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Reimagining Construction Based on Design and Craftsmanship
OCM History
Our History
Steve Black – Founder & President, Optima Construction Management LLC
Steve Black, founder and President of Optima Construction Management LLC (OCM), brings decades of design and construction expertise to every project. With experience spanning New York City, Seattle, and Jacksonville, he has worked with design-build, property management, and general contracting firms, serving both national and international clients. Throughout his career, Steve has been dedicated to seamless project management and client satisfaction—ensuring projects meet functional and aesthetic goals while being delivered on time, within budget, and at the highest quality standards.
A Career Built on Design and Construction Excellence
After graduating from SUNY Buffalo in 1989, Steve began his career in New York City at a mid-sized architectural firm, specializing in high-profile corporate tenant improvement projects. Quickly rising to Project Manager, he led the renovation of TIAA-CREF’s corporate offices, gaining invaluable experience in architectural design, new construction, tenant improvements, and custom residential projects.
In 1995, Steve relocated to Seattle with his wife, Cathy, joining a unique design-build and private equity firm. There, he played a pivotal role as Project Architect/Manager on a landmark project—the transformation of a 175,000 SF high-bay warehouse into a 3-story, 550,000 SF, $255M data center, which became the world’s largest web-hosting facility at the time.
By 2000, Steve and his family moved to Jacksonville, FL, where he joined an international design-build firm as a Senior Design Project Manager. Specializing in commercial projects, he gained extensive experience across multiple sectors, including automotive, education, healthcare, military, office, faith-based, and light industrial. Promoted to Commercial Division Manager in 2009, he led a multidisciplinary team of architects and engineers, overseeing major projects—including serving as Project Executive for Nestlé’s 150,000 SF, $58M R&D facility, the largest of its kind in the company’s global portfolio.
Launching Optima CM LLC – A Unique Approach to Construction Management
In 2015, Steve’s entrepreneurial vision led him to establish Optima Consulting, an owner’s representation firm combining his deep expertise in both design and construction. Recognizing the need for a more integrated approach, he launched Optima Construction Management LLC, setting it apart from traditional construction management firms.
Unlike most Certified Building Contractor/Construction Management firms that focus solely on construction, OCM blends decades of architectural, construction, and client management experience. Through a tested Value Management Process, OCM brings a unique ability to visualize and communicate design intent—ensuring that every project seamlessly transitions from concept to reality.
By bridging the gap between design and construction, Steve and his team at OCM provide clients with a distinct advantage—delivering projects on time, on budget, and with the uncompromising quality expected from a premier construction management firm.
What Makes Us Different?
At OCM, we see the bigger picture. Launched in 2024, our firm was created to give clients a smarter alternative to traditional contracting. While most contractors focus only on construction, OCM blends decades of design insight, project management expertise, and problem-solving skills to deliver well-executed, high-quality projects.
What makes us different? Our team excels at translating design vision into reality, ensuring every detail is executed with precision. Whether leading your entire project or handling construction, OCM provides the expertise and leadership needed to ensure success.
Our specialities
OCM can deliver on a wide variety of commercial and light industrial ground-up , tenant improvement or renovation projects. However, below is a list of "bread & butter" project types we deliver:
Automotive
Faith-Based
Light Industrial
Light Medical
Office
Restaurant/Retail