Interstruct’s continuing contract with Orlando Health grows the company’s healthcare-construction platform

By Megan Padilla: Photos by Chad Baumer

A tailor-made RFP

When Orlando Health put out an RFP in the spring of 2018, specifically seeking design-build firms to roll out multiple new medical offices following its acquisition of Physicians Associates, Interstruct CEO Ryan Young knew they could win this initiative.
The scope of the projects planned by Orlando Health were tailor-made to Interstruct’s experience and expertise. Young was also confident that Interstruct was the only true design-build firm in the running. “The others are established construction companies who partner with architecture firms.”

The construction company he co-founded with Rich Monroe in 2001 has since become an expert at the intricacies of medical and dental office projects as well as providing an outstanding level of service to their clients. The pair started the company in Orlando primarily focused on high-end tenant build-outs in Class A commercial space. Young went on to achieve the designation of architect, with the specific intention of adding design services to the firm’s offerings. Since then, Interstruct’s stable of in-house licensed professionals has grown, and as a team they have perfected the company’s approach to a single-stream project delivery system. That means that the entire process from concept through completion is addressed under a single contract.

Says Young of the RFP process, “This is precisely the work that we do and knew we were poised to meet the exacting demands of this large and fast-paced rollout by Orlando Health.” A year later, he and his team are doing just that.

Applying Interstruct’s refined design-build approach

In addition to taking the lead role for design, with support from the in-house architecture team consisting of three associates, Young also leads the project executive duties for the duration of the construction projects, staying with the project from concept through completion. Part of what sets Interstruct apart from other design-build firms is its core commitment to assigning a project executive to support the team on every single project.

In addition, Interstruct’s veteran senior project manager, Paul Lyautey is assigned to this contract. Says Young of Lyautey: “Paul handles day-to-day coordination of our complex network of sub trades, construction schedules and interactions with the Orlando Health project team. Paul is capable of managing multiple projects seamlessly with our incredible team of field superintendents.” 

Interstruct prides itself on hand-picking its vendors and suppliers from a pool of only the most capable subcontractors. “Our vendors are all experienced in high-end Class A buildings and possess substantial experience working on medical spaces with an acute eye for the design and technical nature of these types of projects,” says Young.

A service standard that invites more complex work

“This work is in perfect alignment with Interstruct’s evolution from the inside out as a full-service design-build firm,” says Young, pointing out that the scope of work with Orlando Health has grown outside the bounds of the original RFP. “Once the Orlando Health team could see what we are able to do, they have sent more complex work to us as a result.”

“That is the direct result of the relationships we’ve built with our partners at Orlando Health and the trust they have with us,” he adds. “We have to be patient and understand how they do things.” That patience in the process allows Interstruct to gain the perspective to establish clear standards that are consistently applied for every single project not only with this client, but for others as the firm grows its medical and dental client base.

Interstruct’s growing footprint in healthcare construction

Recognizing the company’s growing strength with medical projects, the executive team grew to include Brent Barnes whose background was working with hospital systems and multi-practice physician groups, leading teams to develop more than 2.5 million square feet of commercial and healthcare projects over the last 20 years. “Brent’s background brings a lot to the table for us, allowing Interstruct to better serve Orlando Health.”

Barnes adds, “We are really concentrating on growing our healthcare platform as part of our business through my experience with hospital systems’ CEOs and COOs as well as physician practices.” The work is paying off and Barnes receives near daily queries from physician groups who’ve heard about Interstruct through their contacts.

“It is so exciting to think that our reputation has led to people calling us saying, `Hey, I hear you’re doing great things in medical work. Can you help me?”

No matter the scope, urgency or nature of each project, Barnes emphasizes that the entire Interstruct team is 100% committed to the client and building a lasting relationship around a positive experience throughout the entire project. This is what prompts referrals and many client relationships that are 10, 15 and 20 years strong.