Here’s a rundown of key Portland, Oregon, construction firms:
- Andersen Construction (Portland): Founded in 1950, this employee-owned firm is a Pacific Northwest heavyweight, with offices in Portland, Seattle, Eugene, and Boise. They specialize in design-build, construction management, and preconstruction services for healthcare, education, multifamily, and advanced tech projects. Known for lean construction and tackling complex, occupied-site builds—like the Leland James Office renovation—they’re a top player in the region.
- R&H Construction (Portland): Since 1979, R&H has been shaping the Northwest with commercial ground-ups, renovations, and tenant improvements. Led by CEO John Ward (a LEED AP with 41 years of experience), they prioritize safety and sustainability. They’ve won awards like the Daily Journal of Commerce’s 2021 Top Mixed-Use honors and are often listed among Portland Business Journal’s Most Admired Companies.
- Hoffman Construction (Portland): The largest full-service contractor in the Pacific Northwest, Hoffman’s been around since 1922. They handle sports facilities, healthcare, data centers, and education projects—like Nike’s Beaverton campus expansion. With offices in Portland and Seattle, they boast a high rate of repeat clients thanks to their reliable execution.
- P&C Construction (Portland): Founded in 1960, this firm emphasizes community in its mission—building relationships alongside structures. They focus on public and private projects, like the new Molalla Police Facility (18,000 sq ft) and Gervais Fire Station (5,340 sq ft), blending craftsmanship with collaboration across Oregon.
- Bremik Construction (Portland): Started in 2004, Bremik aims to be Oregon’s best commercial contractor—not the biggest, but the most excellent. They excel in multifamily, historic renovations, and commercial builds, fostering a “roll up your sleeves” culture of mentorship and innovation.
- Mortenson (Portland office): A national firm with a strong Portland presence since its first local project, Mortenson tackles education, healthcare, and federal jobs—like Clark College’s Advanced Manufacturing Center. They’re known for integrated services and sustainable solutions across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
- Hammer & Hand (Portland): Founded in 1995, this firm blends construction with high-performance building, serving both Portland and Seattle. They’re residential and commercial experts, specializing in custom builds, remodels, and passive house designs that slash energy use by up to 90%. Their in-house woodshop sets them apart.
- Walsh Construction Co. (Portland): With a 4.9-star Google rating, Walsh is a trusted name for commercial and multifamily projects. They’ve been key in Portland’s building boom, delivering quality from their local base with a focus on client satisfaction.
- Joseph Hughes Construction (Portland): Led by Joe Hughes (41+ years in the game), this firm covers new construction, tenant improvements, and design-build work. They bring a personal touch to projects, backed by Hughes’ education from the University of Oregon and Portland State.
- Skanska USA (Portland office): A global leader with a Portland foothold, Skanska focuses on sustainable commercial and infrastructure projects—like bridges and transit systems. They’re tech-savvy and big on green building, contributing to Portland’s eco-conscious skyline.
Portland’s construction scene thrives on its mix of sustainability (it’s one of the U.S.’s most energy-efficient cities), a growing population, and a boom in multifamily and commercial builds. These firms often self-perform trades, embrace lean methods, and navigate the city’s permitting quirks—like debates over brick patterns that spike costs. The crane-filled skyline (Portland led North America in crane growth in 2023) reflects their hustle.
Key Points
- Portland, Oregon, has several notable construction firms, with Hoffman Construction being the largest by revenue at around $5.5 billion in 2023.
- Top firms include Hoffman, Fortis, Mortenson, Turner, Walsh, R&H, Andersen, Bremik, and Joseph Hughes, each specializing in various sectors like commercial, healthcare, and education.
- Research suggests these firms are known for sustainability, safety, and community engagement, though project delays and labor shortages can be challenges.
Overview
Portland’s construction industry is vibrant, driven by its tech and urban growth, with firms handling everything from skyscrapers to affordable housing. These companies often emphasize green building practices, reflecting the city’s sustainability focus.
Top Firms and Specialties
Here are some key players and what they do:
- Hoffman Construction: Largest in the region, excels in data centers and education, with a strong safety culture.
- Fortis Construction Inc.: Focuses on data centers, healthcare, and education, known for innovative BIM use.
- Mortenson Construction: Strong in education and cultural projects, emphasizing inclusion and sustainability.
- Turner Construction Co.: Offers comprehensive services, including healthcare and commercial, with a focus on energy efficiency.
- Walsh Construction Co.: Specializes in multi-family and affordable housing, with a community-focused approach.
For more details, check company websites like Hoffman Construction or Fortis Construction.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of Portland Construction Firms
Portland, Oregon, stands as a hub for construction activity, fueled by its growing tech sector, urban redevelopment, and commitment to sustainability. As of March 14, 2025, the construction landscape is marked by a mix of large, established firms and smaller, specialized contractors, each contributing to the city’s skyline and infrastructure. This note provides a comprehensive overview, drawing from recent data and industry insights, to highlight the top construction firms, their specialties, and the broader context shaping their operations.
Industry Context and Trends
Portland’s construction sector is shaped by its ranking as one of the most energy-efficient cities, with a diverse economy offering a strong work-life balance for workers. The city’s focus on sustainability is evident, with many firms adopting green building practices, such as LEED certifications and mass timber construction. However, challenges like labor shortages, rising material costs, and permitting delays, particularly noted in discussions around brick-pattern disputes, can impact project timelines and budgets. The market also sees a robust demand for commercial, educational, and multi-family housing projects, driven by tech giants like Nike and Intel, and a net migration trend boosting population growth.
Top Construction Firms: Profiles and Specialties
Based on revenue, employee reviews, and project portfolios, the following firms stand out as leaders in Portland:
- Hoffman Construction: Founded in 1922, Hoffman is the largest general contractor headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, with 2023 revenue of approximately $5.5 billion, far surpassing competitors like Fortis Construction Inc. at $2.5 billion. Based at 5835 NE 122nd Ave #110, Portland, OR 97230, they specialize in sports, recreation, healthcare, commercial, education, government, data centers, and advanced manufacturing. Their safety culture is central, with a focus on preventing injuries through planning and training, and they have a history of tackling challenging projects, such as the Intel D1X, named Oregon’s largest construction project in 2017. They are relocating to Lake Oswego in 2025, reflecting their ongoing growth
- Fortis Construction Inc.: An employee-owned firm headquartered at 5331 S Macadam Ave, Suite 100, Portland, OR 97239, Fortis has been recognized as an Engineering-News Record Top 100 Contractor in under 15 years and the #1 firm in the Pacific Northwest across architecture, engineering, and construction. They focus on data centers, education, healthcare, and commercial projects, with over 90% repeat clients, showcasing strong relationship-building. Their use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and commitment to safety, including Injury-Free Environment (IFE) initiatives, sets them apart. They also have offices in Utah and Singapore, indicating a global reach
- Mortenson Construction: With a Portland office at 710 NW 14th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209, Mortenson has completed 108 projects totaling 3.7 million square feet over 40 years in the region. They are a leading US-based firm focusing on education, cultural, healthcare, and federal sectors, emphasizing innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. Their progressive-design-build expertise and partnerships aim to improve communities, as seen in projects like the Clark College Advanced Manufacturing Center, supporting over 1,200 students. They are known for leveraging integrated services and real estate development to deliver custom solutions
- Turner Construction Company: Operating from 1155 SW Morrison Street, Suite 600, Portland, OR 97205 since 1979, Turner employs over 150 construction professionals locally. As the largest general contractor in the country, they offer preconstruction, construction management, and support services across healthcare, education, commercial, sports, aviation, pharmaceutical, retail, and green building. Notable for their work on the first Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)/pre-cast structure for Adidas and thin-shelled domes for Yamhill-Carlton School District, they emphasize trusting, transparent relationships and have won awards like Top Workplaces in Oregon 2024
- Walsh Construction Co.: Headquartered at 2905 SW 1st Ave., Portland, OR 97201, founded in 1961 by brothers Tom and Bob Walsh, Walsh is a Pacific Northwest general contractor with additional offices in Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver, Washington. They specialize in multi-family and affordable housing, mixed-use developments, student and market-rate housing, healthcare, hospitality, and education, with expertise in wood-framed, concrete, structural steel, mass timber, and modular construction. Their community focus is evident in projects like Pride Place, Seattle’s affordable housing for LGBTQIA+ seniors, and they emphasize pre-construction services, safety, and quality control
- R&H Construction: Located at 2019 NW Wilson Street, Portland, OR 97209, founded in 1979, R&H is a respected firm with over 700 projects, many award-winning, including Redfox Commons, which received the Transformer Award from the Portland Business Journal. They specialize in commercial and tenant upgrades, with a commitment to safety, sustainability, and community engagement, earning spots on lists like Oregon Business Magazine’s 100 Best Green Companies. Their early design stage involvement ensures reliable cost and schedule information
- Andersen Construction: With a 75-year history, Andersen operates from Portland, Seattle, Boise, and Eugene, offering design-build, Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and CM/GC management. They serve healthcare, education, laboratories, advanced technology, industrial, commercial office, and multi-family markets, known for completing complex, multi-phased projects on occupied campuses. As an employee-owned firm guided by nine Core Values, they foster a culture of passionate builders, ranked in Oregon’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2019
- Bremik Construction: Founded in 2004, based at 1026 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214, Bremik aims to be Oregon’s best commercial general contractor, focusing on adaptive renovations, urban multi-family housing, commercial office, tenant improvements, healthcare, and education. Their negotiated contract project delivery method and diverse portfolio reflect a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude, with 32% of their field crew as apprentices, emphasizing workforce development and quality
- Joseph Hughes Construction: Established in 1981, located at 11125 SW Barbur Blvd, Portland, OR 97219, JHC is a licensed commercial contractor with a $25 million annual revenue, employing over 40 staff. They specialize in design-build, tenant improvement, and various commercial and multi-family projects, with a focus on adaptive reuse and market segments like automotive, healthcare, and retail. Known for their long-standing presence, they underwent a leadership transition in January 2025, with founder Joe Hughes stepping down but remaining involved
Comparative Analysis
A table summarizing key metrics for these firms, based on available data, highlights their scale and focus:
| Firm Name | Founded | Revenue (2023, USD) | Employees (Local) | Key Specialties | Notable Awards/Recognitions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hoffman Construction | 1922 | 5.5 billion | ~150 (Portland) | Data centers, education, healthcare | Largest PNW contractor, safety leadership |
| Fortis Construction Inc. | 2003 | 2.5 billion | ~201-500 | Data centers, healthcare, education | ENR Top 100, #1 PNW firm |
| Mortenson Construction | – | 1.5 billion | – | Education, cultural, healthcare, federal | 108 projects, 3.7M sq ft, sustainability focus |
| Turner Construction Co. | 1979 | 1.3 billion | >150 | Healthcare, education, commercial, green | Top Workplaces Oregon 2024, safety awards |
| Walsh Construction Co. | 1961 | 1.2 billion | – | Multi-family, affordable housing, education | Community focus, safety, quality control |
| R&H Construction | 1979 | – | – | Commercial, tenant upgrades | 100 Best Green Companies, Transformer Award |
| Andersen Construction | 1950 | – | – | Healthcare, education, labs, multi-family | 100 Best Companies to Work For Oregon 2019 |
| Bremik Construction | 2004 | – | – | Commercial, healthcare, education, renovations | Focus on quality, workforce development |
| Joseph Hughes Construction | 1981 | 25 million | >40 | Commercial, multi-family, adaptive reuse | Long-standing presence, community engagement |
(Note: Revenue data for some firms is not publicly available or specific to Portland; figures for Hoffman, Fortis, Mortenson, Turner, and Walsh are from Statista 2023, others estimated based on industry reports.)
Unexpected Detail: Revenue Disparities and Regional Impact
An unexpected detail is the significant revenue disparity, with Hoffman Construction’s $5.5 billion dwarfing others, reflecting its dominance and possibly its ability to secure large-scale projects like Intel D1X. This disparity underscores Portland’s role as a hub for mega-projects, influencing local employment and economic growth, but also highlighting competition pressures on smaller firms like Joseph Hughes, which operate at a $25 million scale.
Challenges and Opportunities
These firms face common challenges, such as labor shortages noted in industry discussions, with Hoffman mentioning difficulties finding staff in a hot market, and rising material costs impacting project budgets. Permitting delays, particularly in Portland, can add costs, as seen in debates over aesthetic details like brick patterns. Opportunities lie in Portland’s sustainability push, with firms like Mortenson and Fortis leveraging green tech, and the city’s growth in tech-driven projects, offering a pipeline for data centers and commercial spaces.
Conclusion
Portland’s construction firms are a diverse group, from giants like Hoffman to emerging players like Bremik, each contributing to the city’s built environment. Their focus on sustainability, safety, and community engagement aligns with Portland’s values, while navigating challenges like labor and permitting ensures a dynamic, evolving industry. For stakeholders, these firms offer a range of expertise, from large-scale infrastructure to niche commercial projects, shaping Portland’s future skyline.
Key Citations: