Your plane has just touched down at the East end of the Barbara Jordan terminal at Austin-Bergstrom Airport. After you deboard, you’re greeted by a bustling terminal full of excited travelers, unique shops, cozy cafes, and pubs featuring selections from Austin’s famous local breweries.
Amidst all of the amenities, it’s easy to take it all for granted. Harder to imagine is that, just six years ago, this vibrant space existed only on blueprints, fabrication drawings, and architectural models.
Hensel Phelps completed construction of the terminal in 2019. Today, they are actively working on expanding the West end of the terminal.
Over 80 Years of Innovation & Excellence
Since its founding in 1937, Hensel Phelps has been synonymous with innovation and excellence in the construction industry. Starting as a small home-building and remodeling business in Greeley, Colorado, they’ve evolved into one of the nation's top general contractors, responsible for some of the most iconic projects in the U.S.
Hensel Phelps' first office, founded in Greeley Colorado in June of 1937.
Today, Hensel Phelps is at the forefront of construction technology, leveraging drones, terrestrial LiDAR, and other cutting-edge tools to tackle complex projects like the expansion of the West end of the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
This project is no ordinary build. It’s a unique challenge that requires precision, coordination, and an unwavering commitment to meeting deadlines—all while keeping one of the nation’s busiest airports operational.
Project Managers at Hensel Phelps' Austin-Bergstrom project reviewing 3D models of the project site.
Area Superintendent Phil Randel, alongside a team of project managers, trade partners, and contractors, is tasked with completing the project by January 2026. A feat made possible by Hensel Phelps’ ability to blend traditional construction expertise with modern tools.
Unsung Heroes
In the unforgiving Texas heat, drones have become the unsung heroes of this massive endeavor. Led by Mark Blacklin and Maurice Clarke—co-chief pilots of Hensel Phelps' corporate drone program—UAS provide real-time data that help the team navigate logistical hurdles.
“Years ago, we never would’ve dreamed of using drones in our day-to-day work, but now we can’t run a project without them,” says Mark Blacklin.
Maurice Clarke and Mark Blacklin, co-chief pilots of Hensel Phelps' corporate drone program flying a drone at Austin-Bergstrom Airport.
Maurice Clarke, who’s been with Hensel Phelps for over 18 years, recalls a time 17 years ago when it took a field engineer two weeks to map an excavation, analyze the quantity, and relay that data to the superintendent. Today, with the use of UAS and terrestrial LiDAR, the same task can be completed in just an afternoon.
Hensel Phelps' drone program, which began in 2015 with just a handful of drones, has grown into a burgeoning fleet of 46 aircraft flown by 37 pilots, logging thousands of flight hours across multiple regions and projects.
Today’s Projects, Tomorrow’s Landmarks
Hensel Phelps has a long tradition of not only building but also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in construction. From their first aviation project at Denver’s Stapleton International Airport in 1964 to landmark projects across various sectors—including healthcare, government, and education—Hensel Phelps’ footprint spans the country. Their expertise and ability to integrate modern tools have transformed the way large-scale construction projects are managed.
Next time you admire an architectural marvel, remember— Hensel Phelps may have built it.
