Since joining PCL in 2009, Ryan Marshall has steadily advanced to his current role as lead superintendent, taking on some of the company’s most complex and innovative projects across Colorado. With deep expertise in a variety of project types, including mass timber, he’s especially passionate about revitalizing existing structures and building for future generations.

I started with PCL in 2009 on the Viceroy Snowmass resort project as a field engineer. Over the years, I progressed into the role of superintendent, gaining valuable experience across both our Base Buildings and Special Projects divisions. I spent a significant portion of my career on Special Projects, which helped me build strong connections within that area. I really enjoy revitalizing and breathing new life into buildings, giving them a renewed purpose and future.

As the Special Projects division grew, there became a need for a dedicated lead superintendent. Given my background and long-standing involvement, stepping into that role felt like a natural progression. As the lead superintendent for Special Projects, I oversaw complex builds, coordinated teams and ensured project delivery aligns with PCL’s standards. Working in Special Projects was a great stepping stone for my career, and I now support major initiatives within the Denver office, particularly those involving mass timber construction, a field I’ve developed both a strong passion for and hands-on experience in. I'm currently serving as the lead superintendent on a major mixed-use mass timber development in downtown Denver. The project will include retail space, along with housing and a career hub for local university students.

I grew up in a construction-oriented family – my dad was a home builder – so construction was always a part of my life. As a teenager, I visited Colorado on a family trip and instantly fell in love with the state. That experience stuck with me, so I chose to attend Colorado State University.

I initially majored in environmental engineering but quickly realized that construction was where my true interest lay. I switched to a Construction Management degree during my freshman year, which felt like a natural fit given my background. I’ve always been drawn to the tangible, hands-on nature of building and seeing something come together from the ground up is incredibly rewarding for me.

One of my favorite projects early in my career was the Viceroy Snowmass. It was a large, complex build, and being part of it gave me a great introduction to how PCL operates on major projects. It was an incredible learning experience that helped shape my foundation in the field.

The most pivotal project in my career, though, has been the Burwell Center for Career Achievement at the University of Denver. I served as the lead superintendent on that job, and it was the first project I ran independently. What made it especially meaningful was that we self-performed both the concrete and the mass timber erection, marking the first time PCL had self-performed a mass timber project. That experience not only deepened my technical expertise but also sparked a strong passion for mass timber construction.

The Burwell Center has received a lot of recognition, being a LEED v4-certified building and a first-of-its-kind in many respects. It really springboarded me into a more specialized role within PCL, where I now stay actively involved in mass timber projects and pursuits across the company.

I believe mass timber is poised to take a significant share of the construction market, especially as an alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete. Cities like Denver are leading the way, as it's one of only a few in the U.S. that have adopted progressive building codes allowing mass timber structures up to 18 stories. That puts our Denver office in a unique position to accelerate innovation and adoption in this space.

What excites me most about mass timber is its sustainability. Unlike other building materials, wood is renewable. That makes it the only major construction material we can truly manage in a regenerative way. For me, working with mass timber checks all the boxes: it's innovative, it's beautiful and it aligns with a more sustainable future for our industry. It feels good to be part of something that not only advances construction but also contributes positively to the planet.

It may sound cliché, but my favorite part of PCL is the people. From day one, I’ve been surrounded by a culture of teamwork, camaraderie and mutual support. There’s a strong 'leave no one behind' mentality here. Whether you're on a job site or in the office, there's always someone willing to lend a hand or share knowledge.

I also feel incredibly fortunate for the opportunities I’ve had to grow here. PCL has provided a clear runway for development, and I’ve been able to work on a wide variety of projects. What keeps it exciting is that no two projects are the same. There’s always a new challenge, a new scale, or a new system to learn. That constant evolution keeps the work fresh and makes coming to work every day something to look forward to.