Chris Hopper, Executive Vice President & General Manager, Skanska
Chris Hopper, executive vice president and general manager of construction company Skanska, talked to Invest: about how the growth of Nashville’s market has spurred opportunities for Skanska’s growth. “The recent growth in this market has been tremendous, and a main focus for Skanska has been keeping up with that demand,” he said.
Could you share with us some of the most significant milestones for Skanska over the last year?
Over the last 12 months, our Nashville office has experienced significant growth, welcoming 20 new team members, which reflects a strong commitment to the Middle Tennessee market. Key highlights include work with Vanderbilt University where we’ve led notable projects such as Kirkland Hall and Garland Hall. We’re also proud to be leading the restoration of War Memorial Building and Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville for the State of Tennessee, reinforcing our ongoing collaboration with the state. As Nashville continues to be a central hub for healthcare, Skanska is responding with initiatives like Mental Health First Aid, which we’re working to extend to our trade partners, showing a dedication to both physical and mental well-being across the industry.
What are some of the significant shifts that are shaping the construction and infrastructure sectors, particularly in Nashville?
The recent growth in Nashville’s market has been tremendous, and a main focus for Skanska has been on keeping pace with that demand. The industry has undergone considerable changes, with a notable slowdown in both corporate commercial and multifamily construction. At the same time, the high-tech sector is helping to fill the gap, driving new opportunities. Growth in areas like East Bank is anticipated, and Skanska has been proactive in positioning itself to stay ahead of these evolving trends. We are continuously dealing with changes associated with tariffs and are navigating the need for more skilled labor and workforce demands, both of which continue to shape how we operate and deliver projects.
How have client demands shifted over the past year?
We’ve seen a stronger emphasis on pricing efficiency, but without compromising quality. There is growing pressure to embrace technology and other efficiencies to meet cost and scheduling demands. These priorities vary across sectors and markets, but one consistent theme is sustainability. Clients are increasingly factoring it into their decision making in diverse ways. Understanding our customer’s priorities is integral to our operations, as we tailor our approach to our clients on an individual basis.
What tools are you leveraging to enhance your operations and better serve your clients?
Technology is rapidly transforming the construction industry, with AI having a broad impact across sectors . One example is Skanska Sidekick, our internal AI-powered assistant we developed in-house. It functions similarly to ChatGPT but is secure and keeps all data within our systems. We also utilize robotics where it adds real value, such as site layout, focusing on technology that improves efficiency rather than adopting it for its own sake. Skanska’s usage of robotics extends to digital site printing, site cameras, and thermal imaging, drones, and laser scanning, helping us improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety across our projects.
What strategies are in place to enhance sustainability, and are there any specific commitments in furtherance of green construction?
Skanska is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2045 and is actively tracking progress toward that goal. We’re attentive to what clients are seeking in terms of sustainability standards, including LEED certification and WELL buildings. Waste reduction and recycling remain key initiatives, and we aim to stay ahead of the curve in green construction. Mass timber is also gaining momentum, and Skanska is proud to be a leader in that space, with notable projects both locally in Nashville and across the country. To date, we have already completed 25 mass timber projects across eight different market sectors, spanning over 2.3 million square feet.
Could you expand on how Skanska’s strategic priorities are informed by your work to build a better society?
Skanska’s strategic priorities are deeply rooted in our commitment to building a better society. This concept touches on key areas such as economic growth, safety, customer relations, and corporate community investment. The core goal is to be a better steward of the community we serve. Mental Health First Aid has been a major focus in response to the industry’s growing wellness challenges. We’ve partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to raise awareness and offer resources to workers both locally and nationally.
What are Skanska’s top priorities in Nashville over the next few years?
Over the next few years, our priorities in Nashville center on continuing our strong partnerships and expanding into high-growth sectors. Key upcoming projects include continued work with Vanderbilt University and the State of Tennessee, the Franklin City Hall relocation, and The Bend in downtown, a new multi-use destination featuring a hotel, apartment-style accommodations, and retail. The East Bank is expected to be a major growth zone, and we hope to play a leading role in its development. We’ve also launched a dedicated operating unit focused on data centers, science and technology, and semiconductor manufacturing. This positions us well for future opportunities in the high-tech and innovation space — strategic areas that align with the region’s growing high-tech and innovation economy. The recent increase in hires further reflects the company’s growth trajectory, alongside the growth taking place in the Nashville market as a whole.
