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Meet our new Director of Justice, Cameron Glass!

We’re thrilled to welcome Cameron Glass to our Kitchell team based in Austin, Texas! With an impressive 23 years of involvement in the construction industry specializing in Justice, Cameron has cultivated a reputation for delivering successful outcomes by utilizing a hands-on approach to give clients customized solutions.

For more info on our newest addition, check out his interview with Executive Director of Marketing & Communications Veronica Delgado.

Veronica: Thanks for joining us today, Cameron. Could you start off by sharing your role at Kitchell and what excites you most about it?

Cameron: Absolutely, Veronica. I serve as the Director of Justice at Kitchell. I’m thrilled to be part of a team with an extensive and diverse history of delivering successful projects that contribute to the development of communities across the country. Additionally, I’m excited to work for an organization that genuinely values its people and believes in their potential as the greatest asset.

Veronica: What inspired you to work in this industry and what do you love about construction?

Cameron: My passion for the justice industry stems from its potential to catalyze generational change for countless individuals. Our work in developing new facilities empowers people to envisage and pursue a brighter future through access to treatment and care. As for construction, witnessing a client’s vision materialize into tangible structures brings me immense joy. It’s about seeing the transformative impact our projects have on communities.

Veronica: Have you specialized in any particular market sector in your career?

Cameron: For the past 23 years, my entire professional focus has revolved around the Justice Market. This realm isn’t just a career path for me; it’s a legacy passed down through generations. My father immersed me in these projects from a young age—I have vivid memories of accompanying him to construction mockups when I was barely eight years old. Those experiences weren’t just about observing; they gave me a hands-on understanding of materials, witnessing tests, and durability against abuse. The scent of burning PVC from those mockups still transports me back to those moments to this day.

Beyond the work, the Justice Market has allowed me to develop relationships that extend far beyond professional boundaries. Some of my closest friends are those I’ve met through this industry, forming a tight-knit community that feels like chosen family. Together, we’re more than colleagues; we’re collaborators united by a shared purpose: to inspire and enact meaningful change within the justice system and its infrastructure.

Veronica: What’s your favorite type of project to work on?

Cameron: I prefer collaborative design-build projects where the entire team, alongside the owner, works together to craft a successful project. This approach fosters innovation, transparency, and efficiency, ultimately leading to exceptional outcomes that exceed expectations.

Veronica: What were your favorite three projects you’ve worked on?

Cameron: My top three projects include the Plumas County Jail, the New Utah State Prison, and the Merced County Jail Remodel and Replacement. These projects stand out for their impact on communities and the relationships formed during their execution.

  • In Plumas County Jail, we spearheaded a crucial transformation for a county grappling with limited financial means. Our efforts led to the county securing state funding to replace a dilapidated 50-year-old jail, which posed significant safety risks for both staff and inmates. The ability to assist a small county in resolving a longstanding facility issue with minimal financial resources speaks volumes. It fosters enduring client loyalty as we become the trusted partner for addressing critical needs and fostering safer environments within communities.
  • At the New Utah State Prison, Kitchell served as the owner’s representative, and it was a pleasure collaborating with Kitchell while fulfilling my role in front-end space planning and programming. Beyond the project’s significant success in resolving Utah’s aging infrastructure issues and enhancing operational efficiency, I had the opportunity to witness firsthand the exceptional quality of work delivered by the Kitchell team. This experience left a lasting impression on me, underscoring the proficiency of the Kitchell team and leading me to pursue an opportunity with Kitchell.
  • In the Merced County Jail Remodel and Replacement project, I’ve had the privilege to work with Merced County for a decade, providing multiple projects for the county. We developed a plan to remodel an existing jail facility and replace the aging downtown jail, consolidating them onto one campus. This decade-long project has taught me a lot about communication, resiliency, and teamwork, culminating in a successful project for the county and fostering lifelong friendships within the community of Merced.

Veronica: What was a lesson you learned that changed the way you work?

Cameron: Acknowledging mistakes and demonstrating humility are crucial for fostering trust, learning, and growth within a team.

Veronica: Do you have any hobbies outside of work?

Cameron: Cooking is my absolute passion. With a wife who’s a ninth-generation Texan, mastering BBQ is practically a requirement! But my culinary adventures go far beyond the grill. When I’m not busy in the kitchen, you’ll find me out on the golf course, soaking up precious moments with my family.

Veronica: Why did you choose to work at Kitchell?

Cameron: The collaborative approach and exceptional quality of work demonstrated by Kitchell, particularly in projects like the New Utah State Prison, inspired me to join the team.

Breaking New Ground in Health Education

At Kitchell, we are thrilled to announce the commencement of our newest project in Texas: the Health Professions Building at Sam Houston State University. Breaking ground next month, this new venture underscores our commitment to enhancing the educational landscape for future healthcare leaders.

Rendering courtesy of SmithGroup

Design development documents for the project were among the items approved recently by the Texas State University System Board of Regents. To be located next to the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe, the four-level Health Professions Building will serve as a new home for SHSU’s allied health programs in the core fields of Athletic Training, Dietetics, Physician’s Assistant and Physical Therapy.

A Legacy of Health Education Construction

For over 70 years, Kitchell has been at the forefront of constructing state-of-the-art facilities that foster innovation, learning, and excellence in healthcare education. Our portfolio boasts the completion of medical teaching projects totaling over $2.3 billion in value, all while nurturing long-standing partnerships with prestigious institutions across the nation. From the University of Arizona’s award-winning Health Sciences Innovation Building to the comprehensive Clinical Skills & Simulation Suite at the University of California Riverside to teaching hospitals like UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Medical Center, our projects have consistently set the benchmark for excellence in health education.

In the ever-evolving world of healthcare, the need for cutting-edge educational facilities that mirror the complexity and dynamism of real-world medical environments has never been more critical. Unique medical education spaces, such as advanced simulation labs, are at the forefront of this transformative shift, offering immersive simulation events that incorporate game-based learning to prepare students for the unpredictable nature of patient care. These labs go beyond traditional learning, enabling students to engage in scenarios that replicate emergency situations, surgical procedures, and clinical decision-making in real-time. Additionally, the integration of nursing and clinical skills training areas within these spaces ensures that students gain hands-on experience in patient care, from basic assessments to complex interventions.

Above: Simulation Center at the University of Arizona’s Health Sciences Innovation Building

Pharmacy training spaces within these innovative educational facilities are designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of medication management, compounding, and the critical role pharmacists play in patient health outcomes. Surgical and imaging technology training areas are equipped with the latest equipment, from laparoscopic simulators to state-of-the-art imaging scanners, allowing students to hone their technical skills and understanding of anatomical structures in a risk-free environment. Moreover, the advent of 3D-printed tissues has revolutionized the way future medical professionals learn about the human body, offering unparalleled opportunities for advanced simulation support. This technology enables the creation of realistic organ models and complex tissue structures, providing a tactile learning experience that textbooks simply cannot match.

Health informatics spaces within these educational settings are designed to bridge the gap between healthcare and technology, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate and leverage electronic health records, data analysis, and digital health applications. These spaces foster an understanding of how informatics can improve patient care, streamline workflows, and contribute to the advancement of healthcare systems. By integrating these diverse yet interconnected learning environments, medical education facilities are not just preparing students for the healthcare landscape of today but are paving the way for the innovations and challenges of tomorrow.

Download Kitchell’s recent Health Education experience.

In building these medical education spaces, from simulation labs to health informatics suites, our expertise extends beyond mere construction to a profound understanding of the specific needs and intricacies of each area, including the costs associated with creating such advanced, multifunctional environments. Our approach is rooted in a deep commitment to innovation and efficiency, ensuring that each project not only meets the highest standards of educational excellence but also aligns with budgetary considerations, thereby delivering value without compromising on quality or the educational mission.