As the leading-edge IAH Terminal Redevelopment Program (ITRP) at George Bush Intercontinental Airport forges ahead, its success is indelibly tied to the success of each team member.

One such team member is Gunda Corporation (GUNDA), a sub-consultant on the Houston Aviation Alliance Program Management Support Services team. GUNDA, certified by the City of Houston as a Minority/Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (M/DBE) and also a Small Business Enterprise (SBE), has made success a common practice in the past 17 years.

Ramesh Gunda, President, founded GUNDA in 2001 to provide engineering, planning and management professional services to the Greater Houston area. Initially focused in transportation, GUNDA has expanded its capabilities to provide services in public infrastructure and program management. Gunda said “Our areas of specialization include transportation, public infrastructure, and program management. Although initial focus was in transportation, our greatest successes have been in program management work which includes nationally and globally recognized work for prominent local entities.”

Those entities include significant work for Upper Kirby Redevelopment Authority (involved in the transformation of Levy Park, a vibrant urban space located in the heart of Houston’s Upper Kirby District), Coastal Water Authority, Luce Bayou (for which GUNDA leads a team of more than 30 consultants) and Post Oak Boulevard Bus Rapid Transit (where GUNDA manages eight design consultants working to deliver Houston’s first BRT corridor).

GUNDA plays a prominent role in ITRP, with two staff members aboard. Mohammad Hajarian, Building Information Modeling (BIM) Lead, joined the Program in September 2015 and provides BIM modeling for all ITRP projects, including the Mickey Leland International Terminal (MLIT); the Federal Inspection Services (FIS) building; the new HAS Administrative Office Building (which will serve as a Project Management Office for ITRP staff); and Enabling Utilities Landside (EUL), all in line with HAS requirements.

Frank Garcia has served ITRP as Design Manager since April 2017 with responsibility for the review and approval of preliminary/final design and construction documentation. Garcia also oversees current project construction activities.

The company continues to grow and seeks to expand its internal capacity in providing program management services to the aviation market. GUNDA’s ultimate goal is “to be recognized as a capable prime consultant with proven quality work performed through the joint ventures with a prime consultant” according to its President.

GUNDA is also cognizant of its role and place in the Houston minority business community and is doing its part to grow the capabilities of the local M/WDBE community.

GUNDA is pleased to be part of ITRP. “Our role within the airport system has enhanced our core program management services by expanding our service line capabilities within the airport service industry,” Gunda said.

He continued by stating the firm appreciates its many professional affiliations with Airport staff, and has especially benefited from its association with Max Shoura, PMSS Manager. As an established business owner, Gunda said Shoura has mentored GUNDA in understanding the airport’s needs. He also cited an excellent working relationship with Jason A. McLemore, Deputy Assistant Director of the Office of Business Opportunity. “As the Airport’s OBO representative,” Gunda said, “Jason has provided support to GUNDA with strategic guidance and aligning GUNDA with potential teaming partners.”

GUNDA’s first assignment within Houston Airports was in 2011 as a sub-consultant to a large engineering firm for an on-call general planning contract. This work expanded to support development of master plans for all three airports, Bush, Hobby, and Ellington Field. From there, GUNDA has maintained a continued role on subsequent General Planning Contracts.

GUNDA has also been pleased to provide innovation and forward-thinking to ITRP. “In collaboration with airport staff, Mohammad Hajarian created an innovative tool to automate migration of asset information from BIM to GIS tools which has streamlined information, saving time and money.” Gunda said.

Hajarian also introduced a virtual reality experience for ITRP Projects. “Individuals have the capability of a visual reality experience in which provides a walk through experience of the building models to identify problems saving re-design and construction costs,” Gunda said.

GUNDA is committed to keeping success as a common practice. The ITRP and many clients in the Greater Houston area and elsewhere will continue to benefit from the company’s commitment to excellence.