As Women in Construction Week comes to a close, the Berkeley City College Academic Building stands as a powerful example of women’s leadership in action. This project isn’t just about constructing a new facility—it’s about demonstrating the expertise, innovation, and impact of the all-women-led team driving it forward.

A Team of Experts
From project management to design, every aspect of this build is guided by skilled professionals who bring leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving to the forefront. Their work is shaping a space that will redefine the academic experience for Berkeley City College students, faculty, and staff. With women at the helm, this project highlights the depth of talent and expertise shaping the future of the built environment.

A behind-the-scenes look at the project offers insights from key players, including representatives from Peralta Colleges, XL Construction, and Ratcliff Architects. Their perspectives underscore the vital role of women in the industry and the lasting impact of their work.

Transforming a Campus, Shaping a Future
Located at 2118 Milvia Street, the new six-story, 60,000-square-foot academic and administration building will replace an outdated three-story structure, creating modern learning environments and essential student resources. The facility will feature expanded classroom and conference space, faculty and administrative offices, a Health Center, Student Services and Learning Communities, a Student Lounge, and a Learning Resource Center. Designed with sustainability in mind, the project is targeting LEED Silver certification and includes an outdoor roof deck offering fresh air and city views.

This project is more than just a building—it’s a statement about leadership, innovation, and the future of construction. Watch the video to hear directly from the professionals shaping this milestone moment for Berkeley City College.

At Kitchell, innovation and safety go hand in hand. As we continue to push the boundaries of technology to enhance construction site safety, we’re exploring new ways to make hazard identification more seamless, efficient, and effective.

Enter Meta Glasses—a game-changing technology that’s redefining how we observe and document job site conditions.

Safety Manager Ory Layton has experienced firsthand the challenges of capturing potential hazards in the field. Traditional methods—taking notes, snapping photos on a phone—often create a disconnect between safety professionals and crews. These approaches can be cumbersome, disruptive, and, at times, limit open dialogue.

That’s why Kitchell is embracing hands-free, real-time documentation. Meta Glasses enable Ory to capture site conditions effortlessly, without interrupting workflows or pulling attention away from the task at hand. Without a phone or clipboard in the way, conversations flow more naturally, workers stay engaged, and the documentation is more precise and comprehensive.

But this technology isn’t just about recording observations—it’s about enhancing the culture of safety.

“At the end of the day, it’s not about catching people. It’s about keeping people safe,” says Ory. “These glasses help me do that in a way that’s seamless, effective, and innovative.”

By leveraging smart solutions that prioritize safety without compromise, Kitchell continues to lead the industry—creating safer, smarter, and more connected job sites that move our vision forward.

A Campus Designed for the Future
When Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI) first broke ground on its new Exploration Building and Gold Gymnasium, it marked more than just the addition of modern facilities—it signified how far K-12 education has come in creating dynamic, future-ready learning environments. With cutting-edge spaces dedicated to arts, engineering, medical sciences, law, and athletics, this project sets a new benchmark for student-focused design.

The newly unveiled Exploration Building embodies the evolution of project-based learning, providing students with specialized spaces that encourage collaboration, creativity, and hands-on experience. From its expansive film and photography studios to its fully equipped darkroom and architectural design labs, the facility ensures that SAMOHI students have access to the latest tools and technology to hone their skills. Meanwhile, the Gold Gymnasium delivers an elite training ground for student-athletes, fostering school pride and performance at the highest level.

The Evolution of School Construction
The transformation of SAMOHI is part of a broader shift in K-12 construction, one that Kitchell has been at the forefront of since the late 1970s. At that time, schools faced skyrocketing costs, lengthy schedules, and quality concerns. In response, Kitchell introduced the construction management (CM) model to the public sector, launching its first major CM project with the Amphitheater School District in Tucson, Arizona. This innovative approach allowed schools to efficiently manage complex projects across multiple campuses, leading to higher-quality outcomes and better financial stewardship.

Building Schools That Build the Future
Today, those early CM principles remain at the heart of Kitchell’s work, ensuring that projects like SAMOHI’s new facilities are not just buildings, but carefully designed environments that empower students to succeed. The success of the Exploration Building and Gold Gymnasium—made possible through the support of Santa Monica voters and forward-thinking school leadership—underscores a continued commitment to reimagining learning spaces for the next generation.

As SAMOHI students step into these new spaces, they’re not just walking into classrooms; they’re stepping into the future. And Kitchell is proud to play a role in shaping that journey.

In business, as in life, the true test of resilience often comes early. For Kitchell, that test arrived just six months after its founding. In June 1950, the outbreak of the Korean War brought civilian construction to a near standstill. Faced with an uncertain future, the young firm pivoted quickly, securing small military contracts in Arizona to stay afloat. But the real turning point came in early 1951 with a bold move that would set the stage for Kitchell’s future as a leader in complex projects.

The Camp Irwin Breakthrough
Opportunity came in the form of a $900,000 contract to rehabilitate the Tank Training Command at Camp Irwin in the Mojave Desert of California. The magnitude of the project was unlike anything Kitchell had undertaken before. The project ultimately doubled in size to nearly $2 million, providing the firm with not only financial stability but also critical experience in managing large, multifaceted projects. By the time the war ended in 1953, Kitchell had grown in both reputation and capability, well-positioned for the economic boom that followed.

Pioneering Complex Work
As Arizona’s population surged and private sector construction took off, Kitchell looked beyond conventional building projects. The firm sought out opportunities in specialized construction—projects that required innovative problem-solving and technical expertise. This strategic shift led to several landmark projects that would define Kitchell’s trajectory.

In 1952, Kitchell entered the advanced technology sector with the construction of the AiResearch production test facility, which developed gas turbine and aircraft components. The company also built Arizona’s first high-tech facility for Motorola Research Laboratory, pioneering the use of concrete tilt-up slab walls. That project marked the beginning of a long-standing relationship, with Kitchell ultimately completing 18 projects for Motorola. This work laid the foundation for decades of leadership in high-tech construction, serving clients from Intel to NASA across Arizona, California, and Mexico.

Building Local Landmarks
Kitchell’s ability to tackle complex projects extended beyond high-tech facilities. Kitchell’s early years also saw the firm venture into large-scale retail with the construction of Park Central Mall—the first regional shopping center in Arizona. At the time, Phoenix’s northern boundary was Central Avenue and Thomas Road, and air conditioning was still a luxury. The mall’s advertising boasted the “miracle” of 11 air-conditioned stores, a selling point that underscored how much the region was evolving. Kitchell would return to Park Central in the 1960s and again in the 1980s, leading expansions and renovations that mirrored Phoenix’s own rapid growth.

A Legacy of Innovation and Adaptability
What began as a fight for survival with the outbreak of the Korean War in the early 1950s quickly became a blueprint for long-term success. By embracing complex projects and investing in emerging markets, Kitchell didn’t just weather the challenges of its early years—it transformed into a company known for tackling the most sophisticated building challenges. That spirit of adaptability and forward-thinking continues to define Kitchell today, proving that the right pivots at the right time can turn obstacles into opportunities.

Hugo Rivera’s 25-year journey with Kitchell began in Mexico and has taken him across multiple operating companies, contributing to impactful projects and building strong relationships along the way. In his words, Kitchell is “a company that thrives because of its collaborative efforts.”

Hugo’s dedication, adaptability, and passion for teamwork embody the values that have driven Kitchell’s success for 75 years.

To celebrate 75 incredible years, we’re launching 75 for 75, sharing 75 Kitchell stories that reflect our journey and our vision ahead. In this first video, hear the wisdom of Sam Kitchell from over 25 years ago and the inspiration of CEO Wendy Cohen today as they bridge our legacy and future. The past inspires us. The future excites us.

Collaboration drives our success. From the vision of our founder, Sam Kitchell, we’ve consistently embraced challenges with innovation.

This story looks at a recent project at CommonSpirit Health’s corporate center that exemplified this spirit. Initially planned as a basic refresh, the project shifted to include a large conference center for national events. During demolition, three structural columns were discovered in the center of the planned space, obstructing the client’s vision for an open, expansive meeting hall.

Removing these columns without compromising structural integrity became the challenge—on a tight timeline. Kitchell’s team of engineers, architects, consultants, and builders united to devise a solution: transferring the building’s load to newly installed structural steel transfer beams. This complex feat required precision, ingenuity, and seamless teamwork to deliver within an extremely tight timeline.

The team executed the plan flawlessly, removing the columns and completing the conference center just in time for its first event. The result? A stunning, functional space that exceeded expectations.

“The client was thrilled with our collaborative approach and ability to deliver the seemingly impossible,” said KCI Project Manager Matt Kirch. “This is what Kitchell does best: we step up, work together, and get it done.”