"There’s never a dull moment on this project," says Alfredo Valdez, President of American Safety Group, Inc. (ASG). His firm helps to ensure that workplaces are safe and healthful for all employees. On a project as dynamic as the APM, that requires one important element: communication.
"The way we communicate information on a project of this size is always a challenge," Alfredo explains. "Getting the right information out to the field and properly implementing it daily takes tremendous effort." In addition to the usual health and safety protocols for a major construction project, the ASG team also had to adapt to constantly updating COVID-19 guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Fortunately, Alfredo knows how to make the most from changing plans.
He began his career in the Marine Corps with the intention of joining law enforcement. After being injured while serving overseas, Alfredo had to adjust his career path. He studied Construction Management at ITT Technical Institute, then found work performing security and safety services. While it was not the type of job he had originally planned, Alfredo had found his calling. "From that day," he says, "I never looked back."
As President of ASG, Alfredo understands the value of building a strong culture around health and safety. He also advocates for his fellow veterans, with half of his workforce made up of veteran employees. They are all used to thinking on their feet. When the pandemic first began, Alfredo says, "the team jumped into action to make adjustments and find solutions to ensure personnel safety while keeping the project moving forward."
Alfredo is proud to work collaboratively with LINXS Constructors and LAWA to find solutions using their practical, technical and regulatory expertise. His company is grateful to be part of such a large and unique project. "The ability to look back in a couple of years and say that you were a part of that amazing, successful project is humbling."
Selbert Perkins Design
Since the year 2000, travelers arriving at the airport have been greeted by the illuminated 32-foot tall letters of "L A X" which are surrounded by color-changing 100-foot pylons of light. This beautiful and iconic welcome to our city was designed by certified firm Selbert Perkins Design (SPD). The company has been working with LAWA for over two decades. In fact, their team also helped to develop LAWA's name and original logo.
This month we spoke with Robin Perkins, a Partner at SPD, who studied graphic design at The Rhode Island School of Design and sculpture at the Massachusetts College of Art. Her company has developed signage and wayfinding systems—that is, signs that help direct people where to go—as well as branded environments during their 30 years in business. Robin has a short commute to LAX from the SPD offices in Playa del Rey; the company also has offices in Chicago, Boston and Shanghai.
SPD's primary scope of work on the APM project is developing a comprehensive signage and wayfinding system for the train, six stations and elevated walkways. This complex system includes static and dynamic digital signs. Fortunately, SPD is well suited for exactly this endeavor since the company developed the Wayfinding Design Standards for LAWA.
"Now we are implementing that system," Robin explained, "to help over 80 million [annual] passengers get to their gate for take-off!"
Robin and her team are excited for travelers to ride the APM for the first time and see the landmark LAX letters and pylons from a brand new perspective. While her firm has been working with LAWA for quite some time by helping travelers find their way and greeting visitors upon arrival to our city, Robin is still incredibly grateful to be part of such an impactful project.
"We are excited to be part of a team that is contributing to the transformation of the City of Los Angeles and the L.A. experience," Robin tells us, "as well as working to prepare the city for the 2028 Olympics!"
Lynn Capouya Inc.
You often have to hear “no” quite a few times before you find the right “yes.” Lynn Capouya knows this lesson better than most. When she founded her landscape architecture firm Lynn Capouya, Inc. (LCI) in 1979, she relentlessly called prime contractors about opportunities and potential needs for woman-owned business participation. Lynn was fortunate to have accomplished Los Angeles architect and advocate Robert A. Kennard as a mentor. He gave Lynn a list of firms to introduce her firm to and pursue for future projects. After enough calls, Lynn connected with Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) and has since worked on several projects with them at LAX, Ontario, Van Nuys and Palmdale airports.
Certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), LCI has also recently completed work for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Crenshaw/LAX Transit Project. During this project, Lynn learned about upcoming opportunities at the LAWA Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP), including the APM. Her past relationships and extensive experience led to an invitation to join the LINXS team to work on landscape master planning and irrigation design.
On the project, LCI has also worked with the LINXS Certified Firm Technical Advisor (CFTA). The CFTA is a resource accessible to all certified firms on the project and is able to assist with contracts, payments, marketing or any other areas a firm may need additional support. “The LINXS CFTA [Martha Valenzuela] has been very helpful in facilitating the resolution of various project related issues our team has encountered,” Lynn said of the experience. “They have been very diplomatic in their approach fostering communication, then following up to ensure completion.”
Lynn earned her degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona before moving to Los Angeles. She is originally from Alabama, but visited family in the area throughout her childhood. Her memories of the city often involve transportation—whether fondly recalling Blue Bus trips to the beach or embarrassing recollections of going the wrong direction on the 405 Freeway—so it seems only fitting that Lynn’s company is involved with so many major public transportation projects in the city.
While the complexity and coordination of the project can be challenging at times, Lynn’s work is also incredibly fulfilling. The most rewarding moment so far? When the Master Landscape Plan that LCI helped design was approved by LAWA, setting a landscaping vision for the future of the development.
That was a “yes” worth waiting for.
Geo-Advantec, Inc.
LINXS is proud to start highlighting certified firms for their work on the APM project in our monthly newsletter updates. This month, we spoke with Shawn Ariannia, PhD, PE, GE, President/CEO of Geo-Advantec, Inc. (GAI). By attending LAWA events, workshops and outreach events, GAI found an opportunity to join the APM project. The SBE-certified firm serves as a geotechnical engineering consultant by conducting geotechnical field investigations, laboratory testing, engineering analysis and providing a final roadway pavement report for the entire project area.
GAI is a local company headquartered in San Dimas and have been operating in Southern California for the past 18 years. Despite the proximity, Shawn explained that a round trip commute from their offices to LAX can still take 3 or 4 hours. He and his team are looking forward to helping reduce congestion and travel time around the airport.
This is a complex project that requires a lot of coordination, but Shawn told us that he is excited for the opportunity to work with so many technical teams and engineers from different disciplines. Shawn's team takes pride in effectively communicating with the multiple project parties and rectifying any issues by providing practical recommendations.
GAI is part of the LINXS Mentor-Protege Program which offers business development assistance through relationships with mentors. The purpose of the program is to help certified firms grow their businesses, increase capacity, and improve current processes in place for their companies. Shawn explained that the program has helped his firm build strong relationships and expand its network. Being a part of this program has also helped GAI to update its business and marketing plan to create a roadmap for accomplishing the firm's short- and long-term goals. Shawn and the GAI team are eager to see what's next with LINXS and the new APM.
Interested in the Mentor-Protege program? Keep an eye out for future workshop invitations hosted by LINXS, which will be open to all certified firms to attend. Note that participation as a Protege in this program is currently limited to firms on the project.
Fryman Management
This month, we spoke with Jonavi Garcia, Project Manager for Fryman Management, Inc. (named after its founder and president Ross Fryman) about the company's role on the APM. Fryman is a DVBE firm in charge of traffic control design and implementation, as well as permit coordination. All of the company's employees are from the Southern California area, so they have first-hand knowledge of how challenging traffic can be—especially around LAX.
With a project of the APM's scope, Jonavi explained, her team has to coordinate with several other companies in order to manage the flow of traffic around equipment and supplies traveling to the work site. "It can be challenging to adapt to the constant changes in development and procedures," she said, "but it is equally rewarding to know everyone on the project is working hard to reach the end goal."
Design Engineer Omar Ramirez works full-time on the APM and coordinates a significant amount of the Area Shutdown Requests within the Central Terminal Area. Omar appreciates how integral Fryman is to the LINXS team. For him, the most rewarding part of the job is "being knowledgeable about everything going on, having everyone see your work and being able to answer questions they may have about it."
Decor Interior Design, Inc
As we approach the end of Black History Month, LINXS Constructors would like to acknowledge all of the Black-owned firms currently working on the APM project, including this month's firm featured in our Contractor Spotlight series - Decor Interior Design, Inc.
As a third-generation entrepreneur, Ronda Jackson knows the importance of adapting your business to changing needs. When she first founded Décor Interior Design, Inc., the company specialized in residential kitchens and baths. But the housing crisis led Jackson to shift focus to a predominately commercial clientele by designing office interiors and collaborative work environments. Now, her business provides full-service interior design and facility maintenance to airports, hospitals, hotels and offices for firms like Warner Bros., U.S. Bank and SoCal Gas.
Jackson's strategy has paid off. Her company was awarded Supplier of the Year by the Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council four years in a row and Jackson herself was named the 2018 Women's Business Enterprise Council (WBEC) - West Star and Enterprising Woman of the Year.
“It’s important to be consistently responsive and flexible,” Jackson says of her success.
Décor Interior Design also helps their clients adapt to meet new needs. As the APM project continues to progress, the firm has been responsible for overseeing and executing the expansion of new office space for the growing LINXS Constructors staff.
Meanwhile, Jackson has also participated in the LINXS Training Institute of LA Mentor-Protégé Program, which pairs small business owners with veteran mentors on the APM project. According to Jackson, the program has allowed her to enhance her business acumen, develop a sustainable success strategy and build connections by (virtually) collaborating with an advisory team.
Business relationships are important to Jackson because, in addition to being an entrepreneur herself, she is an advocate for other company founders. While dealing with the challenges of the pandemic, Jackson launched a podcast called "The Road to Recovery" that provides tools, education and encouragement to other entrepreneurs. One tips she has for small businesses is to obtain certifications that are recognized by clients you would like to work with. For instance, Décor Interior Design is certified as SBE, MBE (Minority Business Enterprise), Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) and HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zones).
Starting her podcast series has been incredibly rewarding, Jackson says. "It has allowed me to share a wealth of information, empower my team and uplift the business community.”