INSIDE innovation

Construction

that matters.

a few of our clients
Services

We do it best.

Life Science Labs

Helix provides superior life science construction services to Chicago through a unique combination of local knowledge and technical experience. We offer expertise earned over 120 years of cumulative experience, building more than 1.5 million square feet of life science space. Our team has worked on award-winning spaces for some of the largest biotech campuses, universities, and start-ups in the country.

Infrastructure

Lab buildouts go beyond the sleek spaces we typically see in photos. Our team is well-versed in the infrastructure necessary to support the functions of life science, R&D, and product labs and keep them running efficiently.

Interiors

We focus on a human-centered approach to construction, providing expert cost and schedule input, knowledge gained through years of project delivery in Chicago and listening to our clients.
South San Fransisco, CA

CONFIDENTIAL LAB CONSOLIDATION

Palo Alto, CA

CONFIDENTIAL UNIVERSITY LAB RENOVATION

Fremont, CA

ABCAM

Emeryville, CA

ZYMERGEN

Petaluma, CA

CONFIDENTIAL PHARMACEUTICAL CLIENT

South San Francisco, CA

AMGEN

San Jose, CA

DISCO

Mountain View, CA

CONFIDENTIAL TECH CLIENT PRODUCT LAB

Chicago, IL

HOME CHEF

meet the team

Behind the build.

Samantha

Vohnhale

San Francisco, California
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Jon

West

Project Manager
San Francisco, CA

Jon knows how important it is to create spaces that cater to a client’s unique needs, and he works tirelessly with lab owners to that end. He is well versed in projects with tight timelines and sequencing challenges, and makes it a priority to keep his projects on track. Outside the office, Jon is just as ambitious on the mountain – snowboarding in the winter, mountain biking in the summer, and building & playing guitars in between.

Tom

Southam

Project Manager
San Francisco, CA

Tom Southam enjoys a challenge, which is probably why he loves working in complex lab spaces. His affinity for problem-solving has led him to build out technology and business operations systems to the benefit of our entire team. Tommy likes to challenge himself out of office as well, participating in competitive sailboat racing.

Hayley

Soderlund Macko

Principal
San Francisco, CA

Hayley Sounderlund enjoys navigating complex projects and finding creative solutions to tricky problems. She specializes in lab construction, typically taking on the role of Project Executive. Her desire to take the road less traveled leads to some pretty epic backcountry skiing.

Jorge

Toro

Senior Superintendent
Chicago, IL

Jorge Toro has worked in the construction industry for 25 years, stating in the trades, then becoming a carpentry foreman and now as a superintendent. A true collaborator, Jorge facilitates the discovery of solutions to complex problems by enabling every team member to be a part of the answer.

Kevin

Chua

Project Executive
Chicago, IL

Kevin Chua has distinguished himself in his ability to walk our clients through the preconstruction process, helping clarify the budget to make decisions based on each client’s values. Informed by his background in operations through project management, he consistently encourages our Preconstruction team to convey construction concepts to our clients in a digestible way.

Tony

Iannessa

FOUNDER & CEO
Chicago, IL

Tony Iannessa is Co-Founder of Helix and CEO and Founder of BIG Construction. He leads the firm’s strategic direction with the goal of creating the opportunity for all our team members to work their dream job and encourages everyone to share ideas freely, regardless of position or tenure. Outside of work, Tony enjoys golf and relaxing in Harbor County, MI with his wife and two daughters.

Jon

Helman

President
San Francisco, CA

Jon Helman is Co-Founder of Helix and President of GCI General Contractors. He drives the firm’s strategy and vision, focusing on providing a place of incredible opportunities. Jon believes in the power of finding potential in unexpected places and is most proud of the team he’s built. Outside of the office, you can usually find him on the water kayaking on a river.

Rich

Jaworowski

Senior Superintendent
Chicago, IL

Rich Jaworowski has over two decades of experience in the construction industry, with a focus on management of highly detailed healthcare project sites such as surgery suites, MRI rooms and ICUs. Outside of work, Rich couches his sons’ football team.

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