Meet Kat Gawenda: Shaping the Future of Construction at City & Country
At 32, Kat Gawenda has already built an impressive career as a Site Manager for City & Country. Her journey began in Poland, where she completed a master’s degree in structural engineering and site management, starting her career as an assistant site manager before transitioning into a design manager role. An ambitious move to the UK four years ago brought fresh challenges, and Kat embraced them, diving into site management with City & Country and quickly advancing while completing her NVQ Level 6 in Construction Site Management.
Construction is no walk in the park. Kat’s greatest challenge? Managing the demands of a high-stakes, deadline-driven environment. “The pressure to deliver projects on time is relentless, and day-to-day health and safety management is critical. Adjusting to this high-stress lifestyle and finding a work-life balance has been one of the greatest challenges of my career,” she shares. Kat’s commitment to safeguarding her team’s well-being underscores her dedication to both the role and her colleagues.
Looking ahead, Kat envisions herself in a senior leadership role, aiming to become a Construction Director within the next decade. “By then, I’ll have gained extensive experience managing large-scale projects and teams, while driving strategic decisions to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency,” she says. This vision reflects her determination to impact the construction industry positively and her drive to continuously grow and take on new challenges.
Construction is rewarding but demanding. “The immense pressure, long hours, and physical demands can lead to mental and physical strain,” Kat admits. Despite this, she perseveres, rising above the challenges in a field still marked by intense competition.
For Kat, her most significant achievement has been her successful transition to the UK and rapid professional growth. “Moving abroad and establishing a career in the construction industry in the UK was a huge step for me. In just three years, I advanced from a trainee assistant site manager to a site manager,” she reflects. Her career progress speaks volumes about her determination and adaptability.
Kat sees sustainability and technology as the driving forces for the next decade. “With climate change concerns growing, the industry must focus more on green technologies and sustainable building practices,” she asserts. She also believes AI and technological advancements will transform project management, safety, and efficiency, making construction smarter and more eco-friendly.
Kat’s hero is her mother, who achieved a senior leadership role in a global company while raising three children. “Her strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment are truly inspiring. I strive to embody those same qualities in my own life,” Kat says.
Kat Gawenda’s story is one of resilience, ambition, and a steadfast commitment to shaping the future of construction. As she continues to make her mark at City & Country, there’s no doubt her impact will extend well beyond the construction sites she manages.