The Challenge
Working in a live airport environment demands more than technical expertise — it requires precision, coordination, and a deep understanding of security and operational priorities. At San Francisco International Airport (SFO), our team tackled this challenge while delivering HVAC and plumbing upgrades in high-security areas, including Customs and Border Protection (CBP) zones, detention suites, and passenger corridors.
Innovation through Phased Construction – The 'Aha' Moment
From the start, we took a proactive approach through phased construction. By aligning airport construction zones with operational boundaries, we enabled each area to go live immediately, without relying on temporary HVAC systems or returning to previous phases. This strategy ensured secure, uninterrupted turnover and kept the project moving forward without delays.
We used targeted laser scanning to fill gaps in the existing documentation and identify ceiling congestion early. These scans allowed us to prefabricate assemblies with confidence, eliminating guesswork, reducing rework, and accelerating installation in tight spaces.
Our team leveraged prefabrication to reduce onsite labor and streamline logistics. We delivered complete assemblies, such as restroom carrier racks and domestic pipe kits, just in time to meet phase milestones. This is especially important for airport construction projects, as it minimizes site congestion and ensures a clean, efficient installation in secure areas.
To maintain momentum, we led weekly pull planning sessions with field leadership. These collaborative meetings included SFO operations, Building Inspection & Code Enforcement (BICE), and FAA stakeholders. These meetings allowed us to coordinate milestones like crane lifts and rooftop unit installations. We secured CBP badging for all field crews and developed more than 30 project-specific safety and access plans to ensure full compliance with airport protocols.
The Bottom Line
In collaboration with our trade partners and SFO, we delivered mechanical and plumbing upgrades in a secure, 24/7 airport environment without disrupting the passenger experience. Through early planning, phased construction, and close coordination, we kept the airport fully operational while upgrading critical systems.
Senior Content Marketing Strategist
As Senior Content Marketing Strategist, Lindsay Janssen manages our content lifecycle. From ideation, creation, and editing through distribution, measurement, and maintenance, and creating a content strategy, she develops new and innovative ideas for our digital marketing channels.
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