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.

Shane Mahan, Executive Director, Kitchell CEM

Encouraged by a trusted college counselor, Shane Mahan knew Kitchell was where he wanted to start his career. The offer didn’t come right away, but when it did, he jumped at the chance. Decades later, he credits the people, the projects, and a sense of family for keeping him here. “Kitchell has felt like a second family, with challenging and rewarding projects that continue to motivate me,” he says. 

From Custom Homes to Center Stage

Shane Mahan began his Kitchell career in 1997, rising to Division Manager and Regional Executive of Kitchell Custom Homes in Santa Barbara. For nearly 15 years, he delivered high-end residences across California, with one defining project being the restoration of the Four Seasons Biltmore in Montecito. 

In the following decade, he transitioned to Kitchell’s construction management side, where he now serves as Executive Director of Kitchell CEM. Among his most defining experiences is delivering the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center in Sacramento in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We faced challenge after challenge, but never wavered,” he recalls. “That spirit of unity and perseverance is what Kitchell is all about.” 

Guiding Principles

Shane doesn’t point to a single piece of advice that shaped him, but to two guiding principles: empowerment and ownership. To him, ownership means accountability, pride, and making every decision with care. “That mindset drives me every day,” he says. 

Building What’s Next

For Shane, Forging the Future of the Built World is more than a vision statement—it’s a call to action. It challenges him to look past today’s hurdles and focus on building a legacy defined by innovation, leadership, and lasting impact. He believes Kitchell’s future depends on sustaining its culture while investing in the next generation. “I like to think I’m helping to train and inspire the next generation,” he says. “That ensures our culture, values, and brand live on.” 

The People Behind the Projects

For Shane, the true measure of success isn’t just the projects delivered, but the people developed along the way. His focus is on building teams who lead with integrity, resilience, and pride in their work—values he believes will carry Kitchell forward for generations. 

“In the end,” he reflects, “what matters most is the people who make Kitchell what it is. My hope is that I’ve helped prepare the next generation to keep that spirit alive.” 

Owning every outcome—that’s the legacy Shane continues to build. 

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.