Landry/French Construction, the Scarborough-based firm behind projects ranging from the Paul J. Schupf Art Center in Waterville and New England and the VA outpatient clinic in Portland, has hired Derek Converse as director of preconstruction.
The role entails overseeing and expanding the firm’s preconstruction and estimating services, with a focus on early project planning and cost management.
Converse has more than three decades of commercial construction experience, working as a project manager, estimator and preconstruction manager, among other roles.
“Adding Derek to our team enhances Landry/French’s capacity to manage an increasing volume of complex projects while maintaining the precision and responsiveness our clients have come to expect,” said Mason Rowell, the company’s vice president of preconstruction. “His leadership and technical expertise will further strengthen our ability to meet the growing demands of the dynamic construction market.”
Converse received his degree in civil engineering from the University of Illinois and a master’s in construction management from Purdue University.
Landry/French was ranked No. 3 among the largest Maine-based construction companies, according to the 2025 Mainebiz Book of Lists, ranked by revenues. In 2023, the firm had revenue of $166.5 million and 80 employees.