WorkplaceUSA Receives National Merit Award At 2001 ABC Excellence in Construction Awards

Dallas, Texas (February 26, 2002) - WorkPlaceUSA, a Dallas-based provider of integrated workplace solutions was honored with a Merit Award at the 2001 Associated Builders and Contractors’ (ABC) National Excellence In Construction Awards. In November 2001, the company was also recognized with ABC’s regional Merit Award for its renovation of Mount Vernon, a historical 10-acre Dallas estate built in 1927.  This qualified the company to advance to the national level based the success of its integrated design/build process, which facilitated completion of the project in less than half the time originally estimated, resulting in significant cost savings.

WorkPlaceUSA won the ABC National Merit Award by applying its unique design/build approach - which was traditionally implemented only on commercial projects - to the renovation of Mount Vernon. Treating the estate as a commercial project, the company successfully utilized a series of forward-moving project management techniques rarely found in residential construction. The flexibility of the design/build process let certain parts of the project begin before design plans were finalized, helping shorten construction timetables while saving time and money.  Having architectural, design and construction personnel working as a fully integrated team under one roof also helped WorkPlaceUSA complete the project well ahead of schedule.

“To be recognized for our efforts at the national level is both a great honor and a tremendous accomplishment for all the WorkPlaceUSA team members and service providers who have worked so diligently to make the restoration of Mount Vernon a success,” said John Amend, WorkPlaceUSA President and CEO.  “At the same time, it once again not only reinforces our expertise, but also makes a strong statement about our ability to consistently provide the level of service and support customers of all sizes and types look for on quick-turn projects.”

WorkPlaceUSA subcontractor Mills Electrical Contractors also participated in the ABC National Excellence In Construction Awards.  They took home an Eagle Award, top prize in the Electrical Commercial category for projects under $2 million, for its work on the Mount Vernon renovation.  Their work included the installation of a new electrical infrastructure for the estate’s fully renovated main house and pool house, as well as the installation of wiring for a new guesthouse and show car garage.

Associated Builders and Contractors is a national trade association representing 23,000 contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and related firms across the United States.  It is the only national association devoted exclusively to the merit shop philosophy of providing the best management techniques, finest craftsmanship and most competitive bidding and pricing strategies in the industry, regardless of labor affiliation.  Merit shop companies employ approximately 80% of all construction workers.  ABC is committed to developing a safe workplace and high performance workforce through quality education and training with comprehensive safety and health programs.

The ABC Awards of Excellence Program has become the premier competition within the construction industry that recognizes outstanding construction projects across the nation.  Awards are presented in the following categories: Mega Projects (Over $100 Million), Commercial, Electrical, Historical Restoration, Infrastructure, Institutional, Mechanical, Metal Building, Renovation and Specialty Categories.  The 2001 award winners were recognized at a gala presentation at the 52^nd Annual ABC Convention, held at the Hilton Riverside Hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Recognized as an innovative, creative and “out of the box” solutions company, WorkPlaceUSA has been developing new thought processes and revolutionary systems for the commercial real estate industry for the last fifteen years. WorkPlaceUSA is widely recognized as a comprehensive source for workplace solutions for clients nationwide, and has developed a unique, integrated project management system that simplifies the planning and implementation of complex business decisions, significantly compressing project schedules and controlling costs. WorkPlaceUSA offers integrated services in architecture, interior design, construction, brokerage, engineering, development, real estate finance, and technology. Headquartered in Dallas, WorkPlaceUSA is a private company with annual revenues exceeding $700 million. WorkPlaceUSA’s vision provides for globally expanding its end-to-end business services to encompass virtually every industry impacting the workplace including telecommunications, e-commerce, financial services, human resources, insurance, energy services, transportation, procurement and many other business services.