Our Story
About BuildCraft
Two Decades of Building New York
BuildCraft Construction was founded in 2003 by James Harrington, a structural engineer who believed that the construction industry could do better — for clients, for communities, and for the craftspeople who build our world. Starting with a small team of eight on a residential project in Brooklyn, James set out to prove that rigorous engineering discipline and genuine client partnership were not mutually exclusive with on-time, on-budget delivery.
Through the 2008 financial crisis and the subsequent urban development boom, BuildCraft grew steadily by taking on projects others refused and delivering results others could not match. Our breakthrough came in 2012 with the successful delivery of the Midtown Commerce Center — a 28-story mixed-use tower completed four months ahead of schedule. That project put BuildCraft on the map as a serious player in the New York commercial construction landscape.
Today, with over 480 completed projects, six offices across 12 states, and a team of more than 340 professionals, BuildCraft remains true to its founding values. Every project begins with listening, is executed with precision, and ends with a handover that makes our clients proud. We are still building — and we are just getting started.
Our Purpose
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Our mission is to deliver construction excellence that transforms communities and exceeds client expectations through innovative engineering, skilled craftsmanship, and unwavering integrity. We believe that every structure we build is a testament to our commitment to quality and our responsibility to the people who will live, work, and thrive within it.
Our Vision
We envision a built environment where sustainability, design innovation, and structural excellence converge to create spaces that endure for generations. By 2030, BuildCraft aims to be the most trusted construction partner in the Northeast, setting the benchmark for responsible, technology-forward construction practice.
Our Journey
Key Milestones
Founded in Brooklyn (2003)
James Harrington establishes BuildCraft with a founding team of eight, completing the first project — a luxury brownstone renovation in Park Slope — under budget and ahead of schedule.
First Commercial Contract (2006)
BuildCraft secures its first major commercial contract: a 12-story office complex in Lower Manhattan, establishing credibility in the commercial sector and doubling the workforce.
Expansion Through the Recession (2009–2011)
While competitors contracted, BuildCraft expanded into civil infrastructure, securing state DOT contracts in New York and New Jersey that sustained growth through the market downturn.
Midtown Commerce Center Breakthrough (2012)
Completion of the 28-story Midtown Commerce Center four months early and 5% under budget earns BuildCraft national recognition and its first ENR Top 400 ranking.
Multi-State Expansion (2016–2019)
BuildCraft opens regional offices in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, growing to 12 states and achieving $500M in annual revenue for the first time in 2019.
Sustainability & Innovation Leadership (2022–Present)
Launch of the BuildCraft GreenBuild initiative, achieving LEED certification on 100% of eligible projects. Adoption of BIM-first workflows, drone survey integration, and real-time project dashboards across all sites.
21+
Years in Business
480+
Projects Completed
320+
Clients Served
12
States Operating
Recognition
Awards & Certifications
ENR Top 400 Contractors
Engineering News-Record
LEED Gold Certification
U.S. Green Building Council
Excellence in Construction Award
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
Best Commercial Project — Northeast
Building Design + Construction
Safety Excellence Award
Construction Industry Safety Initiative