Corey Harris joins Kitchell as Director of Business Development for Southern California. With over two decades of experience in the construction industry, Corey brings unparalleled expertise in business development, strategic partnerships and client relationship management to his new role.

As the Business Development Director for Southern California at Kitchell, Corey will play a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth and success in the region. His responsibilities will include identifying, qualifying, and pursuing new business opportunities while nurturing existing client relationships to ensure long-term partnerships and project success. Additionally, Corey will focus on fostering and developing new client relationships to expand Kitchell’s footprint in the Southern California construction industry.

Corey’s journey from his early career experiences as a Quality Assurance Manager with the United States Army Corps of Engineers to his most recent role as a Business Development Manager at A1 Management & Inspection Inc. (A1MI) underscores his dedication to the construction management industry. His transition from roles primarily focused on quality assurance and control to business development reflects his passion for making meaningful connections and contributing to the industry’s growth.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Corey is actively engaged in various industry organizations, including serving as the Vice-Chair of the D.E.I.B. Committee and member of the Internship Committee at CMAA Southern California. He also participates as a mentor for Dorsey High School in the Mentorship Program of A.C.E. Los Angeles and is a member of the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC) and The Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) SoCal Chapter.

Outside of work, Corey enjoys playing golf, attending bible classes and indulging in his passion for action movies, martial arts, anime and comics. He is actively involved in his community, volunteering with the Special Needs Network alongside his family.

With Corey’s extensive industry engagement and commitment to excellence, Kitchell is poised to build on our strong portfolio of current work and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Southern California construction management landscape. Corey’s insights into the region’s future trends, including the focus on our core markets and his background with infrastructure enhancements, will further strengthen Kitchell’s position as a leader in the field.

“We are thrilled to welcome Corey Harris to the Kitchell team,” said Geoff Bachanas, Vice President of Southern California at Kitchell. “His proven track record and dedication to excellence make him an invaluable asset as we continue to pursue growth and success in the Southern California construction management industry.”

Welcome to the team Corey!

To connect with Corey: charris@kitchell.com

Showcasing Kitchell’s expertise in managing intricate projects within active healthcare settings, Kitchell, in partnership with Broaddus & Associates and Curry Boudreaux Architects, has been honored with the prestigious ENR Best of the Best Award for Interior/Tenant Improvement. This national recognition celebrates our outstanding work on the Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center Electrophysiology Lab & Surgical Services Expansion project, which was distinguished by ENR at a ceremony in New York this week as one of the top 20 projects nationwide in 2023.

From left: Don Marshall, Broaddus & Associates; Craig Newitt, Kitchell; Steve Curry, Curry Boudreaux Architects; Donna Stojkovic, Curry Boudreaux Architects; Chris Kirch, Kitchell.

The surgical suite renovation and expansion included a 20,000-sq-ft buildout of shell space to accommodate three electrophysiology cardiac catheterization labs, three general operating rooms, a hybrid operating room, a pre-operation/recovery space and eight post-anesthesia care unit bays. Moreover, the surgical suite sits in the middle of the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, and the center’s existing operating rooms remained in use during construction, which challenged contractors to complete the expansion with surgical precision.

“This is the most technically challenging project that I have ever been a part of. Many firsts with this one, and it was delivered early!” – Michael Hatton, Vice President Facilities Engineering and Construction, Memorial Hermann Health System

In the midst of an active hospital floor, the expansion project prioritized the safety of workers, patients, and staff above all. Our team rigorously followed Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) protocols from the outset, crafting meticulous infection control plans before construction began. These strategies were developed in close collaboration with MHHS Staff to cover all potential scenarios, ensuring a seamless integration of construction activities with ongoing hospital operations.

A key precaution involved our team and trade partners donning protective gowns to traverse sterile areas for access to the construction site, a procedure critical to maintaining the integrity of the hospital environment. Any deviation from this process risked work stoppages or operational disruptions.

Understanding the building’s intricacies was crucial for the interior buildout. Early on, we employed laser scanning to accurately map the space, a strategy that informed structural adjustments and the integration of new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems without disturbing existing operations. This not only enhanced the accuracy of our construction documents, leading to lower contractor bids and fewer field clashes but also facilitated the design team’s access to precise connection points data.

A significant challenge arose when it became necessary to access underfloor areas on Level 3 by removing ceilings in newly renovated operating rooms on Level 2. Leveraging our detailed laser scans, Kitchell swiftly planned and executed these adjustments, allowing the newly renovated operating rooms to become operational with minimal delay. This proactive approach significantly accelerated the project timeline, enabling the early activation of critical hospital areas.

Kitchell’s Patient-First Construction Approach
Kitchell’s construction philosophy within operational hospitals is guided by a deep commitment to prioritizing the well-being of patients, ensuring their comfort, privacy, and uninterrupted communication. We embody a “Patient First” mindset in every facet of our project planning and execution.

Infection Control & Safety: Adhering to ASHE healthcare construction standards, we emphasize rigorous infection control and safety measures, including comprehensive staff training and constant collaboration with hospital leadership to adapt our Infection Control Risk Mitigation Recommendations (ICRMRs).

Communication & Scheduling: We maintain open lines of communication with hospital staff and patients through various channels, ensuring that everyone is informed and engaged throughout the project. Work is meticulously scheduled to minimize disruption, with a focus on performing noise-intensive activities during less impactful times.

Environmental Integrity: Through diligent environmental monitoring, including air quality tests, we safeguard the hospital’s healing environment, strictly adhering to Infection Control Risk Assessment (ICRA) protocols and implementing Interim Life Safety Measures (ILSM) to protect all hospital occupants.

Noise & Vibration Management: Proactive measures are taken to assess and mitigate noise and vibration, involving pre-construction noise testing and real-time communication with hospital staff to adjust activities as needed.

Water & Utility Management: We manage potential water intrusion and utility issues by identifying critical lines early, conducting pre-demolition tests, and closely coordinating with hospital facilities to ensure a seamless operation that does not interfere with hospital services.

In essence, our approach is built on a foundation of respect for the hospital environment and its occupants, striving to ensure our construction activities cause no harm and that the hospital can continue to operate efficiently and safely throughout our projects.