We’re celebrating some of the women leading the way at KAI, spotlighting the incredible women in senior leadership in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. These trailblazing professionals are not only shaping the built environment but also paving the path for future generations. Stay tuned as we continue to unveil new spotlights, sharing inspiring stories and celebrating their contributions and leadership.
Catherine Dalton, AIA, RID, LEED AP BD+C
Inspired by a vision to create exceptional learning environments responsive to the communities they serve, Catherine Dalton, AIA, RID, LEED BD+C, KAI’s K-12 Market Leader, is building a team of exceptionally qualified professionals to serve the firm’s current and growing primary education clients.
Catherine says, “Every day brings new and interesting challenges. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the job, and KAI gives me the support and autonomy I need to bring creative solutions to the table.”
With 17 years of industry experience, Catherine prides herself on seeing things differently to resolve complex design tasks. Her experience has been instrumental in creating exceptional learning environments and advocating for students, teachers, and communities. Catherine’s journey to senior leadership at KAI showcases her dedication and innovative spirit in the AEC industry.
“My path to KAI began in high school. I held a part-time job at a local architectural firm helping with field observation reports, change orders, sheet specs, building proposals, and running the blue line machine. It was interesting work, but I hadn’t experienced the creative side that architecture has to offer. After high school, I enrolled at Centenary College in Shreveport, LA, with a dual major in Art and Math.”
After three semesters at Centenary, Catherine decided that architecture offered the best opportunity to pursue her passion for art while allowing her to use her analytical skills honed by studying mathematics. The Architecture department at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge found her portfolio so compelling that she was admitted into their program mid-stream, cleping out of the first studio. “While I am a huge LSU fan, it’s my time spent living in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, as an exchange student for Urban Design Study at the Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center of Virginia Tech that cemented my desire to pursue large-scale public-sector work.”
After graduating from LSU with her Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2007, Catherine moved to Dallas to begin her journey with Corgan as a K-12 designer, a position that nurtured and developed her interest in K-12 thought leadership and interior design.
“I found that the more I designed the structure of spaces, the more I realized that interiors are equally, if not more, important to the students who occupy them. It occurred to me that I should become NCIDQ certified and obtain my interiors license, which has become an invaluable tool.”
After nearly seven years with Corgan, Catherine moved on to a Project Architect position at Perkins & Will, working in both the interior design studio and the K-12 studio. Based in the Dallas office, she took advantage of every opportunity to collaborate with other locations such as Austin, Houston, Boston, Denver, and Los Angeles. Catherine also focused on growing client relationships, publishing, strategy, research, and leading local and firmwide initiatives, becoming a Project Manager and Senior Associate.
In November 2023, Catherine brought her 17 years of industry experience to the position of K-12 Market Leader at KAI.
“KAI encourages an enterprising spirit to provide more than just good architecture. My professional values, goals, and ideas align with KAI’s in such a way that I can advocate for our students, teachers, parents, and coaches in the way I always wanted to. KAI affords me the flexibility I need as a single mom, allowing me to grow with the firm.”
Like many professional women, Catherine faces unique career challenges daily.
“We must remind ourselves that we have earned our seats at the table. Then we can take a deep breath and concentrate on our goals. Align yourself with people who will fight for you and your ideas in the meeting rooms where you are not present. Surround yourself with other women in the AEC industry who are smarter and more talented than you. They will challenge you to grow with them. Focus on the small everyday opportunities to lead and perform, to be mentored and to mentor. Be the support you want others to provide for you.”