Thai Nguyen began his journey with PCL as an intern in the company’s Hawaii office. After earning his Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, he officially joined the company in 2008 as a field engineer based in Los Angeles. Over the years, Nguyen has climbed the ranks, taking on roles such as project manager and area manager. Today, he leads PCL's Los Angeles office, overseeing business operations in the area and upholding the company’s commitment to excellence.

A native Angeleno, Nguyen’s interest in construction was sparked as a kid in the ‘90s while watching the STAPLES Center (now Crypto.com Arena) come to life. His interest in the industry was solidified through his involvement with the ACE Mentorship program, an after-school initiative focused on workforce development by connecting high school students with professionals in design and construction.

During his 16 years with PCL, Nguyen has been part of several iconic projects, including the UCLA Pauley Pavilion renovation and expansion project. As a fast-paced, high-profile project, this project was an opportunity for Nguyen to form some of the most influential relationships of his career. While Nguyen takes pride in seeing a project come to life, he credits the people he works with as the best part of his job.

As an employee-owned company, Nguyen believes that PCL fosters a family-oriented and collaborative culture driven by a shared sense of purpose. This mentality extends beyond the company to its clients and the communities PCL serves. For Nguyen, working at PCL is about more than building structures, it’s about building relationships and legacies.

Nguyen remains actively involved in the ACE Mentorship Program. Over the years, he has served on the ACE Board of Directors and led a team at his high school alma mater, empowering the next generation of engineers and builders. He encourages others to join in mentorship, noting the profound impact it can have on both the mentor and the mentee.

Nguyen’s commitment to excellence has earned him numerous accolades, including the ENR/McGraw-Hill ACE National Exemplary Mentor Award  and ACE Mentor Program’s Mentor of the Year in Los Angeles. Additionally, he has been recognized as one of ENR California’s Top 20 Under 40. Nguyen is also a LEED Accredited Professional and a Design-Build Institute of America Professional.