As Phoenix continues its dynamic growth, the demand for large-scale, quality developments rises in tandem. Developers who meet this need combine vision with execution, shaping the city’s commercial and residential spaces. The list that follows contains eight leading large building developers in Phoenix. Chosen for their proven track record, industry accolades, and robust portfolios, these firms represent the pinnacle of development expertise in the region.
LGE Design Build
1200 N 52nd St, Phoenix, AZ 85008
LGE Design Build, located in Phoenix and Dallas, is a full-service, commercial general contractor with architecture and construction offerings under one roof.
For three decades, LGE has streamlined the design and construction process on over 1,200 projects, totaling more than 28 million square feet. The company’s true design-build model allows it to produce original, functional, attractive, and cost-efficient buildings tailored toward its clients’ needs. LGE is an award-winning firm that specializes in industrial, office, retail/hospitality, mixed-use, education, medical, and adaptive reuse/TI design builds.
The Weitz Company, LLC
2111 E. Highland Ave, Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Founded in 1855, The Weitz Company is one of the nation’s foremost general contractors, design-builders, and construction managers. With a rich history of over 168 years, it has the honor of being the sixth oldest A/E/C firm in the United States. Operating from 10 offices and serving all 50 U.S. states, the company centers its construction proficiency across three primary segments: commercial, industrial, and supply chain. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, The Weitz Company’s commitment to pioneering new construction methodologies and technologies has positioned it at the forefront of the industry. This commitment is reflected in the company’s consistent top-tier rankings on respected lists such as Engineering News-Record’s Top 400 Contractors and Building Design+Construction’s Giants 300 Contractors.
The company’s leadership is spearheaded by Kevin McClain, who has been an integral part of The Weitz Company since 1999. Serving in diverse operational and executive roles, Kevin assumed the position of president & CEO in 2017. Holding accreditations from the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, Arizona Builders Alliance, and the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, The Weitz Company’s dedication to excellence extends beyond construction.
W.E. O’Neil Construction
4511 E. Kerby Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85040
W.E. O’Neil, esteemed for “Building Great Relationships since 1925,” stands tall as an award-winning, employee-owned construction entity. Founded by the O’Neil family in Chicago in 1925, it has expanded its building horizons nationally, with prominent locations in AZ, CA, CO, IL, TN, and TX. W.E. O’Neil Construction’s journey from its inception to becoming 100% employee-owned (ESOP) highlights its commitment to valuing people as its premier asset. Under the visionary leadership of Bryan Dunn, president of the Arizona region, the company has marked its prowess in various markets, ranging from health care and aviation to senior living and affordable housing.
The company has been consistently recognized for its stellar performance. Recent awards include being ranked #95 in ENR’s Top 400 General Contractors in 2023 and Best Places to Work by Phoenix Business Journal (ranked #16; Small Company Category). W.E. O’Neil has been featured in publications like AZ Big Media, Mile High CRE, and Southwest Construction Views | Engineering News-Record.
Layton Construction Company, LLC
2355 E Camelback Rd, Suite 800, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Established in 1953, Layton Construction Company has etched its name as a trailblazer in the construction sector, with extensive experience across diverse industries. Its strategic foresight in 1987 to set up an office in Phoenix, Arizona was a significant step toward geographic diversification, a move designed to maneuver around the Utah market’s distinct economic challenges.
David S. Layton, serving as president and CEO since 2004, is at the helm of this nationally-ranked construction titan. Under David’s leadership, Layton Construction evolved from a regional contractor to a formidable national corporation. The company’s trajectory in the past decade speaks volumes of its success—a rich portfolio of national customers, diversification across industries, and a rock-solid client base. Testament to David’s visionary approach is the establishment of new office outposts in locales such as Boise, Irvine, Honolulu, and Nashville, along with specialized divisions like Interior Construction Specialists, focusing on tenant improvement and remodeling.
In recognition of its outstanding contributions, Layton Construction was awarded the title of General Contractor of the Year at the AZRE RED Awards in 2023. Publications like AZ Big Media and CommercialSearch have covered Layton Construction’s notable achievements and endeavors between 2020 and 2023.
Jokake Construction
2415 E. Camelback Rd, Suite 150, Phoenix, AZ 85016
Jokake Construction Services has been at the forefront of the construction domain for four decades and is renowned for offering comprehensive commercial general contractor services. Established in 1983, Jokake transforms visions into tangible realities through ground-up construction, meticulous renovations, and sophisticated building tenant improvements. The company’s remarkable trajectory is largely credited to the visionary leadership of Casey Cartier, who leads the organization as its president and CEO. Under Casey’s stewardship, Jokake Construction has consistently transcended industry benchmarks, exemplifying a blend of originality, precision, and dedication in every endeavor.
Reflecting its commitment to excellence, Jokake Construction was honored as the General Contractor of the Year at the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Southwest Chapter’s annual Design Awards in 2022. Complementing this recognition are its affiliations and certifications, including membership with the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) Arizona and a portfolio of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certified projects, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable construction practices. Its journey and achievements have been extensively chronicled by notable publications such as AZ Big Media from 2020 to 2023.
Kitchell
9330 Scranton Rd, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121
With a legacy that spans seven decades, Kitchell stands tall as a paragon of construction excellence in the Western United States. Founded in 1950 by the visionary Sam Kitchell, the firm started its journey focused on general contracting and construction management. Recognizing the ever-evolving landscape of the construction sector, Sam pioneered transformative building processes and introduced an array of services, ensuring that Kitchell consistently met and exceeded industry challenges. Wendy Cohen, the president and CEO of Kitchell Corporation, and Chris Kirch, the president of Kitchell Contractors, are the contemporary torchbearers, driving the company’s ethos of innovation and superior performance.
This commitment to excellence hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, Kitchell’s efforts were recognized with the coveted Engineering News-Record (ENR) Best of the Best Award. The Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce recognized the firm as the Business of the Year in 2020, a testament to its pivotal role in shaping the industry. Over the years, Kitchell’s milestones and achievements have been regularly featured in prominent publications, including The Business Journals, AZ Big Media, AZCentral, and The Business Journal.
Alston Construction
1050 W Washington St, Tempe, AZ 85281
With a rich history of 37 years, Alston Construction stands as an epitome of commitment, integrity, and innovation in the construction industry. Rooted in the principles of partnership, giving honest advice, and responsible contracting, the company strongly emphasizes nurturing builder-client relationships and setting shared goals from the outset of every project.
The firm has witnessed remarkable revenue growth, culminating in the completion of over 75 million SF of new construction in just the past five years. An enduring testament to the company’s professionalism and performance is its repeat clientele, which constitutes approximately 80% of its projects. It has successfully undertaken projects ranging from $250,000 to a whopping $80 million, making its mark across 30 states with more than $2.5 billion in industrial and manufacturing projects, encompassing over 70 million SF.
CEO Paul Little, inspired by Houston’s iconic skyscrapers, believes in client empathy and open communication as the bedrock of successful projects. With four decades of vast experience, Paul champions the notion that both the client and contractor must find a project fitting.
Receiving accolades such as the 2022 Associated General Contractors of America award for being one of the Nation’s Safest Construction Companies, Alston Construction’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering.
