Business Details
48 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Award-Winning Bay Area Construction Services
Richlen Construction has been delivering tailored construction solutions across the Bay Area since 1978. Our design-assist methodology integrates budgeting, scheduling, and value engineering from the earliest project stages, ensuring alignment with client goals. With offices in Pacheco and San Francisco, we specialize in tenant improvements, design-build MEP, and on-call service agreements for commercial clients. Our self-performing capabilities through union-affiliated teams enable faster project timelines and superior quality control.Backed by decades of repeat client relationships and on-call agreements with major landlords, we maintain a reputation for transforming complex visions into reality. Our leadership team combines generational expertise with innovative problem-solving, maintaining our founding principle of client-centric collaboration.
Services
Tenant Improvements
Design-Build MEP
Value Engineering
Pre-Lease Evaluation
On-Call Agreements
Project Management
Building Renovations
Conceptual Estimating
Design Development
Self-Performing Construction
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We self-perform carpentry, drywall, and finishing through union-certified teams
- Our 45+ year legacy includes repeat clients and landlord partnerships
- Design-assist approach optimizes budgets and construction timelines
- On-call agreements enable rapid response to urgent client needs
- Value engineering maintains design intent while reducing costs
Services
Tenant Improvements
We specialize in commercial tenant improvements tailored to evolving business needs. Our process begins with space evaluation and budgeting, followed by design development and construction. By maintaining on-call agreements with major landlords, we expedite project timelines while ensuring compliance with building standards. Our union-certified teams deliver high-quality finishes that align with brand identities and operational requirements.
Design-Build MEP
Our MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) solutions integrate technical requirements with architectural design. We collaborate with engineers to optimize energy efficiency and operational costs through modern systems. This approach ensures technical specifications align with aesthetic goals while maintaining budget constraints. Our expertise reduces long-term maintenance expenses through strategic material and system selection.
Value Engineering
We analyze high-cost trades to identify cost-effective alternatives without compromising design intent. Our team evaluates construction methods, material sourcing, and installation techniques to reduce expenses. This process maintains quality while improving construction efficiency. We focus on balancing budget requirements with functional and aesthetic outcomes through collaborative problem-solving.
On-Call Agreements
We maintain pre-established service agreements for urgent client needs including water damage remediation and glass replacement. These agreements eliminate administrative delays through pre-approved terms and insurance documentation. Our rapid response teams mobilize within 24 hours to address critical issues while maintaining quality standards. This service ensures business continuity during unexpected construction emergencies.
Pre-Lease Evaluation
We provide comprehensive evaluations of potential commercial spaces to inform leasing decisions. Our assessment includes condition analysis, renovation requirements, and budget projections. This service helps tenants understand improvement costs and negotiate favorable lease terms. We deliver actionable insights to optimize space utilization and long-term value.
People
Rich Zavala
Founder & CEO
Founded Richlen Construction in 1978 with a handshake deal at San Francisco's Golden Gateway Center. Instilled a culture of long-term relationships and client value. Continues guiding the company's entrepreneurial spirit while maintaining its original principles of quality and collaboration.
Roger Wilson
Vice President
45-year construction industry veteran with expertise in budgeting and scheduling. Holds Construction Engineering Degree from Montana State University. Specializes in translating technical documents into client-friendly communication. Brings East Coast historical renovation experience to Bay Area projects.
Dino Collaro
General Superintendent
40-year Richlen veteran with comprehensive Bay Area construction knowledge. Skilled carpenter and union leader. Manages self-performance of framing and drywall operations. Known for creative problem-solving and motivating high-paced construction teams across diverse building types.
Cheyenne Collaro
Project Manager
Third-generation construction professional with hands-on experience since childhood. Rose from Office Engineer to Project Manager in record time. Prioritizes face-to-face client interaction and jobsite presence. Balances energetic work ethic with animal rescue advocacy outside work.
Russ Ysunza
Chief Estimator
35-year industry veteran combining carpentry roots with technical expertise. Progressed through superintendent and project management roles to lead estimating. Leverages long-term vendor relationships to deliver accurate cost projections while maintaining design integrity and construction quality standards.
Questions
What construction services do you specialize in?
We specialize in commercial tenant improvements, design-build MEP integration, value engineering, and on-call service agreements for Bay Area businesses.
How long have you served the Bay Area?
Richlen Construction has delivered projects across the Bay Area since 1978, maintaining our headquarters in Pacheco for 45+ years.
What makes your approach unique?
Our design-assist methodology combines early budgeting, union-certified self-performance capabilities, and on-call agreements for faster project delivery without compromising quality.
Do you handle emergency construction needs?
Yes, our on-call service agreements enable rapid response to urgent issues like water damage and glass replacement with pre-approved terms and pricing.
How do you control project costs?
Through value engineering that identifies cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing design intent, focusing particularly on optimizing high-cost MEP trades.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve the Bay Area including San Francisco's Financial District, Silicon Valley, Pacheco, and Concord with commercial construction solutions.
