Commercial contracting is a complex web of building, management, financing, permitting, zoning, and planning. It’s a hectic endeavor, filled with deadlines, budgets, and unexpected construction concerns. Experts in the field are many; few go beyond what’s expected of them. To help with office projects, retail, hospitality, and more, our editorial team decided to list the best commercial contractors in San Diego.

Each of these firms stood out from the pack, thanks to strong portfolios, principal backgrounds, client reviews, and accolades. Most of these companies work on local and regional levels, and some operate on a national scale. All are committed to high-quality work and service.

 

K.D. Stahl Construction Group

13240 Evening Creek Drive, Suite 302, San Diego, CA 92128

K.D. Stahl Construction Group Inc. is a San Diego contractor with over 17 years of industry experience. Kraig Stahl, President of K.D. Stahl Construction Group Inc., oversees the day-to-day operations and runs a collaborative process that prioritizes communication both within the team and with the client. This approach leads to a more streamlined project flow and completion on time and on schedule. 

The firm works exclusively on commercial markets. Its projects include biotech and medical facilities, retail buildings, restaurants, offices, tenant improvements, gyms, apartments, and entertainment spaces. The firm also provides ground-ups, tilt-ups, and restoration construction.


Here is a commercial project for RainTree Partners in Dana Point. It is a tenant improvement of existing office space, where two suites required interior office alterations. A more ergonomic and professional layout infused with contemporary design is the result. The project was a collaboration with architect H. Hendy Associates. Luke Ninteman and Bob Broadhurst were the project manager and superintendent, respectively.

Molinar Construction

5694 Mission Center, Rd. #181, San Diego, CA 92108

Molinar Construction offers a wide array of building services to clients in San Diego and its surrounding areas. The company has over 17 years of experience in pre-construction, management, construction, design-build, and closeout services.

CEO Aaron Molinar and president Chris Molinar direct the company’s operations. They spearhead a roster of around 50 committed professionals who see projects through, no matter the scope and complexity. Quality, efficiency, and a safe environment are guaranteed with this firm on the job.


The firm’s portfolio features projects in various commercial markets. That includes the hospitality, restaurant, multi-unit, senior and urban living, religious, national retail, and foodservice industries.

The Draft is a beer bar and restaurant located at San Diego’s Belmont Park. The 12,000-square-foot ground-up structure has a project value of eight million dollars. Its design optimizes the relaxed beachfront site and also offers plenty of modern interior amenities. The bar joint also has a 31-foot-high LED wall that projects major sports games and educational brewing videos.

Nicolls Design Build

1022 C Ave., Coronado, CA 92118

Nicolls Design Build consistently aims to deliver exceptional spaces that elevate people’s living and working conditions. Quality is in the firm’s DNA, evident in its selection of construction materials, customer service, and building process. Its full range of services includes custom home building, complete renovations, remodeling, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commercial construction, and restaurant design-build.

The company is a favorite among homeowners as one of the contracting elites in Coronado and the San Diego region. Strong craftsmanship and efficient management lend credence to this preferred status. The ability to forge long-term bonds is also among its strong suits.


President Kraig Nicolls and his team have completed over 20 year’s worth of construction projects. That includes residential spaces and commercial properties like restaurants, offices, gyms, and wedding chapels.

This California architect’s office combines modern corporate style with an open industrial design. The unique setup offers a variety of spaces that cater to different work styles. The ergonomic workplace also provides plenty of natural light.

Wheelihan Construction

2598 Fortune Way, Ste L, Vista, CA 92081

Wheelihan Construction is a long-time builder and contractor that serves clients in Southern California. The Northern San Diego firm offers general contracting, design-build, and construction management services. Its focus lies in custom home building, commercial construction, and historical renovations. 

The company is known for its proficient handiwork and efficient management. Each project comes with long-lasting quality and professional service, which extends from start to completion. The crew also guarantees a safe and positive working environment for the client’s convenience.


With president Mike Wheelihan at the helm, the company has completed numerous projects over the last 30 years. These spaces and structures span the residential, commercial, historical, retail, and restaurant markets. Wheelihan’s catalog includes breweries, nightclubs, ground-ups, and tenant improvements—proof of versatile and flexible craftsmanship.

This project is a collaboration with Public Architecture and interior designer Jules Wilson. The Oliver McMillan Corporate Office required several additions and major structural upgrades. That includes new mezzanines on the third and first levels. The firm also crafted finishes similar to the original build-out from a decade ago.

Back’s Construction

1602 Front St., San Diego, CA 92101

Back’s Construction is one of San Diego’s most preferred contractors. Its portfolio justifies this status—each project has a high visual appeal and easy functionality in keeping with modern standards.

Owner Dave Beck and his staff are all well-versed in the design, building, and management process. Their team partners up with industry specialists to work on construction work for high-end retail clients and law firms. They usually provide pre-construction, design-build, construction, and close-out services to California commercial clients.


Here is a commercial suite for Barnes and Thornburg, an office tenant improvement completed by the firm and the Gensler architecture firm. The San Diego project, completed in 2020, has a project value of $2.5 million. The sleek aesthetic of the corporate space fits the modern design landscape with its clean lines, open layout, and minimalist atmosphere. Each room has a professional feel, evident even in the lounge and entertainment center. Crisp wood floors and striking fixtures liven up the spot, making employees feel relaxed despite the work setting.

APSGC, Inc.

3525 Del Mar Heights Road, #922, San Diego, CA 92130

Advanced Property Solutions General Contractor (APSGC) is a company driven by strong craftsmanship, efficient management, and long-lasting relationships. The firm consistently delivers quality work and service to every business partner, earning it plenty of critical and customer acclaim.

President Jamie Accetta spearheads a team that works in the commercial sector. Their projects include restaurants, gyms, fitness centers, multi-family properties, retail facilities, and academic buildings. The team operates with a client-focused mindset that allows them to meet expectations at an optimal pace. As a Green Associate of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Accetta is also a proponent of sustainable building.


APSGC’s full range of services includes commercial site evaluation, pre-construction and construction management, design-build space planning and permitting, tenant improvement, remodeling, construction, and green building.

The 9Five Eyewear is a 3,300-square-foot retail space located in Otay Lakes Mall. The layout is strategically designed for logistical flow and includes open spaces and product shelves. It also has a clean finish that provides a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

Jaime Partners of California

1050 S Flower St. Ste 819, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Jaime Partners has been one of the most prolific builders in San Diego and Southern California for over 20 years. The family-owned and operated firm made its mark through top-tier work in commercial, residential, government, hospitality, and retail industries. 

Its full range of services includes design-build, general contracting, and construction management. It also works on pre-construction, cost and project management, off-site construction, and industrial work.


Alfredo Jaime wears many hats as the owner, construction, and project manager of the firm. The multifaceted expert excels in his craft, so much so that San Diego Magazine named him Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016. His team’s expertise shines through their portfolio, a dynamic showcase of projects in various markets.

Here is the MAC Cosmetics kiosk inside the San Diego International Airport.  It is one of over 80 commercial spaces in the building, located in Terminal 2 West. The boutique has a contemporary aesthetic that fits the upscale cosmetic brand. The team completed the project on time and budget with minimal disruption to travelers. Services rendered include planning, consulting, and management.

CLTVT

2002 Coast Highway, Oceanside, CA 92054

CLTVT is a boutique design & build firm cultivating cool along Southern California’s coast. Built on integrity and innovation, the Oceanside based firm specializes in adaptive re-use projects in the restaurant, brewing, & creative office space.

Principals Chris Slowey and Mark Simons lead the practice: Slowey is the CEO and Simons is the operations manager. The scope of their work involves commercial renovations for office spaces and food and beverage establishments. Building structures and forging client relationships go hand-in-hand, and balancing quality and efficiency is second nature to the team.

The full-service company specializes in general contracting and construction management. Its portfolio spans the entire Southern California domain, which includes a variety of commercial spaces. One notable project is The Plot, a plant-based restaurant that uses local and freshly-produced ingredients for its menu. The establishment started operations in 2020 and features a relaxed atmosphere with a spacious modern layout. The interiors feature standard tables, counter seating, and design elements crafted from green and sustainable materials. Glass windows provide natural light during daytime, another perk of dining in the organic eatery.

Bycor General Contractors

6490 Marindustry Place, San Diego, CA 92121

Bycor General Contractors is known for solid craftsmanship and comprehensive services that strictly follow the agreed-upon schedule and budget bracket. Client collaboration is one of its strong suits, and as a result, the firm has garnered a network of repeat customers that spans decades.

Seasoned co-founders Scott Kaats, CEO, and Rich Byer, president, helm the company’s operations. Both have 40 years of experience providing building and management services to the San Diego community. They lead over a hundred members who share the same passion and dedication to exemplary projects, which are reflected in their body of work.

The firm excels in pre-construction and construction services. That includes cost and schedule management, site evaluation, building and close-outs, and more. Most of its projects are in commercial markets, such as healthcare facilities, food service establishments, government buildings, and animal care centers.

Take a look at the office for the Teradata Corporation, which specializes in database and analytics-related products and services. Bycor worked on multiple meeting rooms, office spaces, lounges, and other functional rooms. The executive briefing center also underwent several renovations.

TSA Construction

11440 West Bernardo Court, Suite 166, San Diego, CA 92127

TSA Construction is a woman-owned general contractor that serves Southern California. It specializes in affordable housing, commercial spaces, industrial buildings, and historical properties. Its work even gained industry recognition, with one of its office projects winning the 2018 LEED Building Design+Construction (BD+C) Merit Award from the San Diego Green Building Council.

Owners Pamela and Terry Arnett serve as the company’s CEO and president, respectively. Both are industry veterans with over 30 years of experience—longevity that can be attributed to high-quality work, management, and service. Their staff has a zero incidents track record—it always provides a safe environment in every job site.

Delawie

The firm’s service scope covers ground-up construction, design-build, tenant improvements, pre-construction, construction management, and historical and building renovation. The featured interiors are part of the Delawie architecture firm’s office in San Diego. The 14,488-square-foot project involved tenant improvements for an existing two-story building. New additions included office areas, conference rooms, a break room, and an IT room. TSA also worked on enclosing some open stairs, a roof deck, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

Dempsey Construction

1835 Aston Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92008

Dempsey Construction is well-respected for its genuine approach to building. Its laser-focused methods yield quality results, evident in the finished project and during the working process. 

President and founder John Dempsey and his team provide pre-construction and construction services to clients in San Diego and all of Southern California. Their strong craftsmanship and service consistently favor critical acclaim. Some recent accolades include the 2020 Gold Nugget Grant Award for the Best Commercial Project and the 2019 Best Urban Master-Planned Community of the Year from the San Diego Building Industry Association Icon Awards.

Dempsey Gensler

Gensler tapped Dempsey Construction to construct their corporate headquarters in Downtown San Diego. The office is part of a 22-story tower, so the project required meticulous planning and construction to minimize disruption. The builder performed complete demolition, heavy shell modifications, and tenant improvements on the first and second levels.

The finished property features include private offices, conference rooms, an open workspace, a break lounge, and collaborative work areas. The commercial space also uses a passive ventilation system, a chilled beam cooling system, and a radiant heating system circulated by large ceiling fans. This exceptional project received Platinum Certification from the LEED and a Gold certification from WELL Building Standard.

Shawmut Design and Construction

11390 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Shawmut Design and Construction is an acclaimed construction management firm with a constant billion-dollar revenue. It specializes in construction management, design-build, sustainable construction, and virtual design and construction. It has an 83% rate of repeat clients, most of which are high-profile brands and companies.

Shawmut has offices located in Los Angeles, Irvine, CA, Las Vegas, New York, Boston, and Miami. It is an employee-owned firm fueled by its people’s skills, passion, and commitment. CEO Les Hiscoe and executive vice president Greg Skalaski lead the firm and West region in collaborating with seasoned builders, managers, and tradespeople to deliver the best output possible. All professionals on the firm’s roster—whether in the field or the office— strive to complete projects on time and budget, no matter the scope and scale.


The company works on hotel, commercial, sports venues, education, restaurant, retail, luxury residential, tenant interior, healthcare, and life sciences projects. Shawmut’s San Diego work includes multiple projects at Petco Park, most recently renovating space to create the new Cutwater Coronado Club. The firm also worked at The Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego, partnering with Myhre Group Architects and Architropolis on a 12-week fit-out, simultaneously building two nightclubs.

Swinerton Builders

16798 West Bernardo Drive, San Diego, CA 92127

Swinerton’s name is synonymous with excellence. Established in 1888, the commercial construction and construction management firm has completed over 130 years’ worth of projects throughout the United States in markets such as Affordable Housing, Aviation, Education, Corporate Services, Critical Facilities, Gaming, Healthcare, Hospitality, Interiors/Special Projects, Industrial, Multi-Family Residential, Retail, Life Sciences, and Renewable Energy. The firm currently has 20 offices in nine states across the country and is ranked #17 on the ENR 2021 list of top contractors in the country.

Swinerton has been a 100% employee-owned company since the 1980s in which over 4000 employees share in the company’s profits and are thoroughly committed to its success. The firm has thrived and survived the test of time by emerging into a $5 billion national commercial construction company with great financial strength, national clients, project diversity, and a company culture that is proud of its 100% employee ownership.


Together with Gensler and Kilroy Realty, Swinerton recently completed 2100 Kettner. Located in the Little Italy neighborhood of Downtown San Diego, this core and shell spec office building consists of a six-story 260,000 square foot buildings with two levels of below-grade parking. The structure is cast-in-place concrete with post-tensioned decks and the exterior skin consists of precast brick panels, aluminum panels, stucco, structural Douglas fir timbers, and aluminum soffits. Additional amenities include power actuated hardware at all doors and glass entrances, HEPA filtration systems throughout, and touchless destination dispatch elevator controls. Swinerton self-performed structural concrete, metal stud & drywall, doors/frames and hardware, CLT mass timber, as well as clean-up services.

Pacific Building Group

9752 Aspen Creek Ct., Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92126

Pacific Building Group holds status as one of the most reputable California companies in construction, contracting, and management. Its client-centric process factors owner input seamlessly, so each project perfectly matches the customer’s vision.

Founder Gregory Rogers currently serves as chairman of the board; Jim Doherty is the president and CEO. They lead a team of dedicated professionals that share a common goal—to deliver quality projects and forge long-term bonds. The crew uses modern techniques and lasting materials in every project, a process that consistently yields exceptional results.


Pacific Building Group’s expertise includes pre-construction, conceptual budget, scheduling, design-build and assist, competitive bidding, and self-perform trades. Its dossier features buildings for corporate, institutional, retail, veterinary, life sciences, healthcare, hospitality, medical office, technology, and research and development sectors.

The Sony Corporate Headquarters is a showcase of the firm’s building prowess. It is a collaboration with architect Carrier Johnson and Gold Certified by the LEED. The 11-story building includes an executive floor of offices, a board room, a telepresence room, seven floors of open office space, conference rooms, a multi-purpose room, and various amenities.