Case Study

Principal Builders teamed up with the architects at Gensler to give Chemoil a new and improved North American headquarters. This design-build project showcases Principal Builders' ability to extend its reach into the world of design. According to Lou Conrad at Chemoil, "Principal Builders partnered extremely well with the architects and had a good approach to our project."

Chemoil Corporation, San Francisco

As one of the marine fuel industry's leading physical suppliers, Chemoil prides itself on being a company that "continually challenges industry practices and provides leadership through its progressive and innovative approach to delivering energy." When choosing its contractor for this multi-million dollar project, Chemoil selected Principal Builders, a company that applies the same approach within the building industry.

From the beginning, Principal Builders worked side-by-side with Gensler to execute a unique artistic vision. This design demanded complete alignment between glass, shadow mold, ceiling grid, carpet and wood flooring transitions. The ceiling design was an innovative combination of ceiling tiles of different sizes, which had to vertically align with the striped pattern of the carpet. Principal Builders also managed the design, budget, and installation of all A/V, IT, and security systems, while simultaneously facilitating the design and installation of all furniture systems. Through precise planning and teamwork, this design goal was completely accomplished.

Even the design of Chemoil's restrooms was unique, featuring full height millwork partition fronts with frosted glass privacy panels. The panels integrate with interlocking wall tile and stone floors to create yet another set of critical alignment details.

This was Principal Builders' first project at the world-class A Embarcadero Center Office Complex. Principal Builders' Jon-Michael Johnson was proud of the project and the overall team dynamic: "The design-build process used by the Gensler - Principal Builders' team made this project work...a unique design that achieved the client's expectations in all apects of the project. A great model to be used again!"