Exclusive Q&A: DPR Construction Senior Project Manager On Trends In Healthcare Expansion

Hospital renovations and seismic upgrades are hot in healthcare right now, according to DPR Construction senior project manager Ryan Lippmann. Ryan is one of the all-star panelists scheduled to speak at Bisnow's Annual Healthcare Expansion Forum at 7:30am Thursday at the LA Athletic Club.

Bisnow: What makes DPR Construction stand apart from its competitors?

Ryan Lippmann: An increasing number of clients in the market to build new projects view construction as a commodity—breaking down services into unit prices and forcing GCs to compete in a marketplace that doesn’t allow for teaming and collaboration (Ryan, left, is pictured here with his best friend, Ryan). What DPR excels at is taking a project team through the process of constructing a project (big or small) and adding value along the way. DPR prides ourselves on being innovative, technical, collaborative and very fair with our clients, subcontractors, trade partners and design professionals. We are a true builder as we are a self-performing general contractor. We keep score—and hold ourselves accountable along the way as well. We are in a pursuit to change the industry. We call it our 20-mile march.

Bisnow: Are you seeing any trends in building healthcare facilities?

Ryan Lippmann: The big trend remains with existing facilities making program and operational decisions based on upgrading the seismic performance to comply with SB 1953. Healthcare systems continue to evaluate the need to upgrade or sell non-compliant properties. While a major investment, systems are also taking advantage of a major new project—evaluating relocating the facility to a new market that may better support their business plan. Additionally, an increasing number of healthcare systems are evaluating the procurement model by which they traditionally buy work. More and more systems are strategically evaluating and executing design-build agreements with GCs like DPR. Clients are seeing the benefits of a team that is self-formed based on previous successes rather than a forced relationship that is held by the client. DPR is the leader (in quantity) of design-build healthcare contracts. They work. Renovation projects, central utility plant upgrades, and outpatient medical buildings are all hot.

Bisnow: Do you see those trends continuing in the future?

Ryan Lippmann: Regarding SB 1953, obviously the workload will drop off at some point. Buildings will either be replaced or upgraded and the amount of work will diminish. The next trend in healthcare is the increasing aging population and how to maintain care for an increasing population base. SNFs (skilled nursing facilities) and assisted living facilities will continue to prosper statewide. (Ryan is pictured here with Frank Stallone and his girlfriend, Mary.)

Bisnow: Do you think the medical industry is accounting for more construction now than in the past?

Ryan Lippmann: I think that the big boom of major new facilities may be tapering off. Healthcare systems now are reviewing ways to get more efficient with old layouts—evaluating renovations in compliant buildings, continuing EMR (electronic medical records) upgrades, etc. We are now seeing lots more activity in the marketplace and the work is tending to be smaller, more out of necessity.

Bisnow: What are some of your company's latest projects?

Ryan Lippmann: UCSF Medical Center, UHS Corona Medical Center ED, UHS Temecula Valley Imaging Expansion, USC Norris Outpatient Building and Shriners Ambulatory Surgery Center.

Bisnow: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Ryan Lippmann: I’m a recent new dad...to an Australian Shepherd puppy named Barry (pictured here). He keeps me busy. When he’s sleeping or otherwise occupied, I enjoy riding my motorcycle around LA and Orange County, as well as being an active CrossFitter.

Join Ryan and our other speakers at Bisnow's Annual Healthcare Expansion Forum event at 7:30am Thursday at the LA Athletic Club. Sign up here!