Shawmut Design and Construction

Shawmut Design and Construction is a leading national construction management firm headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1982, the company provides a comprehensive suite of services across diverse sectors including academic, cultural, healthcare, hospitality, and life sciences markets. With a workforce of over 1,200 professionals and a portfolio of complex, high-profile projects, it has established a significant presence in major markets across the United States.

History

The company was established in 1982 by founder James S. Ansara, who began operations with a focus on interior fit-out projects in the Greater Boston area. Its early growth was fueled by the 1980s economic expansion and a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship on projects for prestigious universities and financial institutions. A pivotal moment came in the late 1990s, when strategic leadership under Les Hiscoe helped transition the firm from a regional contractor to a national construction management enterprise. This period saw significant geographic expansion, opening offices in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas. The firm's evolution continued with its 2018 acquisition by the global investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, providing further capital for growth and technological investment.

Services

The firm operates as a full-service construction manager and general contractor, offering a wide range of specialized services. Core offerings include comprehensive preconstruction planning, construction management at-risk, and design-build project delivery. It provides extensive expertise in virtual design and construction, utilizing advanced Building Information Modeling and immersive technology for project coordination. Specialized service lines cater to complex sectors such as historic preservation, sustainable construction targeting LEED certification, and highly technical laboratory and cleanroom builds for the biotechnology industry. The company also maintains dedicated groups for workplace interiors and restaurant construction.

Notable projects

The company's portfolio includes many landmark projects across the United States. In the cultural sector, prominent examples include the transformative renovation of The Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the construction of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Within academia, it has managed significant builds for Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Stanford University. Its hospitality work features major projects for brands like Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and Marriott International, including luxury properties in Las Vegas and Miami. In healthcare, it has completed advanced facilities for Massachusetts General Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic. The firm is also a major builder in the life sciences boom, with numerous research and development facilities in Boston's Kendall Square and San Francisco's Mission Bay.

Leadership and company structure

The firm is led by Chief Executive Officer Les Hiscoe, who has held the position since 2015 and has been instrumental in its national growth strategy. The executive leadership team includes presidents for its major geographic divisions, overseeing operations in the Northeastern United States, Western United States, and Florida markets. The company is organized into dedicated market sector groups—such as Healthcare, Higher Education, and Commercial Real Estate—each led by senior vice presidents with deep sector expertise. Following its acquisition by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, the firm operates as an independent subsidiary, with a board of directors comprising industry veterans and investment partners.

Recognition and awards

The firm has received widespread industry recognition for its project execution, safety record, and corporate culture. It has been consistently ranked among the top contractors nationally by publications like Engineering News-Record and Building Design+Construction. Its projects have earned numerous honors, including awards from the American Institute of Architects, the Boston Society of Architects, and the Urban Land Institute. The company is also frequently recognized for its commitment to workplace safety, receiving repeated STEP Platinum awards from the Associated Builders and Contractors. It has been named a "Best Place to Work" by outlets such as Boston Business Journal and Modern Healthcare, highlighting its employee-focused culture.

Category:Construction and civil engineering companies of the United States Category:Companies based in Boston Category:Construction companies established in 1982