Q&A: Dan Pierce, President of Kitchell
Q: Technology is playing an important role in today’s construction market. What are some of the latest advancements you’re seeing utilized to make building better?
A: We’ve seen remarkable advances with respect to building information modeling (BIM) technologies. The capacity to share information efficiently has enhanced our ability to collaborate with owners and architects. Tablets, iPads, laptops and smartphones are commonplace — the line between design and construction has blurred. And I’ve been very impressed with the caliber of the young people who have chosen construction as a career. Their aptitude in leveraging the various technologies are enhancing our capacity to service our customers.
Q: How has Kitchell developed such a strong presence in healthcare?
A: I think that we’ve managed to develop strong relationships with our customers over the years. For example, we have worked on the hospital campuses that are now part of Banner Health since 1962. Those types of relationships have helped us anticipate many of the challenges that face healthcare providers in our marketplace. We see ourselves as strategic partners.
Q: Are you seeing signs of promise in Arizona’s commercial construction industry?
A: Despite Arizona’s oversupply in most market sectors of the built environment and the fact that we will likely be lagging most areas of the country in terms of economic recovery, we are seeing more activity in 2012 with a number of our design partners. Our development company is also seeing more activity. I see that as a very positive sign and I am optimistic.
Q: How has Kitchell managed to stay successful during the past five years?
A: Because of our diversity, we have been able to remain nimble and adaptive to the marketplace. This is what makes us unique. The size of our company — and the fact we’re employee-owned — is perfectly suited to be fluid and flexible, to be able to adjust workloads to exactly where we need to be at any given moment.
Dan Pierce has had a hand in the construction of numerous commercial projects throughout the Southwest, and has been with Kitchell for more than 30 years, having joined the company right out of college. As President of Kitchell Contractors, Pierce oversees divisions, including everything from renewable energy and healthcare to custom homes and medical technology planning.
Pierce has a bachelor’s degree in construction from Arizona State University. He served on the Accreditation Review Board and the Department Advisory Council when the construction management program was established at Northern Arizona University. An ASHE-Certified Healthcare Builder, he is on the Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation, has served on the Board of the Foundation for Blind Children and is involved in the American Society for Healthcare Engineering.
