Just a few minutes from The University of Arizona, where Dustin Murphy was studying civil engineering, Sundt Construction was transforming a connection between one of Tucson’s most iconic streets and its downtown core. Dustin joined that project as an intern during his senior year, supporting the project team as they replaced Arizona’s oldest urban grade-separated roadway-railroad intersection. The project was one of the first construction manager-at-risk projects for the City of Tucson’s Transportation Department and went on to win multiple awards.
Dustin went on to a full-time career with Sundt Construction, successfully guiding landmark projects, supporting Sundt’s expansion into new areas, and building relationships with local communities. Today, Dustin is a Senior Project Manager in the Northwest for Sundt’s Transportation Group. His deep experience and commitment to community-focused outcomes have contributed to making Sundt a trusted partner in Oregon and Washington. We sat down with him as he reflected on his 16-year journey at Sundt, why he loves Portland, Oregon, and how young engineers can find success in the construction industry.
How did you come to Sundt?
“I’m originally from Tucson, Ariz. Sixteen years ago, in my last year of pursuing a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering at The University of Arizona, I started an internship with Sundt. My first project was the 4th Avenue Underpass in Tucson, which connects downtown Tucson and Historic Fourth Avenue. We replaced this urban grade-separated roadway-railroad intersection built in 1916 with a 250-foot-long reinforced concrete underpass. When I was in college, I thought I was going to be a structural engineer, but during my internship, I realized construction is way more fun. Here, I’m able to use my engineering knowledge; I’m thinking critically and solving problems. I was offered a full-time job after my internship, and I haven’t looked back since.”
What lessons did you take away from that first project that you then carried onto other projects?
A collaborative project team aligned through mutually developed project goals is the key to successfully design and build a project. The relationship between the design builder and client is more than contractual; it’s a long-term partnership in order to build environments where the client, our employee-owners and the community can prosper. It’s my goal to successfully deliver a project with a client so that we are the contractor of choice on future projects, helping to build this prosperous environment.
Tell me about your journey at Sundt and the projects you have worked on?
“After my first project in Tucson, I worked on a few other projects in Arizona before I moved to San Antonio to help set our office up there. In San Antonio, I worked as an estimator, but then an opportunity came up to join a project in Portland. I said yes without a second thought because being from Arizona, the idea of a cooler, greener place seemed perfect.”
“It turned out to be the right decision because my wife and I love being outdoors and the fact that we can hike during the warm dry summers and ski during the cold winters is perfect. Portland is also special because I got to work on the Sellwood Bridge project. We reconstructed the 2,000-foot-long Sellwood Bridge over the Willamette River through an innovative shoofly approach. We also shortened the schedule by a year and reduced the project’s cost by more than $5 million which is a great achievement for our team.”
How does your knowledge from your time as an estimator and working in the field help you with managing projects?
Having a strong background in cost management and estimating is key to managing and establishing the project’s budget. During the preconstruction phase it’s paramount to accurately establish a project’s baseline costs up front during early design milestones. Then, we can work through mitigation measures to reduce project risks and incorporate innovations in order to deliver the project within the client’s budget.
The 4th Ave Underpass was one of the first CMAR projects for Tucson’s Transportation Department and Sellwood Bridge was the first CMGC project by Multnomah County. What are some ways Sundt supports an owner as they navigate a new delivery method?
Sundt has well established processes to ensure project success, but it is key that these processes are tailored to fit the client’s needs. Engagement from the entire project team and stakeholders during the early stages of the project will shape the process, gain alignment, develop lines of communication and a firm set of roles and responsibilities so the team can hold each other accountable. This begins with a scoping session and reoccurring partnering meetings to keep the team on track and to meet the project’s goals.
What are you working on now?
After spending about five years in Utah in both operations and preconstruction, the I-5 Rose Quarter Improvement Project brought me back to Portland. I was a part of this project’s pursuit because of my experience and relationship with the local community. This project will reduce congestion and improve safety, alleviating the traffic issues that occur on a stretch of I-5 between the I-84 and I-405. We will add ramp-to-ramp auxiliary lanes allowing drivers to enter and exit the highway without having to merge through the lanes. Full shoulders will create space for disabled vehicles to move out of the way of traffic and allow emergency vehicles to pass. A cover will be added where bridges cross over the I-5 to provide space for roads and sidewalks, as well as an area for separated bike lanes and community spaces. Over the past several years, I have been involved in multiple Sundt pursuits and preconstruction efforts in the Pacific Northwest. I’m looking forward to being a part of the teams that build projects in this region and being able to visit them with my family, knowing I contributed to additional iconic projects for the region and Sundt.
How do you like Portland and what does the future look like for Sundt in the Northwest?
“My wife and I fell in love with the Northwest the moment we moved here. I want to retire here, which makes me even more passionate to deliver top-notch projects that will help this community flourish and prosper.”
“Portland is growing rapidly, which means there is a lot of anticipated work. It is one of the most beautiful and scenic states and has a great community. Our alternative delivery expertise, innovations in construction, and commitment to partnering with local and diverse business enterprises have made us a trusted partner. In the future, I’d like us to build on that trust and establish Sundt as the most skilled builder in the Northwest.”
Learn more about what Sundt is building in the Pacific Northwest.