Greeley, Colorado, August 22, 2025
News Summary
Hensel Phelps is broadening its digital-construction capabilities across projects while enacting multiple executive leadership changes. The firm has standardized a Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) program on every job, pairing BIM, drone operations, laser scanning, augmented reality, and cloud collaboration to reduce rework, improve safety, and boost field efficiency. A staffed VDC group supports project kickoff through construction with clash detection and constructible models accessible on tablets in the field. The company emphasizes hands-on, in-field training and practical technology use tied to measurable outcomes, including improved risk scores, reduced rework, and recognized safety and innovation performance.
Hensel Phelps expands digital-construction VDC/AR workflows while announcing multiple executive leadership changes effective Jan. 1, 2025
In a move that blends a broad push toward digital construction with a leadership reshuffle, the firm disclosed ongoing expansion of its digital-construction workflows, including advanced VDC (virtual design and construction) and AR (augmented reality) tools, alongside a series of leadership changes set to take effect on January 1, 2025. The dual announcements underscore a strategy focused on reducing rework, improving safety, and aligning operations across regions with a common digital backbone.
Expanded VDC and AR workflows reach every project
At the core of the initiative is a field-ready approach to technology adoption that prioritizes practical use over mere novelty. The organization emphasizes a workflow ecosystem where augmented reality (AR) and building information modeling (BIM) are integrated into daily site operations, planning, and QA processes. The philosophy is to apply tools with a real purpose: to avoid rework, minimize accidents, and ensure projects are executed correctly from the outset.
The VDC program is led by a director and supported by a team of specialists who collectively number near 100. Senior VDC managers help craft BIM execution plans early in project procurement and kickoff, establishing a shared path for project deliverables. On a practical level, the team uses field-ready visualization tools on devices like iPads to display constructible models, enabling on-site stakeholders to spot conflicts, anticipate utility issues, and map out next steps for safer, more efficient work.
A central element of the digital approach is the use of Trimble Connect as a central source of truth for field data, allowing stakeholders to access information and collaborate on data-driven decisions. The same ecosystem plugs in Trimble SiteVision for site-based AR visualization, which has been deployed on multiple programs to map floor removal requirements, visualize spatial constraints in real time, and support ongoing QA/QC tracking. The adoption extends to field displays and a broader portfolio of digital tools, with a growing number of Trimble SiteVision licenses and an increasing footprint of Trimble Connect licenses across projects.
On large projects, the integration goes beyond visualization. Teams color-code models in Trimble Connect, push them to AR environments, and use the combined data to support safety verifications and collaborative validation. In addition to AR, the company has embraced a cloud-based approach to data-sharing and cost management through Trimble ProjectSight, which handles cost information, RFIs, daily logs, submittals, punch lists, and viewing project drawings and specifications in a centralized fashion.
The practical effect of these digital tools is to improve cost control, track accountability, and accelerate decision-making on site. By turning digital models into actionable field workflows, the company aims to reduce the likelihood of clashes and delays while giving field teams a clearer view of what comes next in each phase of a project.
Learning, training, and a people-centric rollout
A notable aspect of the program is onsite training led by VDC personnel for each project. Regional training sessions are also used to expand capacity, but the firm emphasizes that the best learning occurs in the field rather than through videos alone. The goal is to encourage the entire staff—from field teams to safety and quality control—to adopt and routinely use VDC tools. This broad engagement helps cement a common language across disciplines, making digital workflows easier to understand and use.
Industry recognition has followed the digital push, with the company reporting safety awards and a record of improved risk profiles tied to its digital practices. The VDC approach has also contributed to higher insurance-rate stability by reducing rework and promoting safer job sites.
Leadership changes effective January 1, 2025
Alongside the digital expansion, the leadership slate features several notable changes. A new Executive Vice President has been appointed to oversee multiple regions and entities, including the Pacific Northwest, Rocky Mountain, and Southcentral regions, as well as water and specialized services. In the Rocky Mountain region, a regional vice president role has been created. A new General Manager has been named for a specialized solutions division, signaling a focus on mission-critical integrated services. A veteran executive is retiring after more than three decades of service, and the board highlighted the ongoing commitment to strategic leadership as part of the transition.
In addition to the above, the board announced the appointment of a new president and chief operating officer, with responsibilities spanning regional execution, cross-unit coordination, and corporate-department oversight to ensure alignment with the firm’s broader strategy. A pair of new executive roles—chief administrative officer and chief health and safety officer—were added to the leadership team in conjunction with the promotions, signaling a deliberate focus on governance and workplace safety as core business priorities.
The leadership changes are part of a broader plan that includes relocation of certain regional offices and operations, along with ongoing expansion of high-profile project management capabilities across the country. These organizational shifts come as the company continues to pursue large-scale projects while maintaining its emphasis on VDC-driven collaboration and field-oriented technology adoption.
Project scale, awards, and ongoing commitments
The organization has highlighted a track record of major projects and recognition for safety performance. Awards from national and local safety bodies reflect a sustained commitment to operating at high safety standards, with the digital workflow improvements cited as a contributing factor in lowering risk and improving site conditions. The portfolio continues to span sectors such as transportation infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and aviation projects, with digital workflows designed to support complex coordination needs across these sectors.
In parallel with leadership changes and the digital expansion, there is a move to consolidate some operations, including the relocation of a regional office and facilities-services group. The new site is intended to offer greater capacity and closer proximity to project teams, reinforcing the link between digital workflows and practical, on-the-ground execution.
FAQ
- What is the main focus of the current expansion?
- The expansion centers on advancing VDC and AR workflows on all projects, with an emphasis on practical use, field integration, and data-driven decisions to minimize rework and boost safety and efficiency.
- Which tools are central to the new digital strategy?
- Core tools include BIM, AR with SiteVision, and cloud platforms such as Trimble Connect and Trimble ProjectSight, used to manage field data, visualization, coordination, and cost information.
- What leadership changes took effect on January 1, 2025?
- A series of leadership changes included appointing a new Executive Vice President to oversee multiple regions and services, naming a Regional Vice President for the Rocky Mountain region, appointing a General Manager for a mission-critical solutions unit, and promoting a new president and COO. A retirement was also announced for a long-serving regional head.
- What is the impact on safety and training?
- Digital workflows are linked to enhanced safety procedures and award recognition. Onsite VDC training and regional programs are used to broaden adoption of the new tools and ensure staff are proficient in the latest methods.
- How does AR contribute on projects?
- AR tools provide real-time spatial visualization, assist in mapping out installation and demolition steps, validate installed elements, and support ongoing quality assurance and safety verifications on site.
- Are there any notable project examples mentioned in connection with AR?
- AR workflows have been used on large-scale redevelopment programs to visualize demolition plans and utilities, with digital models pushed to field devices for collaborative validation and safety checks.
Key features
| Feature | Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| VDC and AR expansion | Widespread use of BIM, AR, and digital collaboration tools across projects | Improved planning, fewer conflicts, safer sites |
| Field-ready workflows | iPads and visualization tools deployed on site to support decisions | Faster issue resolution and better on-site execution |
| Data platforms | Trimble Connect as central data source; ProjectSight for cost and submittals | Single source of truth; clearer visibility into project status and costs |
| Training approach | Onsite and regional training; emphasis on field learning | Higher adoption rates and consistent use of tools |
| Leadership changes | New EVP, regional VP, GM for MCIS; retirement and new COO | Strategic alignment and leadership continuity for digital initiatives |
| Safety and awards | Digital workflows linked to enhanced safety procedures | Improved risk profiles and recognition from industry bodies |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Hensel Phelps announces leadership changes for 2025 – PR Newswire
- Wikipedia: Hensel Phelps
- Hensel Phelps to move regional HQ to Broomfield – BizWest
- Google Search: Hensel Phelps regional HQ Broomfield
- Hensel Phelps names new president and leadership updates – Construction Dive
- Google Scholar: Hensel Phelps virtual design and construction VDC
- Hensel Phelps announces leadership changes (Jan 2024) – BizWest
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hensel Phelps
- Hensel Phelps Board of Directors announces promotion of key personnel – PR Newswire
- Google News: Hensel Phelps leadership changes 2025
