Gabriela Gibson
Gaby Gibson (Gaby Castillejos) is a VDC Operator II at IES Communications with extensive experience in digital and technical drawing, 3D modeling, and engineering. With a Licentiate degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Universidad Tecnológica de México and an AA in Architecture Technology from LATTC Los Angeles, Gaby has built a strong foundation in design, construction documentation, and project coordination. She brings a combination of technical expertise and organizational skills that enhances team collaboration and project efficiency.
Over her 20+ year career, Gaby has held a variety of roles, including Senior CAD Detailer, BIM Coordinator, and Safety Administrator, contributing to projects in the hospitality, trade show, and museum industries. She is skilled in AutoCAD, CNC detailing, Corel Draw, and digital design software, allowing her to create precise 3D models, construction drawings, and renderings. Her experience also includes office management, invoicing, purchasing, and project implementation, highlighting her versatility and leadership in both technical and administrative capacities.
Gaby is passionate about applying her skills to solve complex design and engineering challenges while fostering productive collaboration across teams. Known for her dedication and attention to detail, she continuously seeks opportunities to enhance her expertise and contribute to innovative projects. Outside of work, Gaby is committed to lifelong learning and actively participates in initiatives that strengthen professional communities in design and engineering.
• Universidad Tecnológica de México
• LATTC Los Angeles
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, adaptability, and persistence, especially as a woman in engineering. I began my career in drafting in 1997 and have since built expertise in BIM coordination, construction documentation, and large-scale project delivery. Moving into my current role as a VDC Operator II, while taking on lead responsibilities, has been a meaningful milestone, and I’m proud of nearly three decades of growth, learning, and contributions to major projects.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to “focus on one step at a time.” This guidance helped me stay confident and not feel overwhelmed, especially while transitioning from AutoCAD to Revit, and was reinforced by the support of coworkers and supervisors who encouraged me to learn through trial and error.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to believe in themselves, ask questions boldly, and commit to learning every day. The drafting and construction world can be intimidating, but confidence and consistency build credibility. I also recommend learning multiple design programs, staying adaptable, and embracing challenges rather than avoiding them.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is keeping up with rapidly evolving software and tight project deadlines, especially in the telecom sector. Working with clients like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft demands precision and fast turnaround. At the same time, I see major opportunities in fiber expansion, preconstruction clash detection, and AI-supported drafting technologies, which are creating a growing need for highly skilled drafters.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are honesty, accuracy, reliability, and resilience. I take pride in doing things correctly the first time, staying dependable, and continuously improving my skills. I also deeply value compassion and family—caring for my husband during his cancer treatments strengthened my commitment to empathy, patience, and gratitude.