Catherine Boudreau-Pelland’s career path hasn’t been linear and that’s what makes it so rich today. She initially set her sights on a career in medicine, but after getting started in that field, she realized her true calling lay in engineering.
“I wanted to be a doctor at first, but my father, who is an engineer, told me I had the right profile for it,” she explains.
She then pursued a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Polytechnique Montréal, where she quickly developed a strong interest in structural engineering through her internships. “That’s when I specialized. I also worked at a small firm where I learned a great deal, especially thanks to mentors who guided me closely.”
There, she developed expertise in structural reinforcement, particularly using carbon fiber. In 2022, she joined gbi as a structural project manager. “At first, I worked on smaller projects while supporting other files. Then, after a year, I was entrusted with a major project at the Université de Montréal, which I still manage today.”
Her day-to-day work reflects what she enjoys most about her profession: it’s dynamic and unpredictable. Design meetings, site visits, administrative management, and problem-solving all follow one another. “I like working on existing structures, solving issues, putting out fires.” This variety leads her to collaborate closely with a range of stakeholders. “I communicate a lot with clients, architects, and internal teams. And I enjoy learning from other disciplines.”
Over the years, Catherine has built strong credibility on construction sites—an environment where she has steadily gained confidence and recognition. “At the beginning, it wasn’t always easy to prove myself as a young woman. But over time, I’ve shown what I’m capable of.”
Among the projects she is particularly proud of, the Université de Montréal stands out. “It’s not new construction—it’s a series of smaller projects integrated into a larger program that has been ongoing since 2019. But that complexity is exactly what makes it interesting.”
Beyond the technical aspects, Catherine places great importance on knowledge sharing. “I really enjoy explaining things, whether to colleagues, clients, or partners. Taking the time to do so is essential to me.” She naturally takes on a mentoring role. In her view, succeeding in structural engineering requires a balance of several qualities. “You need adaptability, creativity, rigor, and organization.” Skills she continues to develop every day.
What motivates her most? The variety of projects and the challenges they bring. And for the next generation, her advice is clear: “Go to construction sites. That’s where you learn the most, and it really helps you understand what you’re designing.”
Outside of work, Catherine devotes her time to her family and dance classes, a balance that also fuels her energy day to day.
If she had to sum up gbi in three words?
“Innovation, dynamism, and diversity.”
