SAN DIEGO, Calif. (July 15, 2026) – Sundt Construction has earned two Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Western Pacific Region awards for its work on the Sciences & Engineering Laboratories project at San Diego State University Imperial Valley in Brawley, California.
Delivered in partnership with San Diego State University and AC Martin, the project was recognized with both a Design-Build Award of Distinction and a Small Business Engagement & Growth Award.
“Together with SDSU, AC Martin and our trade partners, we delivered a facility that expands access to STEM education, supports workforce development and creates lasting value for the Imperial Valley community. We’re honored to see the team’s dedication and innovation recognized by DBIA,” said Sundt Project Director Chris Sullivan.
“The progressive design-build process enabled us to seamlessly integrate design and construction expertise to create a facility that is both inspiring and practical. In response to the Imperial Valley’s challenging desert climate, the architecture employs passive design strategies, durable materials, and shaded outdoor spaces to create comfortable, high-performing environments that reflect the region’s agricultural heritage and the spirit of scientific discovery,” said Jerrold Fox, AC Martin principal-in-charge.
The 37,000-square-foot facility provides teaching laboratories, research space, faculty offices and instructional areas that support the continued growth of STEM education and workforce development in the Imperial Valley. Designed to serve students, researchers and industry partners, the facility helps expand educational opportunities in a region experiencing significant economic growth.
Sundt is a leading builder throughout California and for the education market. The firm is currently working on several projects for the San Diego Unified School District and has active projects at California State University, Fullerton; Cal Poly Humboldt; and North Orange County Community College District’s Cypress College. Sundt also recently announced its new project with the San Diego Community College District, the Saville Performing Arts Center Replacement project.
About AC Martin
AC Martin is a California-based architecture, planning, interiors, and research firm that uses an integrated design approach to shape cities, communities, and campuses. As the longest continuously operating firm in Los Angeles, we honor our legacy while embracing the future. With offices across California and a passion for design excellence, we approach each project as an opportunity to positively impact the communities we serve and enrich their culture.
About Sundt
Sundt Construction, Inc. (www.sundt.com) is one of the country’s largest and most respected general contractors. The 136-year-old firm specializes in transportation, water and wastewater, advanced facilities, heavy industrial and mining, building, concrete and renewable power work and is owned entirely by its 5,200-plus employees. Sundt is distinguished by its diverse capabilities and experience, unique employee-ownership culture and depth of self-perform expertise in multiple trades. Much of Sundt’s workforce is comprised of skilled craft professionals who, together with the company’s administrative employees, enable Sundt to fulfill its mission to be the most skilled builder in America. Sundt has 13 offices throughout California, Arizona, North Carolina, Texas, Washington, Utah and Florida and is currently ranked the country’s 42nd largest construction company by ENR, the industry’s principal trade magazine.
