Dave Ritter: Energizing National Design-Build Operations
McKinstry’s newly appointed Senior Director of Operations for National Design-Build, Dave Ritter, joins us with over 30 years of hands-on experience in the construction industry. His journey—beginning on the frigid waters of the Bering Sea and ultimately leading him to Washington State University’s Construction Management program—has given him a unique perspective on what it means to create spaces with impact. For Dave, construction has never been solely about buildings; it’s about purpose, efficiency, and bringing people together to do great work in places that inspire.
With a background that includes high-profile projects like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Amazon’s First Campus, Dave is no stranger to complex, large-scale undertakings. Yet his commitment goes beyond simply building; he’s passionate about transforming construction to focus on efficiency, sustainability, and quality. He explains, “Instead of building big monstrosities, I want to figure out how to do it more intelligently and responsibly.”
For Dave, joining McKinstry represents an alignment of values, expertise, and the chance to contribute to something larger. “We have a lot of smart people in this industry who are ready to create solutions that improve not only buildings but also the environment. I’ve been working with McKinstry both directly and indirectly for nearly two decades, and it’s clear we’re positioned to expand our work and make an impact nationally.”
Making McKinstry’s Expertise Even More Accessible
One of Dave’s immediate goals is to bring cohesion and clarity to McKinstry’s National Design-Build team by leveraging our company’s diverse in-house experience. “The greatest opportunity for National Design-Build is to streamline the construction process for our clients, so they can focus on their goals while trusting us to get them there,” he shares. He sees McKinstry’s strength not only in its technical expertise but in its ability to integrate insights across disciplines to simplify and improve client outcomes.
While Dave has a wealth of experience managing multi-year projects across the country, he is inspired by McKinstry’s unique approach to design-build work. He’s committed to partnering with our mechanical and fabrication teams to ensure clients achieve more with fewer contracts and streamlined interactions, especially for institutions like universities and organizations with ambitious sustainability goals.
A Fresh Approach to Growth and Efficiency
McKinstry’s National Design-Build program is in a period of exciting growth, with a mission to expand beyond the Pacific Northwest. Dave’s insights, shaped by years of experience working on projects with tight margins in a highly competitive market, make him an invaluable asset in this regard. He explains, “In the Pacific Northwest, we’re working with sophisticated clients, brilliant design and engineering teams, and a highly skilled workforce, which makes for an extremely competitive landscape. We’re taking what we’ve learned here and applying it nationally to serve more clients with the same level of excellence.”
Reflecting on his goals, Dave is eager to translate his general contracting background to better support McKinstry’s national team as they pursue more prime contracts. In his first 90 days, he’s focused on developing a deeper understanding of McKinstry’s varied capabilities. “My first priority is to understand the breadth of experience we have here so I can bring the best of McKinstry to our clients. This includes understanding what’s working well and where we can innovate to enhance the McKinstry brand around the country,” he says.
Collaboration and Community as Core Values
Dave’s vision for his role extends beyond project success to building a culture of communication, learning, and growth. As he puts it, “I didn’t grow up in the mechanical or energy industry, so I need a little time and help understanding what’s important to focus on. I’ve learned over the years that no one can be an expert in all aspects of this business. But I do know that collaboration, teaching, and communication are key.” Dave is driven to create an environment where team members feel valued and connected, and he welcomes insights from across the company.
For Dave, feedback from colleagues and partners is the truest measure of his impact. “If people feel that I’ve helped them prioritize what matters and do their best work, then I’ll know I’ve done my job well,” he says. Building a culture where people are inspired to collaborate, learn, and innovate is a priority for him.
A Personal Commitment to Sustainability
Dave’s commitment to sustainability aligns seamlessly with McKinstry’s mission to decarbonize buildings and systems nationwide. He’s deeply aware of the urgent need for energy-efficient solutions—something he feels is both a professional and personal mission. “This year was the hottest in recorded history. We all need to find a way to contribute to mitigating the climate crisis, and I see McKinstry as my path to making a difference,” Dave shares.
Throughout his career, he has championed sustainable practices, aiming to bring lasting impact to every project. His vision for McKinstry’s National Design-Build operations includes finding creative, efficient ways to help clients achieve their sustainability goals, with a focus on reducing carbon footprints and designing for resilience.
As Dave settles into his new role, he’s energized by the opportunity to work alongside McKinstry’s talented team, building a future that not only supports our clients but contributes to a more sustainable world.
