Philadelphia, PA
Armand’s responsibilities included the surveying and planning for several
existing PA DGS offices with the intent to develop a comprehensive design
and construction scope of work including a master project schedule and
construction budget. The scope of the contract required using conceptual
floor plans and photographs, and conducting in-depth architectural,
mechanical and electrical surveys of existing offices. As part of Armand’s
planning efforts, we investigated the permitting process to facilitate
phasing of code reviews to expedite approval processes. Upon completing
several detailed cost estimates, Armand recommended a custom value
engineering study to ultimately reduce the construction cost and duration.
Armand’s investigation and study took place within eight weeks, and
resulted in a detailed 10-month construction phasing schedule and a $3.8
million construction budget.
Selective Demolition
The scope included the demolition of existing drywall partitions and
acoustical ceilings, removal of electrical services and network cabling,
and removal of existing carpeting and resilient flooring where required
following demolition. Acoustical ceiling light fixtures were removed and
stored for reinstallation where possible and replaced in kind. The scope
also called for temporary dust partitions, safety signage, flooring and wall
protection to preclude any possible damage to existing historical property.
New Construction
It was the intention of PA DGS to construct new office space to include
drywall partitions with acoustic insulation and acoustic ceiling panels. The
LEED® Gold project also required the phased removal and reconfiguration
of existing modular office furniture throughout several floors. The offices
were designed with energy efficient light switching and custom power
banks inclusive of voice and data networking cabling. New lockers were
installed throughout one floor. New and relocated existing supply and
return air ductwork and diffusers were required along with sprinkler
heads throughout the reconfigured project. Armand also performed
a survey of the existing security card readers, electric locks, audible
alarming devices, motion detectors and CCTV cameras. We investigated
all electronic doors and door hold open, which needed to be coordinated
with fire alarm control panels to provide emergency egress and to ensure
the isolation of fire compartments.
Armand develops specialized analysis techniques which provide powerful
tools to quantify impacts on a construction schedule. We synthesize the
scope with the clients and shareholders, identify the regulatory authorities
and jurisdictions, and complete detailed inspections of all aspects along
with a thorough understanding of the history and significance of each
project. Our team manages the project budget and scope by carefully
analyzing all payment requests prior to submitting for payment. As the
work proceeds, it is important that all pay applications are processed in a
diligent and timely manner.
Armand’s quality services include reviewing contract plans and
specifications and determining compliance of material and workmanship
by the construction contractor. Our services also include submitting daily
quality assurance reports as well as written results of inspection and tests.
Armand develops quality assurance plans for the project and monitoring
reporting, as well as assuring the contractor is following the quality
control/assurance program.
Pennsylvania Department of
General Services
$3.8 Million
Shamsell Abdill brings over 20 years of experience in the construction industry to her role as Vice President at Armand Corporation. She oversees the company’s building and infrastructure programs, serving as Project Executive, and is renowned for her expertise in contract administration, project management, problem resolution, and M/WBE compliance. Her career highlights include contributing to the rebuilding of the World Trade Center as part of the Procurement and Change Order Management Team, where she gained extensive experience in procurement and negotiation. Shamsell leverages her comprehensive industry knowledge to build strong professional relationships with agencies and utility companies, minimizing impacts on construction schedules. Her diverse project portfolio spans corporate, correctional, healthcare, educational, and landmark building restorations, as well as masonry renovations. She is adept in various project delivery methods, including construction manager as agent, construction manager at risk, design-bid-build, and design-build, making her an invaluable leader in delivering successful projects for Armand Corporation.
Robert “Bob” Mello is a seasoned construction professional with over 35 years of experience managing both new construction and renovation projects. As Associate Vice President of Pre-Construction at Armand Corporation, Bob specializes in overseeing planning and construction-related services for public and private clients.
A licensed Professional Engineer in New York State, Bob’s extensive expertise includes managing projects across urban environments and on-call contracts. His skill set encompasses facility planning, property condition assessments, constructability reviews, quality control and compliance, energy efficiency initiatives, and scope and schedule reviews.
Bob’s comprehensive approach ensures effective construction management from initial phases through project close-out, making him an invaluable leader in delivering successful outcomes for Armand’s clients.
CariAnn Palmese is a senior program manager with nearly 20 years of experience delivering program management and administrative support for large, complex, multi-million-dollar projects. Her expertise includes developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure the successful execution of challenging initiatives.
A highlight of CariAnn’s career was guiding the Nassau County Department of Public Works in managing community reconstruction projects under a $36 million CDBG-DR capital program. Currently, she works alongside Armand’s team to provide construction management services for disaster recovery capital programs, showcasing her dedication to driving successful outcomes in high-stakes environments.
Jerome Wright is a seasoned financial analyst with nearly 20 years of accounting experience across diverse industries. As Associate Vice President of Operations at Armand Corporation, Jerome excels in managing and tracking vendor invoices, ensuring timely processing using project-specific templates, and providing hands-on assistance to vendors with invoice submissions.
Jerome’s expertise includes preparing detailed invoice summary reports for Program Manager approvals and collaborating with Program Managers to resolve billing discrepancies. He has a proven ability to reconcile financial data, comparing and correcting invoice details while working closely with project management and accounting teams to address invoicing issues.His commitment to precision and collaboration makes him an integral part of the operations team.
At Armand Corporation, We are committed to maintaining a secure and transparent hiring process. Please be aware of potential job scams that misuse our name to solicit sensitive or personal information. We do not request Social Security numbers, bank account details, or payment of any kind during the initial stages of the hiring process. Additionally, we never offer employment without a formal interview process. All applicants are required to participate in one or more interviews before any job offer is extended. While we may request verification of education, certifications, or licenses during the later stages of the hiring process.
If you receive suspicious communication claiming to be from Armand Corporation or are uncertain about the legitimacy of a job offer, please contact us directly at careers@armandcorp.com for confirmation. Protecting your privacy and ensuring a fair and professional hiring experience is our top priority.
Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Phillip Grant is responsible for overseeing the company’s daily operations and driving the execution of strategic initiatives. He manages key relationships with stakeholders, including boards, owners, consultants, and contractors. Phillip is also responsible for negotiating contracts, resolving budget and schedule challenges, and integrating innovative technologies. He has over 20 years of extensive expertise in economic development, engineering, and public infrastructure. Phillip has successfully managed multi-billion dollar capital construction programs, focusing on sustainability, compliance, and efficiency. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in New York, a Certified Construction Manager and holds a BS in engineering from Fairleigh Dickinson University and an MBA from Mercy University. He is also a member of the Construction Management Association of America, National Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
