With an extensive background in construction, design, and architecture, Luca Calaraili has a keen eye for the monumental undertakings that shape our cities. He joins us to discuss the One Beverly Hills project, a $10 billion development that is now rising from the ground. We’ll explore the incredible logistics behind its first major construction milestone, the complex collaboration required to manage multiple elite construction firms, and what it truly takes to build at the highest echelon of the ultra-luxury market, all leading up to its phased completion in 2027.
The first concrete mat pour was a massive seven-hour operation involving 3,800 yards of material. Could you walk us through the logistical coordination required for that specific milestone and explain what going vertical now means for the project’s overall momentum?
That pour was a powerful moment, a true turning point. Imagine the energy on site: about 150 workers moving with incredible precision for seven straight hours to place over 3,800 yards of concrete. It’s a logistical ballet. You’re coordinating a constant flow of trucks, testing the material, and ensuring the pour is perfectly even. For years, this project has been about demolition, drilling geothermal wells, and site prep—all essential but hidden work. Going vertical changes everything. It’s a profound psychological shift for the team and the community. The project is no longer just a plan on paper or a foundation in the ground; it’s visibly climbing skyward, and that injects an incredible amount of energy and momentum into every single person involved.
With Turner as the lead and specialized firms like Suffolk, Layton, and PCL handling the individual towers and hotel, how do you manage the integration of these distinct teams? Please share some key strategies you use to ensure seamless workflow and communication on this 17.5-acre site.
On a project of this scale, you simply can’t have silos. The key is having a master conductor, which is Turner Construction’s role here. They’re not just overseeing the process; they are the central nervous system for the entire 17.5-acre site. The strategy hinges on meticulous, upfront planning and constant communication. While Suffolk, Layton, and PCL are experts in their own right, building their respective structures, their work is intricately connected. We ensure that everyone is operating from the same playbook, with shared digital models and regular integration meetings. It’s about orchestrating a workflow where the completion of one team’s task becomes the perfect starting point for another’s, preventing delays and ensuring the highest quality across the board.
This project’s value is placed at $10 billion, targeting an exclusive clientele with brands like Aman and Dolce&Gabbana. What specific construction methods or high-end materials are being used to justify this valuation, and how do they directly translate into an unparalleled luxury experience for residents?
A $10 billion valuation is built on more than just location; it’s a promise of an unparalleled living experience, and that starts with the very bones of the structure. While specific materials aren’t detailed, for a project associated with a brand like Aman—a favorite of figures like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg—you can be certain that no expense is spared. This means using construction methods that deliver superior acoustics, vibration damping, and flawless finishes. It’s about creating a sanctuary. The luxury isn’t just in what you see, like the high-end retail from Dolce&Gabbana, but in what you feel: the quiet solidity of the walls, the seamless integration with the ten acres of botanical gardens, and the knowledge that every detail has been executed to a standard of perfection that justifies the price tag.
A phased delivery is slated for 2027, starting with the Aman residential towers. What are the most critical construction phases we can expect to see between now and then, and what are the primary metrics you’ll be tracking to keep this complex timeline on target?
Between now and the 2027 delivery, the project will move through several critical, highly visible phases. First, you’ll see the superstructures of the two residential towers and the hotel rise to their full height, which will dramatically change the skyline. Following that is the complex process of enclosing the buildings with their exterior skin, or facade. This is a crucial milestone because it allows the massive interior fit-out work to begin in a weather-protected environment. To stay on track, we’ll be obsessively monitoring key metrics: the cycle time for pouring each new floor, the procurement and delivery timelines for long-lead items like custom glazing and interior finishes, and hitting our “dry-in” dates. Since the Aman residential towers are the first to be delivered, the entire project schedule is synchronized to meet that initial 2027 milestone.
What is your forecast for the future of large-scale, ultra-luxury mixed-use developments in major U.S. cities like Los Angeles?
I believe the future for this type of development is incredibly strong, especially in global hubs like Los Angeles. The One Beverly Hills project is a template for what the highest end of the market now demands. It’s no longer enough to build a luxury apartment building. The new standard is a fully integrated lifestyle ecosystem. We’re talking about combining world-class branded residences like Aman, elite hospitality, high-fashion retail like Dolce&Gabbana, and significant, beautifully curated green space. These projects are becoming self-contained destinations that offer privacy, security, and convenience in one package. For the stratospheric net worth clientele this caters to, the value is in the curated experience and the exclusivity, and that’s a trend that will only accelerate.
