Building Trust in the Most Sensitive Spaces
JTM's Critical Environments Division
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A Division Built on Expertise and Trust
In 2023, JTM Construction launched its Critical Environments Division, a dedicated group focused on the unique challenges of building in and around active healthcare and life science facilities. Leading the charge is Jimmy Craig, a 20-year veteran in the life science and healthcare construction markets.
Now, as the division closes out its second year, the group has grown to more than 25 professionals, including project managers, engineers, superintendents, and foremen. Each has the specialized expertise in navigating complex, occupied facilities.
"Working in a hospital or research lab is not about just getting the job done—it's about protecting patient safety, safeguarding experiments, and delivering exceptional quality without disruption. Our people understand infection control, they understand end users, and they understand the importance of preplanning."
— Jimmy Craig, Division Leader
25+
Professionals
Specialized team members dedicated to critical environments
20
Years Experience
Jimmy Craig's proven leadership in the industry
The Power of Preplanning
For JTM's Critical Environments team, success begins long before construction starts. If a project requires 100% effort, 80% of that effort happens in preplanning—collaborating with facility staff, nurses, researchers, and design consultants to understand how to minimize impacts, coordinate system shutdowns, and maintain safety.
This approach ensures that when it's time to execute, the work moves quickly and smoothly because every step has been thought through. The team's meticulous planning process protects patient safety while maintaining operational continuity in active facilities.
01
Collaborate with Stakeholders
Engage facility staff, nurses, researchers, and design consultants early
02
Minimize Impacts
Develop strategies to protect operations and patient safety
03
Coordinate Systems
Plan shutdowns and transitions with precision timing
04
Execute Flawlessly
Deliver quickly and smoothly with every detail planned
Building Differently: A Commitment to Self-Perform
A defining feature of the division is its growing capacity to self-perform specialty work. The team has built in-house expertise that sets them apart from competitors who rely solely on subcontractors. This approach builds pride and craftsmanship within the team, while also improving schedule control, flexibility, and quality.
Lab Casework & Equipment
Installation of lab casework, fume hoods, epoxy countertops, and biosafety cabinets
Medical Systems
Headwall systems and specialty medical equipment installations in procedure and imaging rooms
Critical Equipment Support
Anchoring and structural supports for critical healthcare equipment such as Cath labs and MRI suites
"It's easy to subcontract these scopes, but when we self-perform, we control our destiny. We can adapt faster, maintain consistency, and deliver higher-quality results—something our clients recognize and value."
— Jimmy Craig
Superior Quality
Direct control over craftsmanship and attention to detail ensures exceptional results that exceed client expectations
Schedule Flexibility
Ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions and client needs without coordination delays
Team Pride
Building in-house expertise creates a culture of ownership and craftsmanship throughout the organization
Recent Work: Pfizer Bothell Lab Expansion
The team recently completed the B6 Analytical & Impurity Lab Expansion for Pfizer in Bothell—a complex, phased project adjacent to active laboratory spaces. Partnering with Perkins & Will, AEI Engineers, and Coughlin Porter Lundeen, the project demanded precision planning to ensure lab operations remained unaffected.
Preconstruction Phase
Six months of detailed planning and phasing coordination
Execution Phase
Three months of smooth, efficient construction
Early Completion
Delivered three weeks ahead of schedule
Cost Savings
Returned 5% savings on final GMP
Project Highlights
  • Complex phased construction adjacent to active laboratories
  • Collaboration with leading design and engineering firms
  • Zero disruption to ongoing Pfizer operations
  • Meticulous infection control and safety protocols
  • Seamless coordination with trusted trade partners
3 Weeks Early
Project completed ahead of schedule through efficient planning and execution
5% Savings
Cost savings returned to client on final Guaranteed Maximum Price
Zero Disruption
Active lab operations maintained throughout construction
Trusted partners like McDonald-Miller and Nelson Electric played key roles, but the success ultimately reflected the collaborative culture and deep facility knowledge of JTM's Critical Environments team. The project showcased the division's ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety.
Spotlight: Drew Carlson, Senior Superintendent
Among the group's standout leaders is Drew Carlson, a senior superintendent with decades of experience in life science construction across the Pacific Northwest. Drew's relentless curiosity, proactive planning, and dedication to uncovering every detail early have made him a cornerstone of the division's success.
"Drew asks the tough questions up front—the ones others might overlook. That's how we uncover innovative solutions, cost savings, and smarter ways to deliver projects. He's built immense trust with our clients and teams, and he embodies the spirit of Critical Environments."
— Jimmy Craig
Relentless Curiosity
Asks the tough questions early to uncover innovative solutions and prevent issues before they arise
Proactive Planning
Dedication to uncovering every detail in advance ensures smooth execution and cost savings
Built Trust
Immense trust with clients and teams through decades of consistent excellence and collaboration
As Drew looks ahead to the next chapter of his career, the team celebrates his contributions and the culture of collaboration, expertise, and trust he's helped build. His legacy within the Critical Environments Division will continue to influence how the team approaches every project—with curiosity, thoroughness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

A Legacy of Excellence: Drew Carlson's approach to construction management has set the standard for the Critical Environments Division, inspiring the next generation of leaders to ask better questions, plan more thoroughly, and build stronger relationships with clients and partners.
Looking Forward
As JTM's Critical Environments Division moves into its third year, its mission remains clear: to be the easy button for clients—a trusted partner who plans thoroughly, executes flawlessly, and protects the most sensitive spaces in the region's hospitals and research facilities.
Plan Thoroughly
Meticulous preconstruction ensures every detail is considered
Execute Flawlessly
Smooth delivery with minimal disruption to operations
Protect Spaces
Safeguard the most sensitive healthcare environments
Our Commitment
  • Specialized expertise in active healthcare facilities
  • Growing capacity for self-performed specialty work
  • Culture of collaboration and continuous improvement
  • Trusted partnerships with leading design firms
  • Unwavering focus on patient safety and quality
"Our clients count on us to work where failure is not an option. And that's exactly where we thrive."
— Jimmy Craig, Critical Environments Division Leader
Trusted Partner
Building relationships based on expertise, reliability, and exceptional results
Zero Failure
Working in environments where precision and safety are non-negotiable
Regional Leader
Protecting the most sensitive spaces in hospitals and research facilities