Peter Nosler

Peter Nosler, co-founder and P in DPR Construction, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 3, while doing something he loved—traveling with his family. He was 83 years old.

Peter co-founded DPR with Doug Woods and Ron Davidowski in 1990. Guided by a strong sense of purpose (We exist to build great things) and four core values (integrity, enjoyment, uniqueness, ever forward), Doug, Peter and Ron set the foundation for what is currently the sixth largest general contractor in the nation (ENR 2023) with more than 10,000 employees serving customers in three continents.

Over the years, there are many words that have been used to describe Peter: innovative, patient, enthusiastic, creative, inclusive, insightful, smart, giving, kind. The list goes on… But there is one word that really stands out and is used repeatedly. That word is curious.

Peter’s infinite curiosity is one of his most notable characteristics. He was driven to learn. He was also passionate about sharing what he learned with others and encouraged everyone around him to do the same.

It’s what earned him nicknames like “the professor” or “doctor science.” It also drove DPR’s core value of Ever Forward. (We believe in continual, self-initiated change, improvement, learning and the advancement of standards for their own sake.) Peter’s willingness to share knowledge and facilitate the sharing of knowledge among others set the tone for a collaborative, open and inclusive environment that drives people to be the best they can be and continues to live on today.

Peter’s love for building began when he was six years old, and even though he studied physics in school, he followed his father and grandfather into the construction business. “I never stopped building stuff, so it’s only natural that DPR builds great things…knowing how to build and being a builder is what I love.”

He combined his love of building with his ever forward mindset to build great things internally at DPR, such as shared leadership teams, meeting ground rules that highlighted no rank in the room, opportunities for improvement, an open office environment, etc. Externally, Peter was a founding member of the Collaborative Process Institute in the mid-90s that included leaders in the AEC industry and served as a precursor to integrating project delivery and lean construction.

When asked why DPR focuses on technical projects, Peter replied, “because they are the most fun!” According to Peter, technical projects require people to constantly think outside of the box and work together to find solutions. They’re challenging. They’re complex. They require collaboration. They are the type of projects that keep people who are passionate about building (like Peter) excited to come to work every day.

One underlying concept from the very beginning of DPR was to build an entrepreneurial organization where people can continuously grow. When it came time for Peter to transition away from day-to-day operations and leadership of the company in 2004, he focused his energy and expertise to helping relaunch DPR’s innovation program. He also played an integral role in starting the DPR Foundation, a nonprofit that supports under-resourced youth, and DPR's Community Initiatives.

“The best way to truly make a positive impact in a community is to understand the needs and match those with our strengths as a company,” he said. “We want to focus our energies in targeted areas and go deeper to make a greater impact.”

Since 2008, when the DPR Foundation was established, it has awarded $13 million in unrestricted grants to 34 partner organizations supporting under-resourced youth. And, every year, thousands of DPR employees volunteer their professional skills through DPR’s Community Initiatives, a testament to the infectious spirit of generosity Peter brought to everything he did.

Peter had many passions throughout his lifetime—the building of a truly great construction company and raving fans, racing around racetracks in his Formula Ford, philanthropy, art, marine life, travel, and most of all his family and friends. The impact he has made on all of us at DPR will continue to live on for generations.

Thank you, Peter, for truly leaving a legacy that others are inspired to emulate. Ever forward. We will miss you.