Virginia Tech ICTAS Engineering Building

State-of-the-Art Science/Lab Facility • Constrained University Site • Signature Campus Facility • Repeat Client

Designed by internationally renowned architect Pei Cobb Freed in partnership with Burt Hill Architects of Washington, D.C. , the Critical Technology and Applied Sciences (ICTAS) engineering facility was developed to support leading edge development in applied and fundamental research in multi-disciplinary areas; specifically, bioengineering, biomaterials, nanotechnology communications and sensor technologies. The 4-story, 99,000sf concrete-framed structure clad in traditional “Hokie Stone” is complimented with precast concrete window surrounds and glass curtain wall. The project includes BSL 2 research facilities, classrooms, multi-user common areas and offices for research faculty and post-doctoral appointments. Each laboratory is equipped with gas, chemical-resistant waste piping, fume hoods and snorkel ventilation systems, as well as, complex HVAC and ventilation systems, building automation controls, heat recovery units and fire alarm/suppression systems. Interior products include high-end finished laboratory casework, terrazzo and welded sheet vinyl flooring. Site work included the extensive coordination, removal and relocation of existing utilities.

Location: Blacksburg, VA

Owner: Virginia Tech

Architect:

Size: 99,000sf

Delivery:Design-Bid-Build

General Contracting

News

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Catherine Underwood
LEED AP
Sr. Vice President
Business Unit Leader
Roanoke - Virginia


Cathy Underwood joined Branch in May 2000 after completing her master’s degree at Virginia Tech and began her employment as an estimator. She has worked as a Project Manager and then as a Project Executive where her organizational and problem-solving skills have proven invaluable in bringing complex projects to successful completion. Cathy has worked on a variety of projects using different procurement methods including CM@Risk, Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build. Cathy has successfully managed numerous highly visible, large magnitude projects ranging in value from $5 million to $110 million. As a respected construction executive, she has earned an outstanding reputation for establishing true partnerships with her clients by ensuring that client objectives drive all of Branch’s efforts. Cathy’s impressive resume includes projects within all project sectors, including K-12 and higher education, science/lab, commercial, government, retail, industrial, historic adaptive re-use, athletic and multi-family residential projects. In addition to leading Branch’s Roanoke office, Cathy also oversees Branch’s robust PPEA work program.


Email: cathyu@branchbuilds.com
Phone: 540-989-5215
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Berton Austin
Vice President | Business Operations
Business Unit Leader | Richmond – Virginia


Berton offers a dynamic and diverse construction industry background with a specialty in the Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing disciplines. Over the course of his 16+ year career, Berton has served in numerous industry roles and capacities, including project management, MEP coordination, estimating, special projects coordination, business development and owner representation. He has a successful track record for planning and delivering projects of all magnitudes via CM@Risk, Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build delivery. Berton’s role at Branch is two-fold; providing senior-level project management of project teams as well as MEP coordination on sophisticated, large-scale projects. He also serves Branch with special projects coordination in advancing the firm’s SOPs and company core values.  Berton’s client-oriented, project-first mentality has led to many repeat-business opportunities over the course of his career and makes him a valued member of the Branch team.


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George Nash, Jr.
Business Unit Leader
Herndon – Virginia


Prior to joining Branch Builds, George worked for Facchina Construction Company where his most recent role was Director of Business Development. Throughout his 35+ year career George has worn many hats and has experience in Preconstruction, Operations, and Business Development.  He is responsible for pursuing work that is in line with Branch capabilities and our expanding market presence. He has managed a multitude of projects, ranging from small and large commercial buildings to public stadiums. George has great experience and relationships with clients and subcontractors within the Northern Virginia and DC Metropolitian market.
George served as the 2018 National chair of Associated Builders and Contractors and lead the 21,000-plus member construction association’s executive committee and board of directors, served as its spokesperson and guided its national initiatives on workforce development, safety, and political advocacy.



Email: georgen@branchbuilds.com
Phone: 703-368-3500
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Craig Floyd
President


Craig became president of Branch Builds, Inc. in December of 2010 after having served in various project management capacities and as Vice President of Operations since 2002. As President, Craig is the proud steward of continuing the highly respected Branch legacy. He is responsible for setting the overall vision and direction of the company, building and aligning the Branch team to achieve company goals and maintaining a motivating and fun culture. Craig has focused a great deal of his attention on  developing a high performance team culture at Branch. His strategic vision for Branch remains centered around their three fundamental core values:  Relationships sustained by mutual benefit and respect, Exceptionalism and a commitment to outstanding performance, Ownership and Accountability in everything we do.   Under his leadership, Branch’s service-oriented culture, exceptional resume and reputation, and collaborative project delivery methods have led to their continued growth. Headquartered in Roanoke, Virginia, Branch has three additional locations:  Richmond, Herndon and Charlotte, North Carolina.


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Carmen Agra-Boitnott, CPA
Controller


Carmen joined Branch Builds in May 2018 after 10 years as Business Unit Controller of a global construction materials manufacturer. She is a native of Roanoke, a cum laude graduate of Roanoke College and began her 20 years of accounting experience in public accounting. She has worked in both corporate and operational roles, excelling at process improvement and implementation, and she has also had success in team building and people development, having last led a sizable staff responsible for product lines worth more than $250 million in revenue. Her leadership roles in key projects have led to improved customer service, software solutions, enhanced collection of disputes, effective monitoring of pricing and successful SAP implementation. She brings to Branch a wealth of knowledge and a strong ability to develop relationships with internal and external customers.


		


				

				            
		
	




	

				

				

		

				
			

		
John Gardner, III
Business Development


John Gardner is a sales/marketing professional with over 24 years of experience, the last 20 in the construction industry.  John has led Branch’s business development function for the last 8 years, focusing on the development of collaborative, negotiated CM@Risk and Design-Build project opportunities as well as enhancing relationships with clients and industry partners.  He also oversees proposal development and is integral to numerous other related marketing initiatives.  As a relationship builder, John conducts himself with enthusiasm, integrity and a passion for identifying solutions for our client’s complex construction needs. His selfless approach to assisting prospective clients, existing clients and industry partners alike has earned John the reputation for being an authentic advocate for the many projects and clients he has engaged with over the course of his accomplished career in construction. John holds a B.A. in Psychology from Roanoke College and an M.A. in Industrial /Organizational Psychology from Radford University.  He remains active in many forms within the Southwest Virginia business and charitable communities, consistent with his thirst for getting involved and making a difference.


		


				

				            
		
	




	

				

				

		

				
			

		
Tony Brown
Vice President  |  Estimating


Tony Brown offers over three decades of experience in the construction industry, having served as a Project Engineer, Project Manager, Estimator, Chief Estimator and Preconstruction Manager. He has extensive estimating and construction management experience with K-12 and higher education, commercial, industrial, government, adaptive re-use, multi-family residential, hospitality and healthcare projects. He is seasoned in providing negotiated CM@Risk and Design-Build preconstruction estimating services as well as leading our estimating department’s preparation of Design-Bid-Build estimates. Tony’s CM@Risk work involves conceptual estimating, constructability review and value analysis/engineering efforts associated with Branch’s value-added preconstruction services. Tony joined Branch in 1987 and became Chief Estimator in 1998. He was named Vice President of Estimating in 2001 and maintains company-wide estimate production and review responsibilities.


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Greg Otey
Lean Program Manager


Greg joined the Branch Group, as Special Projects Executive in 2016 and was charged with the merger of two companies; Branch Highways and E.V. Williams into Branch Civil. Subsequent to the merger he took on the role as Director of Equipment for Branch Civil. Today he has transitioned to Branch Builds where he will serve as Branch’s LEAN Program Manager. Greg is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute where he played football and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation from VMI, Greg worked for Lanford Brothers Construction as an entry level Civil Engineer prior to joining the USAF in 1988. Greg has over 28 years in the Air Force where he flew C-130s and led Airmen at numerous levels while supporting contingency operations in Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan, and attaining the rank of Brigadier General.


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