The team at NIKO (left to right): Philip Kratsas, superintendent; Nick Lardas, president; Zachary Lardas, coppersmith; Duncan MacDiarmid, artist-in-residence.
Strongly representing Pittsburgh’s industrial spirit, and nestled within the historic yet ever-evolving environment of the Strip District, stands a testament to craftsmanship, resilience, and the enduring power of family and community. NIKO Contracting Co., Inc., with its roots deeply embedded in the Steel City’s rich heritage of construction and metallurgy, continues as a beacon of excellence in the world of architectural metalwork, roofing, and historical restoration.
NIKO Contracting originated from humble beginnings. During the bustling, industrious culture of the 1970s, a young college student embarked on a journey that would transcend the typical narrative of aspiration and career. Nick Lardas, president of NIKO Contracting, reflects on those early days: “I started when I was in college—doing basically handyman work, painting, roof repairs—anything I could get to make some money.” This modest beginning, driven by necessity and a budding passion for the craft, laid the groundwork for a venture that would thrive and grow, perhaps even beyond the founder’s own expectations.
Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, New York City.
With Lardas at the helm, NIKO Contracting soon began to find strong footing in the world of roofing and sheet-metal work. The move towards these specializations was not merely a business decision; it was a response to an inner calling—a pursuit of mastery in a field that demanded not just skill but a deep understanding of materials and methods. “I don’t know exactly when I shifted to more roofing and sheet metal, but I liked that and thought I could be more competitive at it because you actually had to do the work!” notes Lardas.
The early 1980s marked a tumultuous period for many businesses, with instability threatening the livelihoods of countless enterprises across the nation. But the decapitation of western Pennsylvania’s steel industry during this period proved to be a critical blow to the local economy, which could easily have derailed Lardas’s and NIKO Contracting’s aspirations. Yet it was within this adversity that the company found new opportunities, pivoting towards government contracts and historical-renovation projects. “In the 1980s, when I was actually heading more towards doing industrial work, all the mills closed down and millions of dollars worth of business evaporated—so I started doing federal government work, and the first job turned out to be historic restoration,” he says. This adaptability, a core tenet of NIKO Contracting’s philosophy, enabled the company to not only survive but to thrive amidst changing economic landscapes.
Hancock County Court House, Findlay, OH.
Through this evolution, NIKO Contracting emerged more focused and with a clear vision of its role in the architectural and building arena. The challenges of the past became the foundation for a future where NIKO Contracting stands as the embodiment of excellence in sheet-metal work, specialty roofing, and historical reconstruction. The company’s offerings, characterized by a blend of traditional techniques and modern innovation, speak to a commitment to preserving architectural heritage while pushing the boundaries of design and construction. “The challenges of the work itself are fun, like figuring out how to do things and how to do a better or more efficient job,” Lardas notes.
Thus, beyond the scope of traditional construction and roofing endeavors, NIKO Contracting has carved out a niche in the delicate and demanding field of historic restoration. This area of specialization has grown to define the company, transforming it from a service provider into a steward of architectural history. The journey to this specialization was not a swift transition but a gradual accumulation of experience, knowledge, and a deep-seated respect for historical integrity. “A lot of it was also just hands-on experimenting and learning,” Lardas adds.
Chapel of St. Basil, University of Saint Thomas, Houston, TX.
Some of the noteworthy projects that highlight this aspect of NIKO Contracting include the slate steeple and gilded-stainless-steel cross replacement for the First Lutheran Church in Pittsburgh as well as the exterior, slate roof, and copper-dome restoration of the Hancock County Courthouse in Findlay, Ohio. In addition, NIKO Contracting recently worked on the Clayton Home at The Frick historic site and the Trinity Episcopal Cathedral downtown. But the company’s fine work is not relegated or limited to locations near home. NIKO Contracting was also commissioned to restore the famous Andrew Carnegie Mansion in New York City, and one of Lardas’s early jobs was working on the Tariff Commission Building in Washington, D.C. Built in 1839, this was originally the General Post Office of the United States. “I remember gravitating more towards a mix of regular roofing and historic restoration for that building,” recalls Lardas.
Family has always rested at the heart of NIKO Contracting’s identity. In fact, the inception of the company began in 1974 during a brainstorming discussion with a relative who also bore the same first name. Lardas explains: “I started doing this with a cousin of mine who is also named Nick. When we decided to call the company something other than my last name or his last name, he said, ‘I know, we’ll call it NIKO’—so it stuck!” This whimsical moment not only set the stage for the company’s branding, but also infused it with personal significance and a nod to family lineage. And that company lineage is now guaranteed to continue with the family’s next generation through Lardas’s son, Zachary—who after finishing a degree in civil engineering, currently does metalwork and problem solving for NIKO.
Bandstand, Ligonier.
Moving forward, NIKO Contracting aims for the persistence of its enduring legacy of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to preserving the past for future generations. The vision is clear—to maintain the essence of the work while adapting to the opportunities and challenges of the future. The company’s story, enriched by its constantly expanding list of impressive projects, underscores a journey marked by growth, learning, and an unwavering commitment to quality that continues to define NIKO Contracting.
For more information visit nikocontracting.com, call 412-687-1517, or email info@nikocontracting.com.
