Opening Doors: DPR Celebrates Fifth Annual Construction Inclusion Week

Earlier this month, Construction Inclusion Week brought together 132 companies and teams as part of an industry-wide effort to promote workforce development and improve access to careers within the construction industry. As a founding member, DPR continues to help lead the charge by fostering inclusion through everyday practices, and hosted more than 350 events across offices, jobsites and prefabrication facilities during the week.

“In construction, doors are a powerful symbol. They can represent access, connection and opportunity,” said George Pfeffer, who serves as CEO and a member of DPR’s Leadership Team. “Together, by opening doors, we are building much more than projects. We are building connections and creating opportunities for the next generation of builders.”

Events reflected this year’s theme in creative ways. Teams created time capsules to capture stories and commitments, a reminder that progress takes time. Offices shared family recipes and cultural traditions, celebrating diversity through food and sparking conversations about what makes each person unique. Storytelling sessions encouraged employees to share experiences that strengthen team connections.

“Talking about whether our industry is inclusive brings out vulnerabilities,” said Stephanie Abla, who helps lead supplier diversity efforts for the central region. “Honest conversations bring people closer.”

In San Diego, teams hosted story circles focused on career growth. Employees shared stories about mentors and moments that opened doors. In Charlotte, teams held a lunch with breakout groups solving jobsite photo puzzles, sparking discussions with trade partners on planning and collaboration.

On jobsites, inclusion starts with daily interactions. “If I have 400 people on the jobsite, I talk to all 400 every day,” said Jarrad Holmes, a superintendent in Richmond. “I want them to feel like they belong.” Holmes believes these small moments build trust and respect, making teams stronger.

Some regions extended belonging beyond the workplace by partnering with local vendors and community organizations. “We wanted to support our vendors and community partners,” said Kristin Hughes, an estimator who helped organize CIW events for SurePods, one of DPR’s strategic partners. “It’s about creating belonging in the broader community.”

DPR supports seven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that create spaces for connection and belonging. One group for veterans provided an opportunity for shared stories and support. “It’s nice to talk with others who have that experience,” said Lee Causey, ERG co-lead. “It’s about connection and having a safe space to share.”

DPR values diverse perspectives and ideas because they strengthen teams and improve project outcomes. Inclusion fosters collaboration, fuels innovation and enhances safety—critical elements for delivering technically complex projects. Creating an environment where everyone’s insight matters is a foundational step to building high-performing teams and promoting both physical and psychological safety.

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry will need 439,000 new workers in 2025 and nearly 500,000 by 2026 to meet demand. Victor Villegas, who leads diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in DPR’s central region, emphasized the importance of taking action.

“Awareness is just the starting point,” Villegas said. “What matters is the action we take to make inclusion real on our jobsites and in our teams.”

“We are a stronger organization because of the wide range of experiences and viewpoints our people bring,” Pfeffer said. “Those perspectives fuel innovation, improve safety and enhance teamwork.”

While CIW was designed as a deliberate moment for the industry to come together, inclusion is not limited to a single week. It is something built every day, through every project and every interaction.