BUILD Architecture Awards 2023 46 When talking to Tiffany Leal about ACES, the job is always the first priority. “On a daily basis, ACES is capable of providing engineering consulting services to both the public and private sector, including owners, developers, architects, general contractors, property management companies, school boards, and municipalities,” she says with a grin. Her team’s work has encompassed the full range of engineering, testing and consulting services from pre-construction through post construction. It’s just one of many ways in which the team is set apart. Since opening the firm’s doors, Tiffany has been determined to lead her organisation to new heights of success. “My passion for anything I am involved in is to be the best and continuing to rise above all expectations,” she tells us. “I truly love an “underdog” story and feeling proud of continual growth and achievement.” ACES has long been established as a leader in the industry, serving clients with positive, action-oriented attitudes. Key to this is an eye for communication and making sure that everyone is one the same page. “We listen to our clients, developing a clear understanding of our Client’s needs and goals, and tailoring our services to meet and exceed those needs in a quality, timely, and cost-effective manner,” Tiffany explains. Of course, creating an environment where people can thrive like this is no easy task. It has involved a lot of trial and error, and its continued success depends on the work of a talented staff who share a commitment to good work. “The people who makeup ACES are truly some of the best engineers and technical professionals in the industry,” she says. “Experience, technical ability, and commitment to our clients from each and every staff member is simple the secret to our success.” The team have worked on numerous projects over the years, each with unique challenges to overcome and difficulties to face. “Every project we take on as a company is always with the same enthusiasm and intent,” says Tiffany, “however one of our most remarkable projects we have performed services on was The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Expansion, otherwise known as “The Guitar Building”. This immense challenge of a project saw ACES provide Third Party Plan Review and Inspection Services associated with the construction of the General Building, Structural, Mechanical, Women in engineering is a sadly uncommon sight, and firms which are owned by women are even rarer. Fortunately, the team behind Absolute Civil Engineering Solutions, LLC (ACES) are able to represent them with flying colours. In the Architecture Awards 2023, the team have achieved incredible success. We caught up with the firm’s President, Tiffany Leal, to find out more. W Mar23460 Electrical, and Plumbing (BSMEP) building components for the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino -Hollywood Guitar Tower/ Casino Expansion. More than 807 rooms were built for the project, including a 3-storey Guitar Tower Hotel housing 640 rooms. There was also a casino expansion, new night club and fourteen restaurants, bars and food venues. There was also the growth of the convention centre to cover more space, and the renovation of the Hard Rock Live showroom. As a project, the challenges involved in this project were seemingly never ending. Such an impressive amount of new development is no mean feat, and the ACES team had their work cut out for them in making it happen in good time. “The ACES team worked tirelessly on this project to assist in meeting the construction milestones for each phase of the project through its renovation and expansion,” Tiffany says. “The Casino remained open and operational throughout, which is a huge challenge to overcome. Areas of the property were still open for the general public use while simultaneously operating as a construction site! Life Safety was always a huge priority throughout this project and this committed effort resulted in a tremendous product for our client and is a testimony to ACES commitment to being a key member to the success of the project.” It’s clear that a great deal of care goes into every project that the ACES team undertakes, and the importance of this individual approach cannot be understated. “I started this company from scratch on my dining room table,” Tiffany says, “and I remember the desire to succeed from day one. Not succeeding was not an option.” Where Tiffany feels she stands apart is in her belief that clients make her business successful, so they must be put first at all times. “Our team understands that if you help your client get to the finish line as smooth and expeditiously as possible, they will be with you for the long term.,” she goes on to say. “When you can build the trust in your client relationships, they know they can count on you , they become your friends and partners and we are now able to have many successes together, growing together.” Looking forward, it’s clear that ACES has a bright future ahead of it, particularly under the capable leadership of Tiffany. “We have a team of people within ACES that are truly amazing and contribute to our daily successes,” she says with a smile. “We appreciate each individual contributor that make up our ACES Team and with God’s blessing, the future is big and bright.” With such incredible success behind her in the Architecture Awards Best Women-Owned Engineering Firm of the Year 2023 - Florida
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