Houston, We Have a Solution: DPR’s John Castilla’s Economy Assessment

Steady growth is predicted for the greater Houston area in upcoming years, according to economic forecasters such as Ted Jones, chief economist for Stewart Title Guaranty Co. New DPR Houston team member John Castilla--who has worked hands-on in the Space City construction market for the past 34 years--agrees.

John comes to DPR with 34 years of experience in the Houston market, most recently as a vice president and director of healthcare services for one of the country's largest construction managers. His project portfolio includes work with major Houston players including Baylor College of Medicine, Methodist Hospital, CHRISTUS Health, Rice University, and Verizon.

“Healthcare and technology are big in Houston; in fact it’s technology that is driving many healthcare projects. Electronic medical records, smaller satellite hospitals networked with larger providers, innovations in medical equipment – all necessitate changes to mechanical and electrical systems, at the very least. A good example of the effect on the construction market is a project we’re just kicking off for MD Anderson to upgrade the UPS and electrical system for one of their data centers. As more healthcare business is networked and goes online, the more data capacity healthcare systems will need,” said Castilla. DPR’s Gerry DeWulf recently wrote about the relationship between hospitals and technology, and the ever-changing role technology plays in the growth of healthcare systems.

Castilla adds, “Houston can be considered an ‘old-school’ market in construction. We value long-term relationships, we like to work with people from here.  DPR’s flat organization, lack of hierarchy and passion for finding new – better – ways to work is energizing for me, and very different from the traditional corporate structure I’ve worked in. They know what they do best, and they focus on those markets and execute the work with precision. I’m excited to be involved in a company that strives for greatness and doesn’t settle for just good.”

John can be reached at JohnCas@dpr.com.