The Foundation for Blind Children (FBC) was born in 1952, when a small group of parents in Phoenix, Arizona refused to accept the idea that the only option for their children with vision loss was to be sent away to an institution hours away in Tucson. Their determination created a place built on belief, possibility, and opportunity.

Five years later, in 1957, Betty Kitchell joined the FBC board. She brought an unwavering conviction that children with vision loss could thrive, and that belief became woven into both FBC’s and Kitchell’s culture. Betty’s story came full circle when she later benefited from FBC’s adult programs—proof of the lasting impact of the vision she helped shape.

Since that time, the partnership between FBC and Kitchell has spanned more than six decades. The company’s involvement has included board service, fundraising, construction management, and even designing the signage at FBC’s current campus. The connection has always extended beyond projects, creating opportunities to witness extraordinary milestones—from rafting the Grand Canyon to watching a blind student land a plane in Washington, D.C. Each moment demonstrates the power of support and the belief that barriers can be overcome.

The relationship continues to grow in new ways. A recent introduction to goalball, a fast-paced sport for athletes who are blind or visually impaired, inspired plans for a full tournament fundraiser in 2026. The event will bring together employees, subcontractors, and partners to raise awareness and strengthen support for FBC’s mission.

For more than 60 years, the partnership has remained steady through changing times and leadership, reflecting a shared commitment to FBC’s mission to provide education, tools, and services that enable independence—and its vision of a world where vision loss is a diagnosis, not a disability.

For 75 years, Sam Kitchell’s belief in giving back has shaped more than buildings—it’s shaped our culture. That spirit lives on through Founder’s Day, our tradition of service.

In 2025, 385 employees rolled up their sleeves, giving 1,182 hours of service across 37 events nationwide—proof that Sam’s vision continues to make an impact. The legacy is strong. The future is brighter.

Watch the video above to see our employees in action, hear their personal stories, and learn more about the organizations we partnered with.

Dimple Dullabh, Accounting Manager, Kitchell CEM

Twenty-two years ago, marriage brought Dimple Dullabh to the United States, but it was her drive to continue a career in accounting—her university major—that helped shape the path ahead. In 2005, she joined Kitchell as an accountant, not knowing that role would become so much more. “What started as a need to provide for myself transformed into a career, a community, and a meaningful chapter of my life,” she says.

Since joining Kitchell, Dimple’s role has grown into something larger than numbers on a ledger. She’s built lasting relationships, found a culture that feels like a second home, and discovered a place where resilience and compassion are part of the foundation.

Strength in Community
The spirit of Kitchell revealed itself most clearly during one of the hardest times in her life. After the loss of her son at birth and later pausing her career to care for her daughter’s medical needs, Dimple recalls the compassion and encouragement of her colleagues. That support opened the door for her return—initially covering a short-term maternity leave—and reignited her professional journey. “This journey back is a testament to the power of community, resilience, and the unexpected paths that shape our growth,” she reflects.

Shaping Tomorrow, Together
For Dimple, Forging the Future of the Built World means coming together to create a better, more sustainable environment by investing in people. “When we empower our teams, that positive impact extends to our clients and the communities we serve,” she says. Communication, collaboration, and accountability are values she brings to her work every day.

Looking ahead, she hopes Kitchell is always known for its care—for people first, and for the communities strengthened through that care. Her legacy, she says, is about fostering growth and continuous improvement. “Ultimately, I want my work to help drive operational excellence and create a ripple effect that benefits our clients, our teams, and the communities we serve.”

A three-story solution that redefined arrival at Scripps Memorial La Jolla.

In the 1980s, Kitchell embarked on a transformative 12-year partnership with Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla—delivering more than $75 million in construction (the equivalent of over $200 million today) that reimagined and reshaped the hospital campus. Working side-by-side with the owner and design team, Kitchell provided preconstruction, cost estimating, scheduling, and construction oversight, while constantly developing creative alternatives to meet the hospital’s evolving needs.

The signature achievement was a one-of-a-kind parking solution: three stories of underground parking built beneath a landscaped plaza and grand entry. This bold move not only solved a pressing space shortage but elevated the entire arrival experience, creating a welcoming gateway for patients and visitors.

Kitchell’s work also extended to critical new facilities, including a radiation oncology and specialty eye treatment center and an alcohol and drug rehabilitation hospital. Each demanded precise planning and flawless execution in the midst of an active healthcare environment.

A Lasting Legacy

These projects stand as a defining example of Kitchell’s ability to deliver innovative, complex solutions that enhance patient care environments while keeping hospitals fully operational. Decades later, that expertise continues to set Kitchell apart: in 2025, Modern Healthcare ranked the company as the 7th largest healthcare construction manager in the nation, with a place in the Top 20 for more than 30 years.

Healthcare isn’t just part of Kitchell’s portfolio—it’s in its DNA.

David Koval, Chief Operating Officer / General Counsel, Kitchell Corporation

As both Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, David Koval balances two vantage points: strategist and steward. For more than two decades, he has guided Kitchell with clarity and conviction, ensuring every decision drives the business forward while reflecting the values that define the company.

David first joined Kitchell as outside counsel, quickly standing out for his ability to pair legal insight with practical solutions. Recognizing his impact, Kitchell brought him in-house with Kitchell Contractors, and over time his reach expanded across the corporation. Today, he works alongside leaders of every operating company, shaping business and legal decisions that touch every corner of the organization.

A defining moment came early in his tenure during a leadership discussion about a struggling project. The outcome was guided not by convenience, but by a deliberate debate about Kitchell’s values. “It was eye-opening,” David recalls. “That was the moment I knew Kitchell wasn’t your typical corporation.”

That experience continues to shape his philosophy. He often reflects on advice that still guides him: “Your culture is defined by the worst conduct you’re willing to tolerate.” For David, leadership means leaning into transparency, facing challenges head-on, and ensuring integrity is never optional.

Looking ahead, he envisions Kitchell recognized for more than its projects: “performing high-quality work with integrity and making a difference in our communities.” His influence is clear—protecting the company’s culture, strengthening its reputation, and advancing progress that will keep Kitchell strong for the next 75 years and beyond.

In 1979, Kitchell built more than a new wing at the Arizona Biltmore—it carried forward Frank Lloyd Wright’s influence on the resort. Wright’s touch is most visible in the distinctive “Biltmore Block,” patterned after a palm tree, which left a lasting imprint on the resort’s identity. The expansion carried forward Wright’s design ethos of geometric harmony, desert-inspired materials, and integration with the landscape.

A hallmark of the project was Kitchell’s value engineering, which pioneered a cost-effective method to install 45,000 precast tiles in 36 shapes—an industry first that preserved Wright’s aesthetic while controlling costs.

In the decades since, Kitchell’s work in the Biltmore District extended to nearby Biltmore Fashion Park, where renovations revitalized the shopping center with new façades, landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly spaces—all while keeping it open and safe for daily visitors.

Today, the Arizona Biltmore stands as a testament to Wright’s vision and Kitchell’s enduring role in expanding a Phoenix treasure.

Gabi Robinson, Design Manager, Kitchell Contractors

Nine years into her career, Gabi Robinson is proving what the next generation of leadership at Kitchell looks like: grit, passion, and a drive to keep raising the bar. As Design Manager, she bridges design and construction to shape projects before they even break ground. She joined Kitchell eager to test her abilities—and quickly found herself pushed to grow in ways she hadn’t expected. What’s kept her on the team, she says, is the caliber of people: “I quickly realized how much I still had to learn, but I was fortunate to work alongside amazing teams. The people at Kitchell have made the experience both rewarding and inspiring.”

Stepping Up to the Challenge

At Valleywise Health, Gabi experienced firsthand what the Kitchell spirit looks like under pressure. As the team approached the original turnover date, deadlines loomed and challenges mounted. “It felt like we were standing together at the base of a massive wall and we had to rely on each other to get over it,” she recalls. “We showed up early, stayed late, and did whatever it took to hit our deadlines and overcome the unexpected.”

Leading by Example

In her current role, Gabi is focused on improving constructability reviews and reducing preconstruction risk—efforts aimed at easing stress on project teams and delivering smoother outcomes for clients. She describes her approach as pushing beyond comfort zones to drive progress. “Growth doesn’t happen without a little discomfort. Real change happens outside our comfort zones—and every time I’ve pushed through those moments, I’ve grown.”

Looking Ahead

Gabi believes Kitchell’s future depends on staying adaptable while remaining true to its values. She hopes her impact will be measured in stronger teams, returning clients, and projects that deliver with confidence. To her, that’s the essence of Forging the Future of the Built World: turning challenges into opportunities to strengthen how Kitchell delivers.

When Phoenix Country Club set out to modernize in the early 1960s, Kitchell defined its future. Founded in 1899, the club had long been a centerpiece of Phoenix’s social scene, and its next chapter called for a clubhouse that reflected both tradition and progress.

In 1961, Kitchell built a contemporary clubhouse designed by Edward L. Varney & Associates. Spanning 68,000 square feet, it elevated the member experience with expanded dining, upgraded locker rooms, 35 guest suites, and new recreational amenities including a pool and additional tennis courts.

The original clubhouse soon gave way to an open terrace, enhancing the sense of space and connection. More than six decades later, the clubhouse Kitchell built in 1961 continues to serve Phoenix Country Club—a defining landmark of design and community.

Sammy Trejo, Project Superintendent, Kitchell Contractors

For Sammy Trejo, construction isn’t just a career—it’s a family legacy. Nearly 35 years ago, Sammy’s father—who spent almost four decades at Kitchell—opened the door for his son to join the team. Sammy’s first assignment? Kitchell’s self-perform concrete division on the Scottsdale Fashion Square Phase 3 project, a massive, fast-paced site that left a lasting impression. Coming from a job bussing tables, Sammy recalls, “holy cow, there is a lot going on everywhere.” That moment ignited a career built on hustle, resilience, and a relentless drive to keep projects moving.

From the Field to the Helm

Sammy’s path wasn’t about shortcuts. He cut his teeth in the trades—boots in the dirt, hands on the tools—before earning his way into management. That climb gave him a ground-level perspective he still carries as a Project Superintendent. Colleagues know him as the one who stares down challenges, adapts under pressure, and pushes projects across the finish line.

His guiding principles? Honesty and integrity. Or, in his words: “Keep the drive, grit and determination to get it done—even when it seems impossible.”

To Sammy, Kitchell’s vision of “Forging the Future of the Built World” isn’t just about innovation—it’s about preparing the next generation. He’s intentional about mentoring field leaders who will uphold Kitchell’s reputation for quality and client trust.

Rising to the Challenge

That determination was on full display during Sammy’s first-ever client interview—a milestone in his nearly 35-year career. Regional Executive Aron Kirch reflects:

“When the team identified Sammy as the best candidate for a complex hospital renovation at Banner Desert, there was absolutely no doubt he would shine in his first client interview. I’ll admit I was a little concerned when his project demands kept him from attending any practice sessions—but once we were in the room, Sammy was Sammy. He exuded confidence and charm, quickly winning over the client and showing them he was the right person to lead this complex build. Sammy is a true Kitchell legend.”

Building More Than Projects

For Sammy, success isn’t measured only by completed structures—it’s about building people. His focus now is developing the next generation to carry forward Kitchell’s grit, determination, and client-first culture.

As he puts it: “Develop and mentor the right people to keep the Kitchell way ongoing.”

Sammy’s story is proof that leadership in construction isn’t handed out—it’s forged through hard work, adaptability, and the courage to step up when it matters most.

 

 

For more than 30 years, Kitchell has been on the front lines of designing and constructing facilities that safeguard communities—fire stations, training centers, and emergency response hubs that serve as lifelines across California and the Southwest. These projects aren’t just buildings; they’re anchors of protection, resilience, and readiness.

It all began in 1994 with the City of Alhambra Fire Station No. 74. Rising from the site of a historic station damaged by an earthquake, the $8.4 million, 6,050-square-foot facility honored its past by preserving original bricks, signage, and decorative concrete—while adding modern dormitories, apparatus bays, and public spaces. This balance of heritage and innovation became a hallmark of Kitchell’s approach.

Since then, Kitchell has delivered more than $1.1 billion in public safety construction, partnering with cities and counties to create purpose-built spaces like:

• City of Chandler – Fire Station 282 Reconstruction, Chandler, AZ
• City of Tempe – Fire Medical Rescue Station No. 2, Tempe, AZ
• City of Novato – Fire Station 64, Novato, CA
• Contra Costa County – Fire Stations 86, 90, 94, 16, 9 & 70, CA
• City of Hayward – Fire Station 6 and Regional Fire Training Center, CA
• Madera County – Fire Station 3, CA
• City of Costa Mesa – Fire Station 1, CA
• San Luis Obispo County – Co-Located Dispatch Facility, Templeton, CA

 

That legacy continues today with multiple public safety projects underway, including the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community – Fire Station #295 in Scottsdale, AZ by the Au’ Authum Ki | Kitchell joint venture. Spanning 79,746 square feet, the new station and resource building blends innovation, functionality, and cultural pride to enhance emergency response, wellness, and training for the Salt River Fire Department.

Some of Kitchell’s most notable projects push beyond single-use design. The 44,000-square-foot LEED Gold San Rafael Public Safety Center co-locates fire, police, EMS, and dispatch services under one roof. The $61.5 million City of Hayward Fire Station and Regional Training Center features nine new structures designed for operational readiness, advanced training, and resilience.

“Fire chiefs want a facility that will last 50 to 60 years and support the well-being of their crews,” says Bill Johal, Kitchell’s public safety expert and Senior Vice President. “We’ve trained our teams to walk onto these projects ready to deliver from day one. We bring the discipline, the know-how, and the experience to get it right.”

Kitchell’s design-build expertise is shaped by direct feedback from veteran fire officials like Mark Heine, a long-time collaborator and Retired Fire Chief. This ensures every project addresses the evolving needs of modern fire departments—gender-inclusive living quarters, decontamination zones, and sustainable systems like rooftop solar.

From the first brick laid in Alhambra to state-of-the-art dispatch centers and multi-functional safety hubs, Kitchell’s public safety facilities are built with technical precision, operational insight, and an unwavering commitment to the communities they serve. They’re made to perform today—and endure for generations.