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From Drywall to Data Centers: the 29-year Evolution

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What began as a humble drywall contractor has grown into a full service commercial general contractor and construction management firm with national and international reach. Blending technical expertise with boutique-style service has been the defining approach for Conceptcsi, a company nearing three decades in business. Based out of New York City, Conceptcsi launched in 1995 and focused solely on framing and drywall jobs. But over the last 29 years has grown a portfolio of work spanning 17 states, 40 cities and 23 countries, with no signs of slowing down.

Today, Conceptcsi offers a wide range of services to its customers, including mission-critical work such as data centers and tech-based construction. Initially growing from a subcontractor to a general contractor, Conceptcsi expanded into commercial interiors and critical infrastructure, offering services like mechanical upgrades, plumbing upgrades, chillers, boilers, air handlers, and full building projects. Around four years ago, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the company began offering services in the healthcare sector too, providing specialized construction solutions for clients in this industry. Whether you are looking for a state-of-the-art HQ or a revamp of your business’ technology nerve center, Conceptcsi has the capability to bring your project to life, providing the expertise and care which turns a project from possibility and potential to reality. This mission is carried out by all 50 employees, lead by founder and CEO Sean Mulleady. A veteran of the industry, he has over 30 years’ experience in construction, IT and management consultancy in the United States and Europe. Like Concepcsi itself, he started his career with one singular focus, a trained carpenter, and innovated from there to remain on the cutting-edge of industry trends, anticipating needs and growing the company from spirited newcomer to renowned New York City construction firm.

“Whether you are looking for a state-of-the-art HQ or a revamp of your business’ technology nerve center, Conceptcsi has the capability to bring your project to life, providing the expertise and care which turns a project from possibility and potential to reality.”

Conceptcsi’s customer base is as diverse as the services offered, including everyone from developers, property management firms and city and government to healthcare providers, financial institutions, and law firms. The company values clients who view each project as a collaborative team venture, emphasizing transparency and engagement throughout the process.

“This approach ensures better outcomes,” says Derek Venne, Conceptcsi’s Head of Construction. “Allowing us to maintain our high-quality standards.”

This unrelenting commitment to quality is in large part, what has led Conceptcsi to its 29th anniversary, a milestone made possible by the increasingly complex, tech-focused jobs the company has taken on and excelled at in recent years. One such project that exemplifies Conceptcsi’s expertise in managing live environment projects, is the New York City’s 911 call center. Conceptcsi was hired to upgrade the uninterruptible power source (UPS) system at New York City’s 911 call center, a critical environment with no room for failure.

“The stakes couldn’t have been higher,” says Derek of the project that challenged the team’s communication and project planning. The New York City 911 call center staffs over 1,500 dispatchers, fielding more than 10 million calls per year, often made by individuals requiring life-saving support. These aspects made the project highly complex because the call center had to remain functioning while the work was ongoing. Conceptcsi was tasked with replacing outdated battery backups while ensuring continuous service. Initial steps included developing a method of procedure (MOP) to reroute power without interruptions. Close coordination with electrical contractors and equipment manufacturers was essential to complete the project on time and within budget.

Their project highlights for Conceptcsi include:

Data Center Project in San Jose, CA: Conceptcsi managed an $80 million data center project in San Jose, CA, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Challenges included strict lockdowns and the client’s first venture into the U.S. market. To ensure success, Brad Morgan, Head of Mission Critical, relocated from New York to oversee the project. Despite the difficulties, the team completed the project on time and within budget, demonstrating Conceptcsi’s commitment to client satisfaction and adaptability under challenging circumstances.

Brooklyn Development: Conceptcsi undertook a complex project to repurpose a four-story building in Brooklyn amid financial challenges in the commercial real estate market. The building, previously occupied by a ground-floor retailer, needed to be adapted for a healthcare client requiring additional ceiling height for their equipment. Conceptcsi raised two floors, including the roof, while keeping the operational bank on the first floor intact. Its success in this project highlights its ability to deliver customized solutions and maintain strong client relationships despite significant logistical challenges.

450 Park Ave, New York City: The 450 Park Ave project involved upgrading a building for high-net-worth tenants, meeting high standards for prominent developers. The project itself posed several challenges, including working with an untested building design, meeting the high standards of Class A tenants, and executing the project in a buyer’s market where top-notch quality was essential to attract tenants. Despite these obstacles, the project was highly successful. Conceptcsi was chosen by New York City’s largest developer for a critical pilot program, delivering superior fit and finish that met high expectations. Its reliability and trustworthiness secured the developer’s confidence. Conceptcsi contributed significantly by undertaking the new design and marketing strategy, upgrading the building to Class A standards, and focusing on solutions with a willingness to exceed expectations, ensuring the project’s success.

It’s clear Conceptcsi has managed to grow a roster of high-profile clients with large-scale, successful projects but the company is not without its challenges.  As with countless other construction companies, Conceptcsi’s main challenge is maintaining sustainable growth and consistency while navigating economic headwinds. It mitigates these hurdles by leveraging a solutions-based approach, presenting clients with multiple options to keep projects on track and within budget. This proactive stance allows for a flexible, tailored approach to project planning for clients while differentiating Conceptcsi from competitors.

“We are dedicated to finding proactive solutions rather than waiting for answers, which leads to better project outcomes and quicker schedules,” says Derek, who believes much of the company’s success can be credited to the dedicated team, hovering at around 50, and their willingness to go above and beyond, all working together to ensure high-quality project delivery.

As Conceptcsi looks to the future, the goal is to achieve sustainable growth while maintaining a stand-out level of care and collaboration with partners.

“In the next 29 years our name will be known industry-wide for its excellence.”

Think Conceptcsi can help with your project needs? Fill out the contact form to get started.

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