Chris Hoffman thrives on human interaction, hearing people's opinions and deciphering the best course of action. “I couldn’t fathom not working with people and interacting with them on a regular basis.” As Co-Business Unit Leader for DPR in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, he spends his time doing what he loves: pursuing and winning the right projects and putting the right teams on projects. He thrives on supporting teams as they execute projects successfully and healthily. Much of his time is spent ensuring we find creative solutions to complicated problems. He believes that what sets DPR apart is our determination to make sure we do anything possible to care for our customers and employees.

Chris’s construction career is fueled by his family who worked in steel and specialized metals. His need to work in a collaborative environment, mixed with growing up where the trades were more important than the executives, led him to explore the construction industry. His passion for force diagrams and love of design led to a degree in civil/structural engineering, but he knew he wouldn’t be happy behind a desk. Chris came to DPR in 2008 as an intern and joined full-time in 2009, working in the DC/Baltimore area throughout his career. Starting out, he focused on preconstruction followed by operations, and then led the regional preconstruction team before stepping into his current role.

Coming from the Midwest, and visiting the specialty metal mill where his dad ran operations in Cleveland, Ohio, instilled in Chris an appreciation for hard work. He values people’s crafts. “Understanding the complexities of taking a raw material and making it into something that can be used daily is really interesting to me.” As a leader, Chris ensures our teams are supported and acknowledged when things go well. He rolls up his sleeves when that’s needed and extracts himself when that allows the team to do their best work. He enjoys resolving conflicts, noting that people generally come from a good place and you can always resolve any situation with empathy. Doing so builds strong bonds.

Chris and his wife are devoted to their two girls and spend a lot of time with friends, hosting and enjoying their company. He enjoys golfing and running, including running the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Race ten times to date.

Fun Facts

Favorite DPR core value: Integrity. At the core of what we do, we must always operate with integrity – otherwise the rest doesn’t matter.
Favorite thing about construction: The process – from a concept or a program, to the tangible building. The construction process involves so many parties from every walk of life (and from all over the world in many cases) and comes to fruition into a physical object that is able to change lives.
First job: Car Wash Attendant. I specifically remember the winter months when we had to clear the sludge from the pit that housed the rail equipment that pushed the cars through the car wash.
Best vacation spot: Mendoza, Argentina. My wife, Anna, and I had our honeymoon in Argentina and we will never forget the experience in Mendoza.
Favorite subject in school: Mechanics of Materials. It’s the foundation of structural properties.