CHICAGO – Shawmut announced the establishment of its newest office located in Chicago’s vibrant Fulton River District. Joining Shawmut’s locations in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, Providence, and others, the Chicago office marks Shawmut’s ninth location nationwide and will be helmed by newly appointed regional director, Michele Murphy.

“After 20 years of operating in Chicago and steadily increasing client demand, we are thrilled to officially put feet on the ground and better service this rapidly evolving and architecturally significant city,” said Les Hiscoe, CEO of Shawmut. “Michele’s leadership abilities coupled with significant contributions to both our portfolio and revenue growth over the years, as well as being a native Chicagoan, made her the natural choice to lead our local team.”

Murphy is a 25-year construction industry veteran, with deep roots at Shawmut. Having ascended the ranks from project manager to project executive in Shawmut’s Boston office, she now returns home to assume the helm of the Chicago office. As regional director, she will staff and develop the office, grow the portfolio, and continue to cultivate relationships with clients, architects, and other partnerships throughout the Chicago area. She also will join the retail division’s senior leadership team, playing an instrumental role in shaping the future of the business line.

“I’m delighted to add Michele to our senior leadership team,” said Greg Skalaski, vice president at Shawmut. “I look forward to building on the momentum we’ve achieved in the region thus far, and continuing to grow our market share and Midwest presence under her guidance.” Murphy added, “I am really excited to move back home with my family to lead Shawmut’s next major expansion effort. We pride ourselves on delivering the best customer experience in the construction industry. We have an absolute commitment to delivering on the highest design aesthetics, on-time and on-budget. This, together with our “people-first culture” and longstanding commitment to serving our local community, makes us a perfect fit with Chicago.”

The Shawmut team is currently managing construction for Louis Vuitton, adding to its roster of over 75 projects completed in the Chicago area, including flagships for Tom Ford, Burberry, Ermenegildo Zegna, and more. Shawmut Chicago will be a full-service office and initially target new retail projects while continuing to service its existing retail and hospitality clients.

Shawmut is renowned for the construction of award-winning flagship stores, fine dining establishments, and elite academic institutions nationwide. Notable clients include Apple, Ralph Lauren, Soho House, Harvard University, Columbia University, Major League Baseball, and InterContinental Hotels & Resorts.