Home to various universities and the world’s largest technological research park, Raleigh has come to be known as the “Research Triangle.” The activity in the area has allowed its technology, research, and education sectors to become some of its most active markets, leading the city to act as a hub of innovation where businesses can expand, collaborate, and develop. Aside from attracting research and development-focused businesses, Raleigh’s warm metropolitan environment brings in interested tourists to visit places like the downtown area, where museums, parks, and Victorian neighborhoods lie.
For anyone interested in setting up a business in Raleigh, we have created a list of the best office builders in the area. These firms have completed various projects for clients in diverse markets, meeting each of their unique needs and requirements. The leaders of these firms consistently showcase their ability to observe industry standards while adapting to client-specific designs.
CT Wilson
150 Golden Dr. Suite 200, Durham, NC 27705
Founded in 1952, this family-owned commercial general contractor is the oldest firm on the list. CT Wilson primarily serves clients around the Durham and Greensboro areas, with a particular commitment to clients that share the company’s values and serve the community. This commitment comes from the firm’s goal to maintain a legacy of growth, inclusivity, and forward-thinking development. CT Wilson’s efforts have been recognized by different accolades, including the Associated General Contractors (AGC) Carolina chapter’s 2023 Community Impact Award and the 2022 Preservation NC Gertrude S. Carraway Award of Merit.
Highlighted here is a notable project completed by CT Wilson, in which the firm provided preconstruction and general construction services for the Kent Corner development project, a commercial development project near Duke University that transformed an environmentally contaminated site within a historically low-income community on the edge of downtown Durham. Self-Help Ventures Fund, a non-profit developer, collaborated with the surrounding neighborhood, resulting in a project that meets neighborhood goals, is pedestrian-centered, and maximizes energy efficiency within tight budget constraints. A one-story, 10,000 sq. ft. retail building now houses the Durham Co-op Market. The adjacent two-story 38,000 sq. ft. commercial building provides ample office space for numerous tenants. In addition to the two buildings, major site work was completed to improve pedestrian safety, enhance the overall streetscape, remediate major utilities, and better organize traffic flow. Later tenant up-fits added an additional $1,309,198 to the overall project cost.
Barringer Construction
417 S. Dawson St. Raleigh, NC 27601
Barringer Construction’s dedication to establishing long-lasting relationships allows it to work with various people in the industry, including clients and local trade partners. This relationship-driven approach ensures that the firm can provide quality and tailored services that prioritize the goals and experiences of each client. By reaching out to and working with different types of people, Barringer Construction can consistently improve the way it enriches the environment and the way people live.
The Vontier Corporate Headquarters underwent an interior fit-up, from Barringer Construction’s team, for its complete shell space on the top floor. Some of the main new features installed by Barringer Construction include a board room, an open reception area with a custom desk, a modern cafe and gathering area, and a mix of private offices, cubicles, and collaborative workspaces. As a project that was completed in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, this project’s scope included additional safety signage and automated soap dispensers and faucets throughout the office. Barringer Construction also incorporated several unique design elements like a sustainably harvested wood wall in the boardroom and main reception area, and an accent wall with drawings created by the children of the client’s employees.
August Construction Solutions, Inc.
707 North West St. Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27603
Headquartered in Raleigh, August Construction Solutions (ACS) has worked on various retail, adaptive reuse, corporate, developers, hospitality, and residential projects throughout America. The firm’s reach has given it the ability to work with a variety of clients, including elite brands like Adidas, Tag Heuer, and Lacoste. Each of its projects is geared towards meeting a client’s current needs while being flexible enough to accommodate future growth. The care ACS puts in its work can be seen in its minute details, material and design choices, and construction quality. In recent years, this dedication earned the firm the Best Down Town Design Award from the Clayton Downtown Development Association (CDDA), as well as an honorable mention in the Speciality Retail Under 10,000 Square Feet category from the VMSD magazine.
Spectraforce and ACS collaborated to build a structure centered around collaboration, information sharing, privacy, and quiet planning. ACS reworked a structure that used to be a lighting and repair store, modernizing several aspects of the building and ensuring a seamless fit with the surrounding area. The worn interior shifted from housing old rooms to displaying a high-gloss orange steel staircase and matching beams, large window panels, and bright wood floors. This open and modern environment, with its open spaces and natural lighting, fits the client’s request for a creative and inspiring space for its employees.
J.D. Beam, Inc.
1812 Tillery Place, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27604
J.D. Beam, Inc. primarily works with commercial clients, providing them with preconstruction, general contracting, construction management, and design-build services. The firm’s extensive experience with fit-up work and new commercial construction gives it the ability to work with clients from diverse backgrounds, resulting in a portfolio that includes corporate, education, nonprofit, healthcare, senior living, public service, hotels, and industrial park projects. A majority of these projects can be found in the Raleigh-Durham and Triangle areas, as well as across North and South Carolina and Virginia.
Paragon Commercial Bank was renovated under the management of J.D. Beam, Inc.’s team with the focus of removing the existing skin and replacing them with brick and glass. J.D. Beam, Inc. also made structural changes to meet the new building codes while installing new electrical and HVAC systems. The entire project took 40 weeks to complete, as the full scope of the job included fire protection sprinkler systems, new bathrooms and exit stairs, and extensive millwork and finishes throughout the building.
HMD Development
8204 Creedmoor Rd. Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27613
HMD Development provides clients in the Raleigh-Durham area and surrounding communities with commercial construction services, with a particular specialty for steel and stick-framed structures. On top of providing construction management services, the firm also offers expertise in owner representation, real estate development, and financial matters. Over the years, HMD Development has refined its services to more easily and effectively address its clients’ unique needs and pain points, focusing on improving the rate of success and client satisfaction. Because the firm works closely with its clients, it also makes sure to tailor its services and processes to meet specific requirements and budget constraints without compromising quality or creativity.
Under the guidance of brothers Kenneth and Bryant Dickinson, HMD Development is particularly experienced in the corporate banking, commercial real estate financing, commercial and custom residential construction, and development fields. Kenneth’s experience in the banking and real estate industry gives him the ability to accurately manage project budgets and expenses, balancing reducing costs with achieving construction management goals. He is primarily responsible for HMD Development’s development and construction activities. Meanwhile, Bryant’s background in commercial general contracting allows him to manage site work activities and oversee steel-framed building construction. His projects generally revolve around corporate, retail, manufacturing, and restaurant work.
