DPR Construction Launches Innovative Office and Prefab Facility in Silicon Valley

DPR Construction made a significant stride in its evolution by officially inaugurating its latest Silicon Valley Office and Prefabrication Assembly Facility. This project not only adds a modern touch to the workforce environment but also punctuates DPR's long-standing commitment to serving the Bay Area and West Coast.

The celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony took place in Santa Clara, California, in a repurposed building that has been transformed to embody the values and operational strategies of DPR. The 113,702 square-foot facility integrates administrative offices and manufacturing capabilities to facilitate faster, safer project delivery for clients across the region.

Echoing the sentiments of Jack Poindexter, the company’s Northwest regional leader, the new center is a bold declaration of DPR’s roots in Silicon Valley. He emphasized how the melding of various teams—administrative, craft, and prefabrication—under one roof fosters collaboration and innovation. “This is not just about building; it's about building a community within our workforce,” said Poindexter, highlighting the company’s focus on teamwork and cooperation.

A Design That Enhances Collaboration

Designed by architectural firm SmithGroup, the new facility encourages synergy among employees. It is built on guiding principles such as Celebrate the Work, A Place for Everybody, and Safety, Productivity, Delight. Its structure intentionally minimizes physical barriers, ensuring that individuals from diverse roles within the organization can easily connect. This architecture creates a work environment that embraces inclusivity and nurtures a strong sense of belonging.

Kevin Chen, Bay Area co-business unit leader for DPR, underlined the importance of unifying the experiences of office staff and on-site craft teams. “Bringing everyone closer together not only enhances daily interactions but also cultivates trust and connection,” he remarked, reflecting on the work culture that the company aims to perpetuate.

The Heart of Innovation: The Prefabrication Assembly Facility

Central to the new campus is the Prefabrication Assembly Facility which signals DPR’s commitment to innovation through advanced prefabrication and construction methodologies. This dedicated space is where components can be preassembled in controlled environments, leveraging cutting-edge technological solutions to increase efficiency.

The facility deploys self-perform work teams covering various trades including drywall, finish carpentry, and roofing, thereby improving safety and productivity. Moreover, the incorporation of Lean manufacturing principles ensures that construction processes are streamlined, reducing risks associated with congested job sites.

A Commitment to Sustainability

DPR’s innovation isn’t just about operational efficiency; sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the new facility. The project utilizes adaptive reuse of an old office building and incorporates sustainable construction materials, including mass timber and low-carbon concrete mixes, which significantly decrease embodied carbon emissions by 38%. Moreover, DPR aims for the building to achieve ambitious certifications such as Net Zero Energy, LEED® Gold, WELL Certified™ Gold, and a target for Net Zero Carbon, a pioneering move for the company.

Conclusion: Looking Forward

DPR Construction's new Silicon Valley office and prefabrication facility embodies a forward-thinking approach towards building and managing construction projects. As it opens its doors to serve clients better throughout the Bay Area and West Coast, the integration of innovative design, sustainability, and a collaborative work environment underscores the company’s vision for the future of construction and project delivery. With approximately 11,000 professionals globally, DPR continues to set the bar high, not just in project execution but in creating a thriving workplace for its employees.