USC Keck’s new facility in Pasadena supports USC Keck Medicine’s mission to expand access to advanced, patient-centered healthcare across the greater Los Angeles area. This four-story, 200,000-square-foot medical building required adaptability amid evolving design criteria and the installation of specialized materials, including lead-lined drywall. Raymond met these challenges with proactive constructability solutions, close collaboration, and a strong focus on safety. Targeting LEED Platinum certification, the building features steel construction, a striking white exterior with floor-to-ceiling windows, landscaped terraces, and three levels of below-grade parking.
Raymond delivered a comprehensive scope of work that included metal stud framing, drywall and finishes, fireproofing, firestopping, insulation, joint sealants, waterproofing, lath and plaster, Ensemble ceilings, and Division 10 specialties such as chain link fencing, restroom accessories and partitions, plastic laminate–clad lockers, lead-lined drywall, wall protection, and corner guards.
This complex healthcare project presented multiple challenges, including evolving design criteria, frequent design changes, and the introduction of specialized materials (most notably lead-lined drywall). Coordinating extensive scopes across multiple floors while maintaining safety, quality, and schedule required constant collaboration and adaptability.
The Raymond team approached each phase with precision and professionalism. To safely install lead-lined drywall, Raymond partnered closely with our Safety Team to conduct pre- and post-lead testing, ensuring a safe work environment while maintaining the project schedule.
As design changes emerged, Raymond played an active role in problem-solving, providing constructability input on elevator shaft wall configurations, stud size adjustments to support the added weight of lead-lined drywall and plywood, and other critical framing modifications. Proactive communication with Turner Construction and the design team helped resolve issues early and avoid impacts in the field.
The successful completion of USC Keck reflects the power of teamwork, adaptability, and technical excellence.