STO Building Group launches Elevator Construction Consultants

Manhattan, NY STO Building Group has launched Elevator Construction Consultants (ECC), a specialized service line designed to address one of construction’s most persistent bottlenecks: vertical transportation. With the goal of improving elevator system performance, efficiency, and inspection success, ECC centralizes STOBG’s elevator and escalator expertise into a single, high-impact resource. Led by elevator industry veteran Michael Walsh as vice president, ECC brings over 36 years of specialized experience to construction teams, developers, owners, and architects. Joining Walsh is project manager Joseph Forish, a seasoned elevator consultant known for his work on complex modernization projects like 200 Park Ave., the Willis Tower, and Scotia Plaza. 

ECC offers a full suite of consulting services, including: 

• System design, modernization, and planning. 

• Installation oversight and QA/QC inspections. 

• Maintenance contract reviews and operational consulting. 

• Regulatory compliance audits and insurance investigations. 

• Expert witness services and forensic evaluations. 

By working closely with manufacturers like Otis, KONE, TK Elevator, and FujiTec, ECC guarantees that clients benefit from the latest technology, smooth coordination, and high-quality performance at every phase. ECC has already made an impact across STOBG’s portfolio, contributing to the success of major healthcare projects like the Penn Medicine Patient Pavilion (35 elevators, 2 escalators) and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s New Patient Tower (27 elevators), as well as complex vertical expansions like UPenn’s 3600 Civic Center Blvd. 

“Elevator inspections are often the final hurdle before turnover, and too often, they’re a cause for costly delays,” said Walsh. “At ECC, we integrate early and stay involved throughout the project to make sure elevators and escalators support project delivery rather than hinder it. I’m proud to say we’ve passed 97% of our inspections on the first try.” 

“The launch of ECC represents a strategic investment in one of the most overlooked, yet critical, aspects of project delivery,” said Greg Dunkle, chief operating officer at STO Building Group. “By streamlining the entire process from design through inspection, we’re able to build smarter, deliver more predictable outcomes, and ultimately provide our clients and partners with support every step of the way.” 

With ECC, STO Building Group’s clients and partners will be able to build with confidence, experience fewer delays, and deliver higher quality results project after project.