How did you get into construction?
I like to think it was in my blood. As a child, I spent countless hours sweeping and organizing construction equipment in my grandfather’s warehouse. He was the Executive Vice President and second in charge at ARC—Alex Robertson Corporation—which specialized in utility piping and underground servicing for many of the major oil companies in California. Watching those massive machines deploy and install underground structures to support utility developments was thrilling. That early exposure planted the seed, and over time, it grew into a lifelong passion for building.

What is your favorite project you worked on and why? 
That’s a tough one—each project has its own story. But if I had to pick, I’d say the Caltrans District 7 Headquarters in Los Angeles. It was one of the first major design-build projects of its kind, and the architectural quality was so distinctive it won the Pritzker Prize for Design Excellence. Seeing how that building transformed the area, and being part of a team that pushed the envelope, was incredibly rewarding.

Who, living or dead, would you like to eat dinner with the most? And why?
My grandfather, hands down. I’d love to sit down over a long dinner and talk to him about how he built his business, the obstacles he faced, and the things he was most proud of. I think he’d get a kick out of seeing how our industry has evolved, and hopefully be proud that I followed in his footsteps.