Adelphi Innovative Designs, Inc. owner and President Peter Pavlounis (right) with his two trusted senior project managers, Theo Verios (left) and George Kaimis (middle).

During a $6 million renovation project for Touro College in Brooklyn, New York, the construction firm completely transformed a rundown residential structure built in 1922 into a modern academic space.

In Greek culture, relationships are everything. Under this collectivist mentality, working together in harmony is of utmost importance, as is the ability to develop strong, long-lasting connections.

This certainly describes the perspective of Peter Pavlounis, a Greek American who is the owner and President of Adelphi Innovative Designs, Inc. (Adelphi). His staff shares this keen understanding, including senior project managers, Theo Verios and George Kaimis, who are instrumental in helping him form tight-knit bonds with clients and other project partners.

“At Adelphi, our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction has helped to earn us an outstanding reputation in the fields of residential and commercial design and construction in New York City and its surrounding areas,” Pavlounis says. “Our values of respect, integrity and professionalism dictate the way we conduct our business and, more importantly, how we treat our clients.”

Company Expertise

Based in Albertson, New York, Adelphi is a full-service general contracting, development and construction management firm that caters to clients throughout New York state and Connecticut, and has even ventured as far south as Florida to perform work. The company also offers design-phase consulting, and is called on often by architects to provide input on potential design issues before construction starts. Pavlounis adds, “Our team excels at value engineering and is able to suggest cost-saving alternatives while preserving architectural details and maintaining the character and beauty of the projects we perform.”

The business handles a fairly equal amount of commercial and residential work. Its commercial project portfolio includes new construction and rehabilitation of restaurants, retail facilities, office spaces, K-12 schools, higher education institutions and medical facilities as well as renovations and fit-outs of existing buildings. Its residential jobs consist of home renovations and new construction of modern, high-end residences.

“We bring a personalized approach to projects to deliver on the unique desires and needs of each client, and focus on assembling the right team of designers and tradespersons to achieve the client’s goals,” Pavlounis says.

Entry into Entrepreneurship

Adelphi was founded in 1999 by Pavlounis, who previously worked as a project manager for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), where he gained diverse experience working on projects ranging from historic renovations and municipal work, to single- and multifamily construction/remodeling, to developing retail centers, schools, restaurants and office spaces. After spending a decade working in the public sector, Pavlounis decided to transition into the private industry and become an entrepreneur.

“Growing up, my parents stressed the importance of higher education, and encouraged me and my siblings to use it to move up and succeed in the world,” says Pavlounis, who graduated from college in 1992 with a degree in architecture and construction management. “After graduating college, I began my construction career with GSA, where I grew my understanding of coordinating and communicating with all types of industry professionals. Then I decided to take control of my destiny by becoming my own boss, which is when I opened Adelphi.”

Pavlounis’ construction savvy, along with the business connections he developed while working for the federal government, helped him secure contracts right away. He started out doing minor residential remodels, then moved into major home renovations, and eventually added commercial work to his company portfolio. Over the years, his projects—as well as his reputation—grew bigger as he deepened trust with his existing contacts and formed new connections.

“There hasn’t been a time since 1999 where I was out of work a day. I’ve had constant referrals from homeowners, business owners, architects and designers. Our motto is ‘You’re only as good as your last job.’ That’s why we treat every job the same and have been so successful,” Pavlounis says.

Comrades in Construction

Pavlounis’ professional accomplishments have not only resulted in a windfall of referrals—they also drew the attention of two industry veterans interested in taking their work to the next level. Cue Verios and Kaimis, co-leaders of Keystone Renovations, a construction firm that has participated in several joint venture projects alongside Adelphi.

“These men have had huge successes in the residential aspects of their company as well as on restaurant and school construction projects. I was most impressed by their leadership capabilities, communication skills and hands-on interactions with subcontractors,” Pavlounis says. “I thought it would be a great idea to invite them to join the Adelphi team so that we could increase our workload and handle larger-scale and more complex projects.”

In 2012, Verios and Kaimis accepted Pavlounis’ invitation because they shared Pavlounis’ strong work ethic and professional integrity and respected his company’s many achievements. Today, these comrades in construction epitomize the inherent definition of the word “adelphi,” a Greek word meaning “brothers.”

Diverse Skills and Knowledge

Pavlounis, Verios and Kaimis possess over 90 years of combined industry experience. By joining together their diverse skill sets and knowledge, they are proficient in mitigating potential issues before they become obstacles and opening up higher levels of communication between all members of the project team—including owners, architects, engineers, tradespersons, suppliers and vendors. This elevated project approach leads to speedy, on-budget completions that dazzle clients time and again.

Verios’ career began in 1999 at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport, where he worked primarily as an electrical and communication control wiring specialist. Then he transitioned into project management at a Long Island-based construction firm, obtaining vital supervisory skills, proficiency in client interactions, familiarity with 3D design programs, and hands-on field experience working with laborers and skilled tradespersons. While working at this construction firm he attended Baruch College and obtained multiple certifications in construction management.

Kaimis—who possesses 44 years of construction expertise—got his start in the industry in 1975 working as a siding mechanic while simultaneously obtaining a college degree in computer science and technology. Then, in the 1980s, he opened two businesses—a home remodeling company and a window manufacturing operation. He also possesses extensive site control experience, giving him an edge when it comes to managing large, complex projects.

“Together, we bring to the client more than just general construction services. We also are skilled in design and manufacturing, and our extensive field experience helps us anticipate and circumvent challenges through unique strategies,” Pavlounis says.

“Our values of respect, integrity and professionalism dictate the way we conduct our business and, more importantly, how we treat our clients.” Peter Pavlounis, Owner and President, Adelphi Innovative Designs, Inc.

An Inclusive Team Mentality

The building community, Pavlounis says, is strongest when its members support each other. This includes subcontractors because they are integral to executing projects with care and precision.

He adds, “We want everyone in the project to feel as if they are part of the ‘Adelphi Team,’ including subcontractors. Under this team-oriented approach, we establish trust with our subcontractors by letting them know we’re there to support them, no matter what obstacles they may face—whether it’s not having the right tools or machinery, or lacking manpower to complete tasks in a timely manner.”

By helping subcontractors obtain the resources they need, projects can move forward more smoothly, creating a win-win for everyone. This accommodating approach also takes pressure off trade partners and helps them become more open and communicative. As a result, Adelphi has established a solid pipeline of trustworthy, reliable companies to help complete projects.

Remarkable Evolution

Adelphi’s evolution over the last two decades has been quite remarkable. While the firm has a strong reputation through a host of impressive projects and repeat customers, ultimately, its growth has been fueled by a talented in-house team comprised of seasoned professionals who understand that relationships are key to achieving well-executed projects.

Pavlounis concludes: “Our tremendous work ethic and commitment has led Adelphi from remodeling residential bathrooms and kitchens to today building complex, multistory structures. Our customers appreciate our ability to provide comprehensive support and seamless transitions through each stage of a project, from design concept to construction build-out.”