Stuart Drahota
About Stuart Drahota
Stuart Drahota serves as the Southeast Field Technology Group Leader at DPR Construction, where he has worked since 2019. He leads a team of UAV pilots and utilizes advanced technology for project execution across multiple locations in the Southeast.
Current Role at DPR Construction
Stuart Drahota serves as the Southeast Field Technology Group Leader at DPR Construction, a position he has held since 2019. In this role, he operates in the Orlando, Florida area and oversees the implementation of advanced technology solutions across various projects. He leads the Southeast UAV Group, which includes 30 pilots and UAVs, and acts as the Central Florida Innovation Leader. His responsibilities encompass utilizing UAV systems and advanced LiDAR technologies to enhance project execution and efficiency.
Previous Experience in Construction
Before his current role, Stuart Drahota worked at DPR Construction as a Reality Capture Specialist from 2018 to 2019. He also held multiple positions at HENSEL PHELPS, including Field Engineer, Change Estimator, and Lead Office Engineer from 2015 to 2018. His experience at HENSEL PHELPS involved significant projects in the Orlando area, where he contributed to various phases of construction and engineering.
Educational Background
Stuart Drahota earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Administration and Management from Skidmore College, where he studied from 2003 to 2007. His education provided a foundation in management principles that he applies in his current leadership role in the construction industry.
UAV and Technology Expertise
Stuart Drahota has extensive expertise in UAV technology and reality capture. He has logged over 300 hours of UAV flights and employs a variety of UAV systems, including DJI Phantom and Mavic series, as well as Skydio 2. He also utilizes advanced LiDAR systems such as Riegl VZ-400i and Leica RTC-360, along with software tools like Autodesk Suite, Trimble Realworks, and Pix4D to support project execution.
Professional Affiliations and Contributions
Stuart Drahota is an active member of the Clearedge Advisory Council and serves on the FTG National Steering Committee and the Virtual Building SE Regional Leadership Group. He has contributed to over 100 DPR projects or pursuits in the Southeast region, demonstrating his commitment to advancing technology in construction and enhancing project outcomes.