Meet Chris Knipfel, General Superintendent at Iconica

From tagging along with his dad on residential construction sites to managing complex commercial construction projects, Chris Knipfel’s journey in the construction industry has been hands-on from the start and has continued to evolve since. His deep-rooted passion for construction, combined with an appreciation for both the craftsmanship and design behind every build, drives his leadership on the job site every day.

Growing Up in Construction

Chris’s interest in construction began early, as he often tagged along with his dad to residential job sites.

“My dad was in residential construction, and I’d shadow him on job sites as a kid. I thought it was cool—working with your hands, seeing things come together, and just spending time with him.”

That early exposure sparked a genuine passion. Chris started as a carpenter, developing a deep appreciation for both the craftsmanship and design aspects of building. His curiosity and drive naturally led him toward construction management and, eventually, to superintendent roles.

“I became more involved in the details on-site, working with subcontractors and different trades. Eventually, I wanted to take on more responsibility.”

From Estimating to Field Leadership

Chris began his career at Iconica on our pre-construction team as an estimator, a role that gave him a strong foundation in understanding construction costs and contract processes.

“Estimating gave me a strong foundation. Understanding how jobs are bid, how change orders are written, and how costs come together helps you make faster decisions in the field.”

This experience allows Chris to bring practical insights and strategic foresight to his superintendent role.

“Even a few months in estimating helps. You follow a couple of projects from start to finish, learn how we vet contractors, build out contracts, and understand the cost side. That knowledge makes you a more effective superintendent.”

Design-Build by Nature

Working within Iconica’s design-build environment is key to how Chris approaches leadership on-site.

“It all comes down to collaboration. Having architects, engineers, and designers under the same roof means we can address problems quickly. If something comes up, we don’t wait—we troubleshoot together and move things forward.”

This close coordination keeps projects aligned from initial planning through construction, resulting in efficient and superior outcomes.

A Career-Defining Project

One standout project for Chris was the Under Armour store on State Street in downtown Madison, WI.

“That job pushed me. It had everything: a tight urban site, student housing nearby, retail above and below, an out-of-state architect, even a stairwell remodel into a neighboring bar.”

From navigating protests and game-day crowds to greasing scaffolding poles (yes, really), Chris had to coordinate with the police, the city, and multiple stakeholders to keep the project on track.

“It was chaotic, but I learned a ton. Looking back, we laugh about a lot of it now.”

Staying Organized on the Go

To manage the many moving parts of construction projects, Chris relies on a simple but effective habit.

“Always carry a notebook; you think you’ll remember everything, but you won’t. Writing things down, even the small stuff, helps keep it all straight. When I wake up in the morning, I usually have at least two to three simple goals that I want to achieve before the end of the day. You might feel like you never get anything accomplished, but at least you have those two or three items that you had an opportunity to attempt to get done.”

This advice passed down from seasoned teammates, helps Chris start each day focused and calm.

“I get up early before I go to work, so usually take a few moments to clear your mind and set your goals for the day. And at the same time, you, you know, take….You have the dog outside running around; maybe get a coffee or something. It’s only 15, 20 minutes, you know. To take a little bit of time to yourself to get your head into it today and try and start calm.”

Life Outside Construction

Outside the job site, Chris stays active with outdoor hobbies and family life.

“Anything outdoors, hunting, fishing, habitat restoration. When I have time for all that, it usually depends on the kids’ sports season, which is currently a big one. The kids’ sports keep me busy seven days a week.”

Interested in learning more about how Iconica’s design-build approach brings projects to life? Explore our services or contact us today to discuss how we can support your next project.