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Georgia Tech Campus Improvements

Over six months, Leapley Construction delivered 11 concurrent renovation projects on the Georgia Tech campus as part of a Master Task-Order Contract. The renovation work included: 

Howey Physics Building Quantum Kimchi Office Renovation – Leapley transformed under-utilized space into a classroom and two offices with new finishes, soffits, paint, window treatments, and specialty fire protection equipment.

Ford Environmental Science & Technology Building (ES&T) Lang Lab Fit-up Leapley transformed a standard lab into a two-room lab space, with both wet and dry laboratories. Renovations included the demolition of existing casework and installation of new casework, including new fume hoods and bench space. Leapley also delivered new finishes, paint, and ceiling tiles.

ES&T Loading Dock Sprinkler Modifications – Leapley relocated the existing sprinkler system, installed new specialty sprinkler heads, added new exterior ceiling tiles, and installed custom overhead signage.  

North Avenue Apartments West Reception Area & General Upgrades – Leapley renovated the reception area and corridors throughout the student housing facility, including updated signage and unique finishes on each of the five floors. 

Engineering, Science and Mechanics Building Painting – Leapley managed lead abatement removal throughout the building to prepare the interior surfaces for new paint. Throughout the abatement process, Leapley ensured containment protocols were followed to ensure the building occupants could continue to safely use the space. Once lead abatement was complete, Leapley painted all stairwells and corridors within the building.

Campus Recreation Center (CRC) Sprinkler Replacement – Leapley replaced sprinkler heads throughout the recreation center’s basketball and indoor pool facilities. To maintain access to the pool’s high dive platform, Leapley utilized additional scaffolding to safely replace overhead systems. 

IPS&T Main Atrium Sprinkler Relocation – A research institute linking Georgia Tech and the international paper industry, the Renewable Bioproducts Institute operates out of the building colloquially known by its former name – the Institute of Paper Science and Technology (IPS&T). Because this facility is heavily trafficked and home to a historic, immovable 1700s era paper press, the renovation to the IPS&T fire protection system was the most challenging component of the Master Task Order work. Leapley removed a concealed spline ceiling, 50-feet above the receptionist area, replaced sprinklers throughout the atrium, installed new standard tile ceiling, and replaced all exiting light fixtures. To ensure the safety of historic pieces and the building occupants, the Leapley team devised an innovative metal and wood containment system, built extensive scaffolding, and installed overhead protective barriers. Leapley collaborated closely with the university and the fire marshal to drain the sprinkler system while protecting the beams and replacing sprinklers per the Georgia Tech Yellow Book standards for construction projects.  

Campus Warehouse Phase 2 Storage Consolidation – Leapley turned an open floor plan warehouse into usable office space for Georgia Tech’s Housing Department. The work included the construction of new drywall partitions, flooring, specialty lighting, millwork, and a custom racking system. Leapley also installed a new dry sprinkler system in the building and provided training to the building occupants on its functionality and appropriate emergency response protocol. While completing the interior renovation, the team replaced the entire exterior loading dock. The work included new concrete footings, bollards, steel handrails, a custom pit leveler, new overhead roll-up doors, and a new galvanized metal roof. 

Van Leer Electrical and Computer Engineering Building Distribution Replacement – Leapley utilized a shaft wall system to install new conduit and replace the 4160v electrical distribution system. The work included removal of abatement containing plaster ceiling and fireproofing. To allow occupants to safely use the space during abatement, the Leapley team phased the work across five locations. During abatement, the team contained all locations and conducted specialty testing prior to allowing occupant reentry. Due to the age of building, Leapley discovered several areas that required immediate remediation to continue construction. With the help of the Georgia Tech design team, Leapley repaired all building conditions and delivered a successful project. 

Cherry Emerson Generator – Leapley installed a new generator system to ensure an uninterrupted power supply for the sensitive research conducted in the School of Biological Sciences. While managing asbestos abatement in the 55-year-old facility, Leapley coordinated with the professors operating in each of the 56 dust-sensitive labs to coordinate precise equipment placement and prevent disruption to ongoing research efforts. This project included extensive exterior work to prepare the location to receive the generator. Specialty testing was required for the turnover of this generator, including 4 and 8 hour load bank test. To ensure no power was lost during testing, Leapley worked with our electrical subcontractors to install complex temporary generators onsite. This project included specialty electrical and mechanical components in both the interior and exterior of the building.

Project Details:

Location:

Atlanta, GA

Size:

70,300 SF

Client/Owner:

Georgia Institute of Technology

Design Team:

Multiple, including:
Concord Project Consulting
Cooper Carry
Warren Epstein & Associates Architects

Awards:

First Place, Build Georgia Awards, AGC of Georgia

Photography:

Katie Bricker
Campus Warehouse only

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HEATHER RICH

Vice President

Heather Rich is an accomplished leader with 23 years of experience in design and construction operations. A former President of CREW Atlanta, Heather Rich is well-known in the Atlanta commercial real estate community for her expertise in delivering complex projects. For 16 years, Heather has strengthened Leapley’s reputation as an expert contractor by building exceptional spaces for global brands like NCR, Equifax, Siemens, and Visa. She is a quick-paced and results-oriented leader who is as meticulous in her efforts to solve client challenges as she is in developing operational talent in the Leapley organization and mentoring the next generation of project leaders. With industry insight and strong relationships in the Atlanta commercial real estate community, Heather delivers competitive pricing while leading operational teams to deliver superior results for Leapley’s clients and trade partners.

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BRIDGET MASSENGILL

Vice President

With 15 years spent working in the commercial interiors industry in Atlanta, Bridget supports Leapley’s growth in the company’s key market segments by strengthening partnerships in the industry, establishing new business relationships to increase project opportunities and leading work-winning efforts. She works closely with Leapley’s operations leaders to implement and execute Leapley’ s business development strategy and achieve the company’s strategic revenue and profitability goals. ​​​​​​​

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HEATHER LOVERN

Director of People

Heather Lovern entered the industry in 2003 as a designer focused on asset strategy and tenant improvement and quickly realized her true passion was the people driving the business. She quickly transitioned to leading Human Resources functions, training, and Learning and Development for organizations engaged in Atlanta commercial real estate. Heather’s diverse operational experience in the field gives her a unique perspective that allows her to help employees in the industry find success, both professionally and personally. Heather’s expertise lies in thoughtfully approaching the complex, human side of business every day to increase employee satisfaction and achieve company goals. In her role as Director of People, Heather drives human capital strategy and initiatives for Leapley Construction, working closely with leaders to design and implement programs that enhance the organization’s culture and employee value proposition.

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JOSEPH LAU

Director of Finance and Project Accounting

An accomplished professional with 17 years of corporate finance experience in multiple commercial and service industries, Joe Lau leads the Project Accounting and Coordination functions at Leapley Construction. He began his career in the Atlanta commercial real estate market in 2007 with roles in property and facilities management, while building his financial expertise in multiple commercial and service sectors. Joe holds an MBA with a specialization in Finance and Accounting from Georgia State University. He is adept at P&L analysis and management, financial modeling and reporting, and streamlining efficiencies in finance processes and procedures. With deep expertise in operations, leadership, and business development, Joe is a strong leader who connects diverse teams in pursuit of shared operational and financial goals.

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DAVID GOODSON

Vice President

David Goodson is an accomplished operational leader with 13 years of experience delivering complex construction and capital improvement projects. Leveraging his background in facility management for Norfolk Southern and The Coca-Cola Company, David joined Leapley Construction in 2019 to lead commercial construction projects for global brands in the metropolitan area. Under his leadership, Leapley Construction successfully built the 523,000 SF Microsoft Atlanta corporate campus – the largest project in Leapley Construction’s history – while achieving 52% diverse supplier inclusion and earning significant industry recognition. As Vice President, David leads project teams to deliver complex commercial construction projects for high-profile clients while improving operational efficiencies and implementing strategic initiatives  to support the company’s continued growth and sustainability.  

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MARK CLEVERLY

Vice President

With 30 years of construction experience, Mark is an accomplished leader with in-depth expertise in Leapley Construction’s core Healthcare and Higher Education markets. Originally from the suburbs of London, UK, Mark earned a degree in Quantity Surveying from Anglia Polytechnic University. He held multiple roles in the construction industry with various UK general contractors before moving to the United States in 2012. Mark deepened his estimating, preconstruction, and project management expertise in the local Atlanta market through multiple projects for large healthcare organizations like Piedmont, Northside, and Emory. Passionate about community building, Mark has been extensively involved in the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Georgia, serving on multiple committees and the Board of Directors, eventually assuming the role of Chairman for a term in 2022. Mark co-hosts the Building Leaders Radio Hour Podcast, sharing industry insights from construction leaders.

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FRANK FOTIA, PE

Vice President

As Vice President of Operations for Leapley Construction, Frank oversees teams delivering work in multiple strategic verticals while expanding developing markets. An accomplished construction executive with 17 years of construction experience centralized primarily in Atlanta, Frank is a licensed Professional Engineer with deep expertise in base building, interior construction, and major renovation. He’s a self-described lifelong learner who is passionate about delivering results through servant leadership, a relationship driven approach, team building, operational excellence, and client advocacy.

Frank holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Clemson University.  

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ALAN SCOGGINS

President

Alan discovered his passion for construction as a student at Auburn University – through civil engineering coursework and field experience with the cooperative education program. In the 17 years that followed, he managed many healthcare construction projects for a national general contractor before joining Leapley Construction in 2011 to manage operations of the growing business. Alan is a hands-on leader, a focused and decisive builder, and an advocate for sustainability. Since 2012, he has served on the board of directors for the Lifecycle Building Center to promote the reuse of construction materials and reduce construction waste in landfills. Under his leadership, Leapley safely delivers award-winning projects on-time and within budget in three focused commercial interior markets.

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MEREDITH LEAPLEY

CEO & Founder

Recognized as a Most Admired CEO by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, an Outstanding Woman in Construction by Construction Business Owner Magazine and one of Atlanta’s “Top 500” leaders by Atlanta Magazine, Meredith Leapley leads with integrity and compassion. Raised in Maryland, Meredith moved to Atlanta in 1999 and founded Leapley Construction to prioritize people throughout construction. Since then, through her involvement with CREW Atlanta, WBENC, CoreNet, Big Brothers Big Sisters, GSU WomenLead, Atlanta Women’s Foundation and Crafting Futures Together, she has maintained that focus and nurtured the business to deliver meaningful impacts to the community while earning annual revenues in excess of $120 Million.