PREMIER Relocates Downtown Chicago Office
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
Nothing is slowing down for PREMIER Design + Build Group in 2026. As the company moves through the first quarter of the year, continued growth across people, projects, and presence reflects more than expansion; it reflects alignment around a shared vision for the future.
A major milestone in 2026 is the relocation of PREMIER’s Downtown Chicago office to 333 W. Wacker Drive. Strategically located in the heart of downtown, the office is designed to better serve Chicago’s urban construction needs, including office buildings, public works, and other complex commercial projects. The Chicago office will continue to serve as a central hub for local project teams and operations, delivering fully integrated design-build services tailored to the city’s evolving landscape.
Strategic Talent Investment Strengthens Leadership
This growth is matched by PREMIER’s continued investment in talent. Throughout the first quarter, the company welcomed experienced professionals across project management and field leadership roles, further strengthening its ability to execute work at scale while maintaining the high standards clients expect.
A key addition to the leadership team is Jim Smiley, who joins PREMIER as Senior Vice President. In this role, Smiley will lead the new Chicago office and support continued growth across the region.
Smiley's path through the construction industry is about as complete as it gets. He started out as a General Foreman, managing crews and solving problems in real time, before working his way up through project management into executive leadership. He's held roles as Senior Project Manager, Project Executive, and Vice President of Project Management. His hands-on foundation and operational expertise position him to lead with both strategy and practical insight.
“Jim’s depth of experience, from the field to executive leadership, is exactly what makes him such a strong addition to our team,” said Michael Pacini, CEO of PREMIER Design + Build Group. “He understands what it takes to successfully deliver complex projects at every level, and his leadership will be instrumental to our Chicago-focused team.”
Smiley has built a reputation for bringing teams together around a shared goal. He prioritizes keeping everyone aligned and moving in the same direction.
"You can have talented people and still lose the project if the team isn't unified," Smiley said. "I've seen it go both ways. What I care about is building the kind of trust where people hold each other to a high standard, not because they're told to, but because they want to. That's what I'm here to build in Chicago."
In his new role, Smiley will run day-to-day Chicago operations, oversee project management teams, and lead business development efforts as PREMIER works to grow its client base in the market.
Strong Project Pipeline Continues into 2026
Project activity in 2026 remains robust, driven by PREMIER’s versatility and proven ability to deliver complex work nationwide. The firm continues to execute projects across a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, adaptive reuse, commercial, cold storage, industrial, healthcare, multifamily, interiors, and office.
“Growth has never been about getting bigger,” said Michael Pacini, CEO of PREMIER Design + Build Group. “It’s about being intentional in building the right team, pursuing the right projects, and expanding in a way that stays true to who we are. Our greatest strength is the alignment between our people, our partners, and our purpose, supported by a disciplined approach rooted in collaboration, quality, and long-term value.”
As the year continues, PREMIER remains focused on thoughtful expansion, strong partnerships, and delivering results that move both clients and communities forward. At every stage, the company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and client-first execution remains at the core of its success.
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About PREMIER Design + Build Group
PREMIER Design + Build Group is a leading national design-build construction firm with regional offices strategically located in Illinois, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Connecticut, and Florida. With a strong track record spanning more than 20 years, PREMIER specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for industrial, commercial, healthcare, residential, adaptive reuse, and cold storage construction projects. An employee-owned company, PREMIER has an unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and customer service that has earned it a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry.
Media Contact:
Evie Katz Palka
847-404-3796
PREMIER Design + Build Group