A Leader’s Insights on the Value and Importance of Construction Managers

Neil Richards Discusses Changes in Construction Services and What it Takes to Succeed in Latest Experts Talk Interview

In the latest from HDR’s Experts Talk interview series, Neil Richards discusses the attributes of a successful construction services professional, whether working in construction engineering and inspection, construction administration, construction management or a similar role. He also addresses the importance of keeping employees in the field connected to company culture and the changes he’s seen over his decades in the industry. 

Richards has more than 30 years of experience in construction and is HDR’s professional services director for construction and a senior transportation construction engineer.

“Our profession has seen some remarkable technical change over the past decades, and I don’t expect that change to slow down,” Richards said in the Q&A. “The technology continues to advance and be integrated in new ways. But I believe there’s always going to be a place for skilled, knowledgeable people on-site.”

Richards provides insights on how technology such as digital delivery and improved data acquisition tools have required new skills. And he emphasizes the importance of training the next generation of construction services professionals. 

HDR’s Experts Talk interview series shines a light on various aspects of transportation infrastructure design and delivery. Each subject matter expert offers unique expertise and insights about new and ongoing trends, emerging technologies and the human side of infrastructure.

Read the whole interview with Richards on transportation construction services.