Richard Purpose Builders Named to BD+C's 2026 Top Contractors List
CHICAGO, IL (September 22, 2026) Richard, a Chicago-based national general contractor, has been named to Building Design+Construction's Top 160 Contractors for the third consecutive year. The list is part of BD+C's Giants 400 Report, now in its 50th edition and one of the most widely referenced national rankings in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry.
The Top Contractors ranking recognizes the nation's general contractors, CM at risk firms, and design-builders for their nonresidential and multifamily building work. Nearly 600 AEC firms submitted data for this year's report, and Richard's standing reflects the projects its clients trusted it to deliver. The employee-owned firm now builds across 26 states from offices in Chicago, San Diego, and Denver, with a portfolio that has expanded into student housing, data centers, and healthcare, sectors where clients are asking builders to solve problems that did not exist five years ago. Its current project list includes a student housing development in Southern California, part of a strategic expansion into private residential construction.
"This recognition belongs to our people," said Jed Richard, Founder and CEO of Richard. "Three years on the Giants 400 is not an accident. It is proof that when you build with purpose and invest in the people who matter, growth follows. Our clients keep trusting us with harder work, and this team keeps delivering it."
The Work Behind the Ranking
The recognition follows a period of sustained national growth. Over the past year, Richard:
Delivered projects across 26 states and counting, from offices in Chicago, San Diego, and Denver
Grew its workforce 117.8% in 2025
Earned a fifth consecutive year on Crain’s Chicago Business Fast 50, the only AEC firm on the 2026 list
Expanded its portfolio across the residential, healthcare, data center, manufacturing, education, and federal sectors
BD+C's Giants 400 Report ranks the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms across 25 building sectors and specialty categories. For Richard, a third consecutive year on the Top Contractors list marks continued national growth and a deepening commitment to the clients and communities it serves.
About Richard Purpose Builders
Richard is an employee-owned national general contracting and construction management firm headquartered in Chicago, IL, with offices in San Diego, CA and Denver, CO. Richard delivers complex, high-impact projects nationwide across both federal and private sectors. Recognized nationally as one of America's fastest-growing construction companies and a best place to work. Richard is guided by its Build with Purpose philosophy, delivering projects with intention, integrity, and a commitment to the people and communities it serves. Richard builds structures that enhance the impact its clients have in the world. For more information, visit richardgroup.com.
Media Contact: Nancy Flemm, Nancy.flemm@richardgroup.com
HR Inquiries Contact: Natasha Faulkner, Natasha.faulkner@richardgroup.com