Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Terminal 4 South Concourse expansion represents more than just a facelift—it’s a convergence of global engineering, creative architecture, and construction excellence. At the heart of this transformation is the intricate ceiling and wall systems installed by two of Southern California’s most respected specialty contractors: Nevell Group Inc. and Performance Contracting Inc. With international coordination, state-of-the-art materials, and field-tested precision, the project sets a new benchmark for airport interiors. 

For both subcontractors, the project was as much a technical and logistical feat as it was a design statement. 

LAX is undergoing a significant transformation, with Terminal 4 at the forefront of this modernization effort. The project focuses on revamping the terminal's walls and ceilings to improve aesthetics, functionality, and passenger comfort. 

The modernization of Terminal 4 includes the demolition and reconstruction of the East and Central Headhouse structures. This redevelopment expands the terminal’s footprint by approximately 62 percent, resulting in a Level 5 facility that is 217,400 square foot. The new design accommodates enhanced passenger services, including improved check-in areas, baggage systems, and security screening checkpoints. 

Integrated Ceiling Design 

A standout feature of the renovation is the integrated ceiling system, designed to delineate passenger circulation and seating zones. The design team, PGAL, collaborated with contractors for means and methods and manufacturers for a variety of materials, finishes and product solutions, to create a ceiling that combines lighting and acoustics to produce a vibrant and spacious environment. This approach ensures that seating areas feel more lounge-like, enhancing the overall passenger experience. 

Specialty contractors, such as NGi, have been instrumental in constructing and finishing the terminal’s unique walls and ceilings. The subcontractor’s expertise ensures that the terminal’s interior meets the highest standards of design and functionality. 

The terminal’s exterior features a glass curtain wall that complements the mid-century modern aesthetic prevalent in LAX’s recent constructions. This design choice provides a cohesive look and feel across the Central Terminal Area, aligning with the airport’s broader modernization goals. 

NGi is a commercial interior and exterior wall systems specialty trade contractor in the Western United States. With offices spanning multiple markets in California and Nevada, NGi serves clients in both public and private sectors including medical, OSHPD, commercial, retail, tenant improvement and government entities.  

“At Nevell Group, we’re always exploring new ways to be better, not only as a business and an employer, but through the services we provide as an industry leader,” says NGi CEO Chris Taylor. “A big part of our culture is to promote, nurture and champion new ideas that show the potential to help elevate our evolving industry.” 

Marked by industry-leading pre-construction, unsurpassed project management, and critical innovation, NGi consistently delivers best-in-class outcomes for its clients.  

As a top-tier specialty contractor in the United States, PCI delivers exceptional services and products to industrial, commercial, and non-residential sectors. Offering a wide range of related services, they have established themselves as a true “one-stop-shop” contractor, ensuring their customers receive comprehensive solutions tailored to their specific needs. The subcontractor collaborated with NGi to work on this special project.   

“The most interesting aspect of this project was definitely the coffered ceilings,” says Martin Torres, project manager at PCI in Los Angeles.  

PCI has been active onsite at LAX consistently since 2008, providing long-term continuity, deep familiarity with airport operations, and trusted working relationships—all of which are critical to the success of complex construction projects, like this one, in active, high-security environments. This sustained presence has contributed to multiple award-winning projects, reinforcing PCI’s reputation for excellence and innovation in aviation construction.  

“The ceilings incorporated a complex mix of materials—CertainTeed fiberglass panels, honeycomb aluminum, and custom extrusions—that required close collaboration from design through installation,” says Torres. 

“American Airlines T4 was challenging yet rewarding in the sense that we were able to capture the design intent and more, and build something truly remarkable,” says Jonathan Quijano, project manager/estimator at NGi, headquartered in Brea, Calif. “We have no doubt this new space gives passengers and staff a feeling of serenity at times of stressful travel.” 

A Ceiling Above Expectations 

The ceiling work inside Terminal 4 is nothing short of world-class. It includes a seamless blend of CertainTeed fiberglass torsion spring panels, large-format honeycomb wall panels, custom extruded aluminum coffers, and wood-look aluminum battens. 

Global sourcing played a significant role in bringing the vision to life. 

“This wasn’t just local coordination,” Torres explains. “Sean Sinkola [project engineer] at PCI and I actually traveled to the Netherlands and Belgium to oversee the fabrication of the custom aluminum extrusions. It was critical to the project’s success that we got it right—not just for aesthetics but for schedule alignment too.” 

NGi, too, found the design intent to be a strong guiding principle. 

“The architect wanted timeless finishes and clean, modern lines,” says Quijano. “We were especially impressed with the coffered ceilings and the wood-look wall battens. These elements required a lot of precision and attention to detail. 

Scope and Execution 

NGi’s scope included metal stud framing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, and wall systems—a familiar lineup for a firm with more than 850 field employees and more than 22 years of industry leadership. 

PCI’s responsibilities went further, encompassing framing, drywall, fireproofing, ACT, specialty ceilings and exterior cladding. Known for its wide-ranging capabilities, the company drew from national resources and local expertise to ensure delivery on time and to spec. 

Behind the aesthetic excellence was a vast supply chain that reached across the globe. CertainTeed materials came from Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, Dallas, Phoenix, Portland, and Canada, with major product contributions from USG, Armstrong, Foundation Building Materials and Gypsum Management & Supply. 

Still, the craftsmanship was undeniably Californian. 

“Our field teams worked long hours to deliver what wasn’t a standard build,” says Torres. “The complexity of the materials, the size of the panels, and the bespoke fabrication meant that execution had to be flawless.” 

“Preconstruction planning was everything,” adds Quijano. “From BIM to budget forecasting, we’ve evolved into true project leaders—not just contractors.” 

Looking Ahead 

For both firms, the Terminal 4 project is more than a finished job—it’s a proof point. 

“Our long-term goals include leading in sustainable construction, strengthening trade partnerships, and expanding throughout California and beyond,” says Quijano. 

Torres echoed that sentiment: “I’m committed to taking on more complex projects that challenge and grow me. But I also want to mentor the next generation of builders. It’s about leaving a legacy—both through the projects and the people.”  

Whether in the coffered ceiling details or the collaborative spirit that spanned continents, the Terminal 4 ceilings project stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when international precision meets local pride. 

For more than 20 years, NGi has been raising the bar of excellence in every sector of its specialized trade services. By combining the company’s deep investment in pre-construction design and BIM technologies—with its focused team approach yielding perfect execution—it is able to perform at the highest level of on-time, on-budget quality output that sets the subcontractor apart. Nevell Group has consistently been named among W&C’s Top 50 Contractors, as well.  

The company is one of the premier commercial interior and exterior wall systems specialty trade contractors in the Western United States. With offices spanning multiple markets in California and Nevada, NGi serves clients in both public and private sectors including medical, Department of Health Care Access and Information, commercial, retail, tenant improvement and government entities.   

Marked by industry-leading, pre-construction, unsurpassed project management, and critical innovation, NGi consistently delivers best-in-class outcomes for its clients.  

The services it offers include:  

• Acoustical Ceilings 
• EIFS 
• Fireproofing 
• Gypsum Wallboard 
• Lath & Plaster 
• Metal Stud Framing 
• Prefab Exterior Panels 
• Rainscreen Systems 

 For more information, visit nevellgroup.com. 

A safe work environment is the foundation that PCI was built upon. The Lenexa, Kan.-based company has created an award-winning safety program, “Target Zero Incidents,” that enables the nationwide company to exceed the expectations of their customers by providing continuing support, education, training and technical expertise regarding safety. Because PCI focuses on safety at the onset of each project, the company minimizes the risk for all involved. Its dedication to safety is reflected in its low, industry-leading EMR. 

Quality is defined as a degree or grade of excellence. Throughout PCI’s field and office operations, the work is completed with an associated grade of excellence. The company is committed to providing its customers with products, processes, and services that exceed expectations. The company continually reviews and improves its products, processes and services by devoting the resources necessary to ensure customer satisfaction. The company manages its quality initiatives by fully utilizing the company-developed business tools and systems. PCI responds to customers, associates and vendors timely and accurately, as well as strives to be cost-efficient in all aspects of the business. PCI delivers on its commitments under all circumstances. The subcontractor has consistently been named among W&C’s Top 50 Contractors.  

• Acoustical Ceilings 
• Expansion Joints 
• Exterior Cladding Systems 
• Exterior Services 
• Fireproofing 
• Firestopping 
• Glazing Services 
• Insulated Metal Panels 
• Insulation Systems 
• Metal Fabrication 
• Metal Stud & Drywall 
• Passive Fire Protection 
• Pre-Construction Services 
• Performance Contracting Prefabrication 
• Raised Access Flooring 
• Scaffolding 
• Specialty Walls & Ceilings 
• Theme Design & Finishing 

For more information, visit performancecontracting.com.