Derek Kirkland

Derek Kirkland, whose dad built large scale projects across the world, was awestruck by the scale and impact construction can have on a region. "My dad helped build an entire city from scratch, which inspired me and eventually led me to a career in construction," he said. Derek first joined DPR in 1997 and has more than 30 years of expertise in the U.S. and U.K. construction industries. His experience consists of a wide variety of healthcare, higher education, and life science projects, ranging from cGMP manufacturing facilities and pilot plants to research and development labs.

Derek has held several roles inside of DPR including estimator, preconstruction manager, project executive and Arizona business unit leader. In the business unit leader role, he expanded DPR’s operations to Tucson and grew the Arizona team to more than 400 staff and craft employees.

His deep understanding of our business, together with his qualifications as a professional certified coach and certified organization development coach, have led him to a role focused on strategic change. Tackling complex business challenges with strategic and people centric organizational solutions.

• Role: Strategic Change
• Favorite DPR Core Value: Ever Forward. I am very competitive and driven to get better, improve and raise my personal bar.
• Favorite Thing About Construction: The diversity of personalities and the dynamic nature of the process. It's a fantastic challenge every day figuring out how to get those two things in sync.
• First Job: A true seller/doer business, Dun-Kirk Car Wash and Lawn Service.
• Word to the Wise (Advice): Make every interaction count. No matter how small or insignificant it might seem. Do something with every opportunity; the smallest things can have a huge impact.