At Gordon Highlander, we believe the success of any project starts long before the first wall goes up. In our ground-up division, we’ve learned that about 80% of a project’s success happens during the early planning and coordination phase. Our approach is simple: plan with precision, collaborate early, and deliver with confidence.
In this conversation, our Vice President Nick Campbell, and Blake Eldredge, Director of PreConstruction, share their insight on what it truly takes to build smarter, faster, and better.
Read on to learn how we approach each phase with precision, foresight, and collaboration, and watch the full video for more behind-the-scenes insights from our team.
The Difference Between Ground Up Construction and Other Builds
Ground-up construction begins with a blank site and a full range of possibilities. Every element must be carefully planned before construction begins, from utilities, foundations, grading, and structural systems.
Here’s how it compares to other build types our team manages:
- Speculative (Spec) Builds: Developed with flexibility in mind to attract future tenants. The design allows for multiple potential users and can pivot once a tenant is secured.
- Build-to-Suit Construction Projects: Tailored from the start for a specific tenant. Every design choice is made to support that tenant’s exact operational needs.
As Nick Campbell explains, “All the risk is in the site, in the dirt. Understanding that early on sets the project up for success.”
Preconstruction Management Decisions that Define Timelines and Cost Certainty
Early collaboration is where smarter, faster builds begin. By involving our preconstruction, operations, and subcontractor teams early, we help clients gain cost clarity, avoid delays, and make confident choices before breaking ground.
1. Site and Soil Understanding
The site defines the strategy. Before construction begins, we study soil conditions, drainage, and grading to determine the most efficient and stable path forward. When those factors are addressed early, they no longer become roadblocks later.
2. Power and Infrastructure
Power access is one of the most significant challenges facing development in Central Texas. We work with clients to identify potential infrastructure constraints early, allowing time to coordinate with utility providers and plan for long lead items. This foresight prevents costly situations where a completed building cannot be energized on schedule.
3. Client Alignment and Flexibility
We start by defining what success looks like for each client. Many times, a speculative building evolves mid-project when a tenant signs on. Spec-to-suits often deliver the best results because the building adapts seamlessly to meet real tenant needs.
“We can make the impossible possible by partnering early with the right teams.” — Blake Eldredge
The Power of a Flexible Mindset
Adaptability is essential in construction. Market conditions shift, tenants change, and design requirements evolve. Our team’s strength lies in staying flexible without losing focus.
Blake recalls a recent project where an industrial facility was already nearing completion when the developer secured a tenant requiring refrigerated space. The project pivoted quickly, mechanical systems were upgraded, new equipment was installed, and the schedule stayed intact.
That level of responsiveness comes from experience, trust, and open communication. It’s a reflection of how we approach every challenge: with solutions, not setbacks.
Want to read more about how we approach Scalable Excellence in Commercial Construction? Click here.
A Broader Vision for Ground-Up Construction
The ground-up division began as a natural extension of Gordon Highlander’s foundation in interior finish-out work. Over the last five years, we’ve expanded into new sectors, from industrial and medical offices to daycare centers and metal buildings.
This diversification strengthens our ability to serve a broader range of clients while applying the same disciplined process that has defined our success.
Nick puts it best: “We don’t swing a hammer any faster than anyone else. What sets us apart is how we serve our clients and the responsiveness and effort we put into the things you don’t always see.”
Our operations and preconstruction teams work hand in hand to ensure every project is handed off with precision, clear communication, and confidence.
Ground-Up Construction Done Right
Every project is an opportunity to build smarter. That begins with foresight in planning, trust in collaboration, and accountability at every step.
Our clients choose Gordon Highlander because they see a team that treats every project like its own investment, one that values relationships as much as results.
“There are no traffic jams on the extra mile.” — Blake Eldredge
We’re proud to keep driving that road, one project at a time. Contact us and partner with a team that plans, executes with purpose, and treats your goals as their own.
About Gordon Highlander
Gordon Highlander, headquartered in Texas, is a premier commercial general contractor specializing in design-build and engineered construction solutions. With decades of legacy, we have delivered millions of square feet across diverse commercial and industrial sectors. Our expertise extends to major Texas markets, including Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Houston, and Atlanta, Georgia.