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.