April 12, 2024 (Irvine, CA) – PREMIER Design + Build Group, LLC is pleased to announce that Graham Benes has joined its team as Executive Vice President, Southwest. Benes brings more than 26 years of experience in commercial real estate development and construction to his new role. He has successfully delivered more than 20 million square feet across a wide range of project types.
In his new role, Benes will be responsible for overseeing all facets of the firm’s work in western and southwestern states including California, Arizona, and Nevada. Benes will work closely with PREMIER’s Steven Gabbert, Principal and Southwest Market Leader, to drive the company’s expansion throughout the region.
Benes joins the PREMIER team after seven years as a development and construction consultant for institutional capital investors representing public pension funds and life insurance companies. He began his construction career as an assistant project manager at a Denver-based design-build firm and rose to company president. He later transitioned into real estate development, where he
managed complex projects and held responsibility for everything from sourcing capital to overseeing project management through final closeout.
“Graham is no stranger to our team,” according to PREMIER Co-Founder and Managing Principal Brian Paul. “We’ve worked together on key projects in major markets like New York, Chicago, and Miami over the years. We’ve seen his depth of knowledge firsthand in everything from feasibility, risk, and entitlements to navigating the political landscape. He’s a natural fit with PREMIER because
we know he shares our vision and values.”
“Adding Graham to our team is a huge win, both for PREMIER and for our clients,” explained Michael Pacini, President. “As we’ve evolved, we’ve been proactive about differentiating PREMIER by finding opportunities to support our clients. Graham brings a unique perspective and skill set that allows us to deliver that support in ways that other general contractors can’t.”
Benes joins the rapidly growing team led by Gabbert in the Southwest. Current projects include Victory Logistics District, a master-planned industrial development on a 4,300-acre site in Nevada, and a nine-building industrial park in California’s Inland Empire. “Graham is among the best and brightest in the industry with deep roots in both construction and development,” said Gabbert.
“We’re excited to have someone of his caliber on board to accelerate the tremendous growth we’ve seen in the region and further extend our network’s reach nationally.”
“What I’ve witnessed as a long-term client is that PREMIER is a best-in-class operation,” said Benes. “This employee-owned company is the epitome of collaboration and professionalism, and I am thrilled to be joining this exceptional organization.”
About PREMIER Design + Build Group
PREMIER Design + Build Group is a leading design-build construction firm headquartered in Buffalo Grove, Ill. With a strong track record spanning 20 years, PREMIER specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for industrial, commercial, healthcare, residential, retail, and mixed-use construction projects. The company's unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer
service has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.
###
Media contact:
Amy Brierly, amybrierly@extramilepr.com
(312) 576-5100