Hey there! I’m Tristen Magallanes, host of The Construction Café, and a 25-year veteran of the construction industry—but my love for building started long before that. Growing up with a carpenter for a father, I learned early on the value of creating something with your own hands. 🔨
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with both small specialty contractors and top ENR general contractors, always with a focus on strategy, research, and the people who make this industry thrive. Today, I serve as Director of R&D for DPR Construction, leading research, design thinking, and industry-changing initiatives. But I never forget my field operations roots, where I worked alongside incredible trade workers who shaped my understanding of the jobsite and beyond.
My background in psychology and anthropology—with a focus on diverse cultural communities and human behavior—drives my passion for equity in construction and creating meaningful change. I believe in challenging outdated industry norms, fostering better collaboration, and rethinking how we build for the future.
At the heart of it all, I know that some of the best conversations start with a good cup of coffee and a homemade cookie—because creating space for real dialogue is where real change begins.
Beyond the jobsite, my husband and I have been foster parents for the last six years, sharing our home in sunny California with three high energy cattle dogs and eight hilarious chickens. 🐓🐶
So grab your coffee and join me as we talk construction, culture, and the human side of building. Let’s challenge old ways, embrace new perspectives, and let’s build better together!
