Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Construction Management Solutions
Established in 1989, we are a full-service general contracting and construction management firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Our expertise spans new construction, general renovation, and historic preservation projects across commercial, residential, educational, and nonprofit sectors. We specialize in navigating complex publicly funded developments with multi-layered financing structures while maintaining strict budget and schedule adherence. With over 35 years of operation, our business relationships are built on mutual respect and integrity, evidenced by our nearly exclusive reliance on repeat and referral clients.Our team combines big-firm technical expertise with personalized service, delivering quality construction through exceptional communication and collaborative problem-solving. Our leadership team brings decades of experience managing projects ranging from multi-family housing to healthcare facilities, with a particular emphasis on historic preservation in the St. Louis region. We maintain active involvement in community development initiatives, prioritizing local workforce participation in distressed neighborhoods through strategic contractor selection.
Services
Construction Management
General Renovation
Historic Preservation
Project Management
Construction Consulting
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- We have completed over 190 construction projects since 1989 across multiple states.
- Our team includes LEED-certified and registered architects with historic preservation expertise.
- We maintain 35+ years of continuous client relationships through consistent project delivery.
- Our leadership team brings combined 100+ years of construction industry experience.
- We specialize in complex projects with multi-layered public funding structures.
Services
Construction Management
Our construction management services provide comprehensive oversight from project inception to completion. We coordinate all aspects of construction including scheduling, budgeting, and quality control while maintaining strict adherence to timelines and financial constraints. Our team's expertise in managing complex developments with multiple funding sources ensures seamless execution for commercial, residential, and institutional clients.
Historic Preservation
Specializing in historic building restoration, we combine technical expertise with deep respect for architectural heritage. Our team has revitalized numerous landmark properties including Crown Square and Soulard Market Lofts while maintaining historical integrity. We navigate preservation requirements and tax credit programs to deliver modern functionality within historic structures across the St. Louis region.
General Renovation
We execute comprehensive renovation projects for commercial and residential properties with minimal disruption to occupants. Our services include structural upgrades, systems modernization, and space reconfiguration while maintaining compliance with current building codes. Our experience spans multi-family housing, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions throughout the Midwest.
Project Management
Our project management team oversees all phases from pre-construction planning to final delivery. We coordinate between architects, subcontractors, and clients to ensure timely execution within budget parameters. With LEED-certified professionals and registered architects on staff, we deliver complex projects requiring specialized compliance expertise.
Construction Consulting
We provide expert consultation for construction projects requiring specialized knowledge in public funding mechanisms and tax credit programs. Our team advises on cost optimization, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation strategies for developers and institutional clients seeking to maximize community impact through construction initiatives.
People
Mary Harris
Chief Executive Officer
Co-founder with 35+ years business leadership experience, including prior roles at AT&T and entrepreneurial ventures. Holds BS in Business Administration from Lindenwood University. Provides strategic oversight while maintaining company's founding principles of integrity and client focus.
Don Buchmueller
President
34-year construction industry veteran with expertise in multi-family housing, healthcare, and commercial projects. Served as Project Executive at S.M. Wilson & Co. before joining E.M. Harris in 2010. Holds Civil Engineering degree from University of Missouri-Rolla.
Philip Krull
Senior Vice President
Registered Architect with 25+ years managing complex projects including Council Tower Senior Apartments and Crown Square revitalization. Former Project Architect at Jeffrey Brambila Architects. Holds Architecture degree from University of Kansas.
Vic Hoffmeister
Vice President/Director of Preconstruction
28-year company veteran with expertise in estimating, value engineering, and project scheduling. Manages preconstruction phases for all projects. Holds Associate Degrees in Business Administration and Construction Management from St. Louis Community College.
Rebecca Kraus
Controller
Manages project accounting and office operations with six years at Nooter Construction prior to joining in 2017. Oversees MBE/WBE compliance for government projects. Holds Accounting degree from Missouri State University.
Questions
What types of construction projects do you specialize in?
We specialize in commercial, residential, and historic preservation projects including new construction, renovations, and multi-family housing developments with expertise in publicly funded programs.
How long has your company been in business?
E.M. Harris Construction has operated continuously since 1989, completing over 190 projects across Missouri and the Midwest region.
Do you handle complex construction projects with multiple funding sources?
Yes, we have extensive experience managing projects with multi-layered public funding and tax credit programs while maintaining strict budget adherence.
What makes your company different from other contractors?
Our combination of big-firm technical expertise with personalized service, 35+ year client relationships, and specialized historic preservation experience sets us apart in the industry.
Are your team members certified in construction management?
Yes, our team includes LEED-certified professionals, registered architects, and experienced project managers with decades of combined industry expertise.
