Aleksi Makila

The construction industry has long been plagued by combative, adversarial models that pit owners against contractors, often resulting in costly delays and compromised quality. However, a significant shift is underway toward Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) and collaborative frameworks that prioritize shared value, transparency, and mutual success. Championing this progressive evolution is Aleksi Makila, the Vice President and Division Manager of Civil at Chandos Construction. Since joining the firm in 2014, Aleksi has climbed the ranks to become a powerhouse at one of the nation's most sophisticated builders, playing a transformative role in expanding the company's capabilities and market presence. Recognizing a critical gap in the company’s portfolio, he was instrumental in launching Chandos’s civil and municipal infrastructure services in 2016. Under his strategic guidance, this initiative rapidly gained traction, leading to the formal creation of the Civil Division in 2019.

Today, under Aleksi's leadership, the division has experienced explosive growth, expanding its operations across Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, and now represents a remarkable 25% of the company’s total revenue. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aleksi combines deep technical expertise with a passion for innovative delivery models. He is a fierce advocate for IPD and Construction Management, having successfully led over twenty such projects. His commitment to collaborative construction has helped shift the industry toward approaches that prioritize owner satisfaction and long-term project viability. Aleksi’s leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in vulnerability, continuous learning, and a genuine care for people. His approach to joint leadership—having co-managed the Civil Division for five years—demonstrates his belief that strong partnerships and open communication are the bedrock of success.

He is fiercely dedicated to workforce development, personally investing time in university recruitment, career fairs, and events like the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan race to attract and mentor the next generation of engineering talent. Perhaps most notably, Aleksi is a passionate champion of community benefit and Indigenous inclusion. Challenging his own preconceived notions, he has made it a personal mission to ensure that infrastructure projects deliver meaningful, lasting value to First Nations communities. His dedication is reflected in the strong, respectful partnerships he has built, such as his work with the Frog Lake Cree Nation, focusing on critical issues like access to clean drinking water and inclusive procurement. Aleksi is not just building roads and water systems; he is actively constructing a more collaborative, equitable, and sustainable future for the Canadian construction industry, solidifying his reputation as a visionary executive.