable project from the corporate sector is the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Built with L2Partridge architects, complete renovations on Chamber offices were completed even when as tenants occupied the building. During all this, a 4,000 square foot swing space was fitted adjacent to the existing office space on the sixth floor, completed through a series of five checker-board phases. In just eight months, the entire 27,000 square foot space was remodeled.

Bittenbender Construction has been featured in many industry publications like the 2014 issue of Construction Today and the Philadelphia Business Journal where it was named one of 2016’s largest contractors and women-owned businesses in the Philadelphia region. Aside from publication features, the firm also won a number of awards. Most recently, it won the 2017 AIA’s Honor Award for Architecture. The firm is a member of the Certified Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), the GBCA, and the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Emily Bittenbender guides the firm as managing partner. She is known as the first woman to lead the male-dominated General Building and Contractors of Philadelphia in its 125-year history. Bittenbender also won the 2016 Paradigm award, an award presented to a businesswoman whose outstanding professional and personal achievements serve as a model for success.

3) C. Erickson and Sons

2200 Arch St, Suite #200, Philadelphia, PA 19103

Erickson and Sons is one of Philadelphia Business Journal’s top general contractors, and they take home the GBCA’s Construction Excellence Award so often it feels like an annual event. Serving the Philadelphia region for over 65 years, the firm has completed projects across market sectors including, but not limited to, institutional, law, educational, healthcare, hospitality, food service, utilities, and corporate. One of these numerous, notable corporate projects is the tenant relocation and fit-out for Benefits Data Trust. The work included the demolition and installation of the main reception area. They also built communicating stairs, private offices, open workstation areas, a call center, a library, a cafe, meeting spaces, and a server room. A 42,000 square foot project, the firm houses approximately 250 employees.

Aside from projects like this, the firm has also won numerous awards. Most recently, the firm won the Preservation Alliance’s 2019 Grand Jury award, the 2018 CREW Philadelphia Awards’ Community Impact Award, and the 2017 GBCA Construction Excellence Award for the best fit-out. Since then, it has been featured in industry magazines like Mainline Suburban Life and Business Wire. It maintains membership in organizations like AIA, GBCA, and the AGC of America.

2) Intech Construction

3020 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19104

Established in 1986, Intech Construction is known to serve the area’s major academic and cultural institutions, private developments, and the healthcare, hospitality, and business sectors. Its work for  Grosvenor Fund Management with Eimer Design Architects is particularly notable. An 8,500 square foot space that required a tenant interior fit-out, this was a tightly scheduled project that required the space to be occupancy-ready within nine weeks. During this short time frame, a custom, fabricated-millwork incorporating reclaimed wood was built alongside a custom, Germany-manufactured Nanawall system.

Intech Construction is a member of the AIA and the USGBC and is one of the firms holding several high ranks within the industry. Currently, it holds the 5th rank for Philadelphia Business Journal’s list of Top 25 contractors, the 21st rank for ENR’s Top Mid-Atlantic Contractors, and the 246th rank for the National Top 400 contractors. Alongside these rankings, the firm also won numerous awards including the 2019 Preservation Alliance Economic Impact Award for the Lincoln Square Train Shed Rehabilitation. In the previous year, it won the Cultural/Worship Award of Merit for the Free Library of Philadelphia 21st Century Libraries. In 2017, it won the Preservation Alliance’s Grand Jury Preservation Achievement Award for its work on the University of Pennsylvania’s Hill College House. In addition to such awards, Intech Construction has also been featured in publications like the Philadelphia Business Journal, Architect Magazine, and Philly.com.

Currently, it’s being led by managing principal and founder, Craig Sabatino who is most known as an active and hands-on manager who regularly visits job sites and stays updated with project issues. Twice recognized as Entrepreneur of the year, Sabatino was also included on Philadelphia’s prestigious “40 Under 40” list in his early years. After graduating from Gettysburg College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, he also gained a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management from Drexel University.

Alongside Sabatino is co-founder William Schwartz. Most known for his conceptual thinking, Schwartz was called Entrepreneur of the Year twice and was also a recipient of Philadelphia’s 40 Under 40 award. Schwartz also has a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering/ Management from MIT.

1) Clemens Construction Company

The Drexel Building, 1435 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19102

Clemens Construction Company is a general and carpentry contractor that has built projects for Princeton University, The Ritz Carlton, Sofitel, Old Navy, the AIA, and the GBCA. Founded in 1979 and currently headed by firm president Stephen Pouppirt, it is experienced in complex urban infill projects and construction for a range of sectors, including ground-up commercial, education, hospitality, institutional, and multi-family. A great example of the firm’s many notable projects is its commercial fit-out work for JKRP Architect’s office. A regional co-working space called The Yard is another project worth your attention. An interior fit-out project, it was honored by the Philadelphia Business Journal as A Cool Office of 2017.

In addition to these visually appealing projects, the firm has also crafted a number of other award-winning spaces. Just some of its most recent awards come from the GBCA’s Building Excellence Awards. In 2018, it won the Best Education Project award for the Lawrenceville School’s Abbott Dining Hall. In the same year, it also won two Safety Awards. In 2017, it won the Best Historic Project award for its work on Park Towne Place, and Best in Craftsmanship for the University of Pennsylvania’s Moelis Family Grand Reading Room.

This firm is a member of several industry organizations such as the AGC of America, the USGBC, the Preservation Alliance, the GBCA, the AIA, and the Subcontractors Association of Delaware Valley.

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