Ezra Kauffman-Rogoff Hired as Project Manager

Axias would like to announce that our project management team is growing! Ezra Kauffman-Rogoff has recently joined us as our newest project manager.

Ezra has more than 5 years of experience in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area experience as a manager working in the DC area, adapting to differing building and site conditions, often coordinating around publicly operational and/or occupied work sites. He is very familiar with developing, implementing and managing construction processes and documentation. Ezra is skilled at utilizing a variety of software tools on both Mac and PC Systems to communicate and coordinate professionally and effectively. Ezra holds a master’s degree in real estate from Georgetown University, where he studied project team leadership as well as practical techniques in negotiation, development, and Construction Project Management.

Axias Wins Virginia Tech Contract

Axias keeps expanding its Higher Education portfolio with the award of a new term contract with Virginia Tech (VT) to provide cost estimating and scheduling services on an as-needed basis.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), VT takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the Commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, VT offers 240 undergraduate degree programs to more than 31,000 students and manages a research portfolio of nearly $513 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.

Axias is excited to begin working with, and creating a relationship with VT.

Brookfield Properties Appoints Axias in Reston, VA

Following on our successful engagements on 655 New York Avenue in Washington, DC, and Ballston Common mall in Arlington, VA, for Brookfield Properties, we are pleased to announce continuation of our services on the new Halley Rise development in Reston, VA. The new $1.4b Halley Rise development has officially broken ground on a 36-acre office park, where we will be providing ongoing change order review services. Formerly known as Reston Crescent, Halley Rise is directly adjacent to the new DC Metro Silver Line station in Reston slated to open in 2020. This project is an eight-story mixed-use building consisting of multi-family residential spaces above a Wegmans grocery store. The development will provide downtown Reston with a new place for people to live, work, dine, shop, and socialize. Brookfield Properties is a diversified global real estate company that owns, operates and develops one of the largest portfolios of office, retail, multifamily, industrial, hospitality, triple net lease, self-storage, student housing and manufactured housing assets.

George Mason High School Off to a Great Start!

After ground-breaking in June of this year, construction started soon after on the George Mason High School Mustang’s new home.  In order to make way for the foundation work, the majority of an estimated 50,000 cubic yards of dirt was to be excavated and hauled away from the site.  Working efficiently on excavation and underground utilities contractors met their schedule goal and foundations were started for the new multi-story building. Foundations and below grade walls are well underway and steel will be starting shortly.

Monitor (live) construction progress on the project’s live Nest Cam!

https://video.nest.com/live/dLCYwGtYkm

https://video.nest.com/live/yGCBBDoseP

Axias Wins William & Mary Contract

Axias has recently won an IDIQ contract with the College of William & Mary (W&M) to provide cost estimating and value engineering services on an as-needed basis.

W&M is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the country, and a cutting-edge research university. Building on more than 300 years of innovation and excellence, W&M  breaks the boundaries between research and teaching, teaching and learning, learning and living.

The main campus is 1,200-acres; located in downtown Williamsburg, Virginia, but W&M also has campuses at Gloucester Point (Virginia Institute of Marine Science), a 42-acre campus at the mouth of the York River, a major tributary and passageway to Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and Washington, DC (The Washington Center), which runs Study in DC academic opportunities that enable W&M students to live, study and work in Washington, DC.

Ayo Idowu to Direct Cost Management Services

Axias is excited to announce the hiring of our new director of cost management services – Ayo Idowu.

Hailing from Nigeria, Ayo brings two decades of broad experience to his cost estimating projects. His early experience as a corporate in-house project manager and estimator laid the groundwork for a successful career with professional service consulting firms. His repertoire extends to all aspects of construction project procurement, including cost estimating, project management, budgeting, CPM scheduling, change order analysis and evaluation, value engineering, life cycle cost analysis, and coordination.

Buildings and infrastructure are among his specialties, the latter encompassing ports, roadways, and power plants. Ayo has also taught construction management estimating as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Shady Grove campus.

Brandon Sisk Joins Cost Management Team

Axias is excited to announce that Brandon Sisk has been hired to be part of our cost management team.

Brandon is a professional cost estimator and project manager, with over 22 years of experience in installation, estimating, and project management in the electrical field. His finely honed approach is to analyze all electrical aspects of a project with diligence, attention to detail, and commitment to task completion. He is proficient at reviewing plans and specifications, determining subcontractor needs, requesting and attaining quotes from suppliers, review and qualifying of quotes to contract documents, preparing detailed quantity take-offs, and ultimately compiling bids or cost estimates.

Axias Welcomes Victor Han

Summer is off to a great start at Axias! Victor Han just joined our talented staff as a senior mechanical engineer.

Victor comes to us from the subcontracting community and as such brings a wealth of field experience in means and methods as well as pricing. He has worked in the Washington, D.C. metro area for more than 11 years on a range of building types, from government and corporate offices, to schools, data centers and healthcare facilities. Occasionally more unique projects like breweries, private airports, and theaters have popped up. In his leisure time, Victor enjoys tennis and hiking.

Axias Works with JBG Smith at New Amazon HQ

We are extremely excited to announce that Axias has recently been awarded a contract with JBG Smith to provide Project Management support for the first of several buildings, which will become part of the new Amazon Headquarters office complex located at National Landing, Arlington, Virginia.

The project, located at 1770 Crystal Drive is a 284,749 SF repositioning of the existing building, which includes structural modifications, a full façade replacement, complete renovation of the building core systems, elevator lobbies and restrooms as well as select public and retail spaces. Features include a new entry connecting to an existing below-grade mall, new public arcade and future building lobby facing Crystal Drive and two new roof terraces at the top two floors of the building overlooking the Reagan Airport and DC monument landscape.  The building renovation will pursue LEED-CS at a Silver certification level.

Martin Miller and Cherie Mason Join the Team

Axias is pleased to welcome Martin Miller and Cherie Mason as part of the team! Martin Miller will be our newest chief cost estimator and Cherie will be our new HR manager.

Martin Miller brings more than 25 years of accomplishments in the global construction industry and an impressive track record of delivering high profile projects on-time and on-budget. Martin’s extensive experience includes management of cost estimating efforts, from feasibility studies, quantity surveys, existing condition assessments, and concept design, to construction documents and procurement, bid analysis, value engineering, quality control, claims auditing and reporting, as well as client representation.

Cherie began her career in human resources in 2012 after a successful career in professional development and meetings where she managed leadership programs and executed key meetings and high-profile events. She has always been a people person and has a passion for helping others, so HR was a natural fit for this career switch. Cherie has spent her HR career working in international and domestic HR roles across education travel and studying abroad leading the efforts in supporting people services throughout the organization. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and Shakespeare. Cherie is a native Marylander and attended Marymount University and Strayer University. She holds a BA in Business Administration.

Axias Moves Offices in VA and DC

We have recently moved our offices in both Alexandria, VA and Washington, DC. Let us know if you would like to stop in to see our new space in Alexandria, and someone will gladly take you on a quick tour. (The group shot above does not do it justice!) Our new addresses are below:

Alexandria, VA Office:
225 Reinekers Lane
Suite 200
Alexandria, VA 22314

Washington, DC Office:
1077 30th Street NW
1st Floor
Washington, DC 20005

Axias Welcomes New Cost Manager

Axias’ Alexandria office is pleased to announce that we have added to our ever-growing estimating department. Melissa Smith has joined out team as a cost manager.

Melissa has over six years’ experience in the design and construction phase. Throughout her career, she has worked on major projects across most sectors including residential, commercial, education, health and aged care, defense and infrastructure. Melissa has extensive experience in project feasibility studies, preliminary and detailed cost estimates, bills of quantities, progress work reporting, pay application review, change order assessment and project risk assessment.

Thomas Joseph Joins Axias

We are pleased to announce that Thomas Joseph has joined Axias as vice president in charge of our New York/New Jersey office. His experience covers both national and international projects with emphasis on the Tri-State Area. Always a team player when working with owners, designers, vendors and contractors on several projects at the same time, Thomas thrives in managing teams and multiple assignments. He brings extensive experience in conceptual stage cost estimating through 100% detailed estimates, continuing that expertise during construction for change management.

Axias Expands Offices to New Jersey and Colorado

Axias is pleased to announce that we’ve expanded our footprint beyond the VA/DC/MD geographical area to both New Jersey and Colorado! Thomas Joseph will head up our New Jersey/NYC operation out of East Brunswick, New Jersey, and will be providing the Northeast with the same level of quality and effectiveness we are known for. 

We have also expanded to the Rocky Mountain region, where we have an office in Avon, Colorado. Matt Owens recently relocated there and as operations director will be managing this office for us while he continues to provide all our clients with excellent cost management services.  

Axias is Providing Project Management Services for JBG Smith at 7900 Wisconsin Avenue

Axias was recently awarded a contract to provide JBG Smith with Project Management services on their brand new 7900 Wisconsin Avenue development. On completion, this 17-story high-rise building will include 322 apartments, 21,600 SF of ground-floor retail, and an 11,000 SF two-level park.

7900 Wisconsin Avenue will be a community destination - a vital hub where neighbors come together day after day to shop and mingle. Soon, the burgeoning Woodmont Triangle will be home to the most sophisticated rental building in all of Bethesda.

Axias Conducts Tour for CMAA NCC

On May 15, 2018, Owner’s Representative Project Manager, Axias, hosted a tour for CMAA’s National Capital Chapter of JBG Smith’s new office building, which is currently under construction in Bethesda, Maryland.  Chapter members were briefed on the project and then led through an on-site tour.

The new building will not only be a new trophy asset for the REIT developer, but also their new headquarters. Nestled into the bustling Bethesda Row area, the building is located within steps of popular restaurants, new offices and condominiums as well as other commercial centers. Upon completion, JBG Smith will occupy a significant portion of the available square footage alongside other high-profile tenants, such as HOST Hotels. 

The 14-story property is a post-tensioned, poured-in-place concrete frame clad in a full glass curtain-wall exterior. The progressive design will feature a monumental stair in the lobby and 2nd floor, along with several other communicating stair openings on upper tenant floors, a fitness center, and a penthouse amenity space for tenant use and interaction. Currently underway pouring the 10th floor, the building structure is set to be topped out this summer, with substantial completion scheduled for early 2019.

NCC President, Cindy Quiroz, welcomed chapter members and guests to the tour.  Axias Project Manager, Jack Mutty, presented rendered images of the building at its completion, showing how architects MGMA and Shalom Baranes have worked together with their team of consultants to produce a trophy-level building design.  Jack reviewed the project team players and their roles and responsibilities, including general construction contractor, Lendlease, and explained how the project team interacts and works well together to solve challenges.  Included in the presentation was a review of project’s safety programs and management systems/software for tracking and controlling schedule, cost and managing information.

Following the presentation, Chapter members were led through the building where they were shown several areas of construction underway.  The tour witnessed the very early stages of curtainwall installation.  One of the more challenging areas of the structure is in the area where the new building bridges over an alley and ties into the neighboring building. 

Overall, an excellent tour and presentation, and a great chance for chapter members to see first-hand best practices in use on a challenging project. 

Axias is Helping UVA Move Alderman Library into the 21st Century

Axias is proud to announce that we are providing the University of Virginia with Cost, Scheduling and Value Engineering services on their $160 million renovation of Alderman Library. Alderman, completed in 1938, is at capacity and far out of code. Replacing its book stacks and adding more classrooms and workspaces should take the building into its second century.

The first phase of the two-stage renovation would require demolishing the Old and New Stacks and permanently moving some of the collection off-site to the new Ivy Stacks building, located on Old Ivy Road and set to be completed this spring. By 2023, planners expect the cramped stacks to be replaced with brighter and cleaner compact shelves that are easier to navigate and aren’t a fire hazard. They also want to add more seating and open stacks, as well as update the electric, fire safety and plumbing systems.

Axias Awarded GSA Schedule

Axias is pleased to announce that we have recently been awarded a GSA SCHEDULE contract.  The Professional Services Schedule (PSS) enables Federal agencies to procure total professional service solutions using a single Multiple Award Schedule (MAS).  Following a rigorous approval process, which includes a review of the firm’s established quality control standards, relevant project experience, as well as outstanding past performance, Axias has successfully demonstrated to GSA our capability to provide services under two Special Item Numbers (“SIN’s”) for Construction Management and Engineering Consulting Services, and Budgeting.

Services provided under SIN 871-7 Construction Management and Engineering Consulting Services include construction management, engineering consulting, project management, and related professional services specifically pertaining to real property.  As an approved contractor performing construction management services, we can become the professional adviser to the customer agency, and as principal agent, advise or manage the process over the project regardless of the project delivery method used.  Construction Management and Engineering Consulting services include, but are not limited to, facility condition assessment, design phase support, procurement support, commissioning services, testing services, construction claims support, post-construction engineering services, and other related technical consulting services.

Under SIN 520-12 Budgeting, Axias can provide services to the Federal government and related agencies for budgeting, estimating and cost management services.  Services under this SIN include assessing and improving the budget formulation and execution processes, conducting special reviews to resolve budget formulation or budget execution issues and providing technical assistance to improve budget preparation or execution processes.

Axias "Takes Off" in Support of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority

Axias recently teamed with McKissack & McKissack in support of the Airports Authority in providing Project Controls services on a number of design and construction projects at both Ronald Reagan National and Washington Dulles International Airports as well as the Dulles Toll Road.

Reagan National Airport has begun work on “Project Journey”, a $1 Billion multi-project intended to transform the passenger experience by freeing up movement inside Terminal B/C and ending busing to remotely parked aircrafts at Gate 35X. The result will provide passengers with greater connectivity, more shopping and dining choices, and a more pleasant post-security environment.

Our Project Controls Services include Construction cost estimating, Contractor’s proposals review, Value Engineering, Claims Analysis, Design submittal estimate reviews, Pre-bid estimate validation, Bid negotiation support and Special projects.

Axias is Continuing Work at the National Institute of Health with Three New Projects

Axias is pleased to announce its continued work at the National Institute of Health (NIH) with the addition of three new projects, all with HOK: Surgery and Radiology Building (Building 10), Utility Vault and Patient Parking Garage, and National Library of Medicine (First Floor).

For the Surgery and Radiology Building, Axias. will be verifying and validating the approved NIH-developed Program of Requirements (POR) for the 475,000 SF of created space (385,000 SF new building plus 90,000 SF renovation) to house critical hospital functions.

The Utility Vault and Patient Parking Garage project includes a 700-car-space garage, including all necessary support spaces and utility systems, which will allow for the existing garage to be closed, repaired, and repurposed. The new garage will accommodate the surface patient and visitor valet parking spaces and will also include an underground pedestrian tunnel linking the garage to the new Surgery and Radiology building.

The National Library of Medicine project involves repurposing the existing reading room spaces, the library’s entrance foyer, and existing exhibition space to better meet current needs.