Edward O'Rourke of ICS Builders, Inc.

We have experienced an increased level of bidding activity in late 2011 and expect this trend to continue throughout 2012. We also have received reports from architectural and engineering firms that their volume of work has been increasing recently, which will translate into more commercial construction work next year. What was your greatest professional accomplishment in 2011? In 2011, ICS Builders has successfully maintained its project volume despite the struggling economy. We have achieved it through maintaining client relationships and focusing on our core markets of corporate interiors, commercial ground-up assignments and LEED certified projects in New York City and throughout the Tri-state area. Repeat work from existing clients, a crucial source of business, is the testimony to our entire team consistently delivering quality performance, engineering and logistical creativity and a respectful, team-oriented attitude on all of our projects. What was your most notable project, deal or transaction in 2011? The LEED Platinum-certified headquarters of Natural Resources Defense Council, recently completed by ICS in Manhattan, has achieved 51 LEED points, the highest rating ever achieved for a corporate interior project globally, the highest for any type of facility in New York City, and one of the highest ever achieved in the United States in any LEED category. In 2011, ICS also completed the technically challenging, 39,000-square-foot structural redevelopment of the landmark 744 Madison Avenue. The project encompassed a new foundation and structural system, installation of mini caissons below the structure, preservation of a historical façade, and building expansion. What are some of your resolutions for 2012? We will continue to focus on providing exemplary service that exceeds our customers' expectations and ensures repeat business. We plan to expand our client base by making ICS the most professional and responsive general contracting and construction management firm on the market by supporting professional development of employees in the areas of construction technology and client service.