Women are often outnumbered more than 10 to 1 on construction sites. Today female construction administrators with HOK are creating new narratives across the globe.
At HOK, women in different design roles and with varying degrees of experience are involved in construction administration, working on-site both full- and part-time to help guide projects to completion. For Women’s History Month, six of the firm’s on-site managers share their favorite things about construction, what it is like being a woman on a job site and their advice for women who want to join the field.
Julie Steele
Senior Design Professional / Washington, D.C.
On-site experience: 12 years
Favorite thing about construction: I enjoy solving a variety of problems of varying complexity and find it particularly rewarding to see solutions implemented almost immediately. I learn daily from owners, users and tradespeople as we work through the many issues that come up. I have also gained an appreciation of the challenges the contractor faces in maintaining the project schedule while managing the work of their subs.
On being a woman on a project site: Sometimes it takes a few interactions before each new team member comes to realize that I’m knowledgeable and capable. But after they see the value I can add, it is fairly easy to work together as a team. It can be more challenging as a woman when I have to persuade the contractor to do something they don’t want to do.
Advice for women in design who want to be more involved with construction: Don’t be afraid to try construction management. Ask for opportunities to build both your skills as a manager and your understanding of the work in the field. It is valuable training for you and benefits the firm as you constantly improve your design details.
Lindy McAray
Senior Design Professional / Chicago
On-site experience: 3.5 years
Favorite thing about construction: No two days are the same—a problem you never would have anticipated can occur or a new phase of construction could be completed. It’s also the craziest thing to see your final building on Google Earth or Google Street View!
On being a woman on a project site: The project manager and project architect on my first construction project were both women, so it hasn’t been a rarity to be a female architect on a site for me. No matter what your gender, you will be an effective project team member if you prioritize problem solving, provide answers in a timely manner and commit to the design intent.
Advice for women in design who want to be more involved with construction: If there are any projects in your office being built, ask if you can shadow the design team while they are out there. Once you’re on site, ask questions. There is so much to learn out there that will affect your future design thinking and your ability to communicate with contractors and consultants.
Fariba Sajadi
Senior Designer / Toronto
On-site experience: Over 20 years
Favorite thing about construction: It provides me with an opportunity to develop my creative side, my practical side, my cost-cutting side and my extravagant side. I like that I am encouraged to find my own answers and develop my own path. I’ve also developed so many skills for both my life and career.
On being a woman on a project site: I’ve learned that it is a position of power and you need to be ready to carry the load and enjoy being in charge. It’s not for people who do not like pressure or heavy responsibility, but the rewards are great when you manage a team that works well together and completes a successful project.
Advice for women in design who want to be more involved with construction: It’s important for women to be involved in construction: you can use your innovation instinct, your common sense and your engineering skills with stunning effect.
Helen Molton
Senior Architect / London
On-site experience: 36 years
Favorite thing about construction: I like seeing things I have detailed being constructed and then put to use. I find it most interesting to see how structures have been constructed in the past—to peel back the layers. This aids the understanding of the building and then informs the future work, so it’s invaluable.
On being a woman on a project site: It can be a challenge to be taken seriously. I was once told by a contractor that he was used to working with “proper” architects. I think he meant men!
Advice for women in design who want to be more involved with construction: Be yourself. Don’t be afraid to say that you don’t know the answer. Communicate clearly. Respect others’ points of view. Put your heart into the work and be prepared to work hard against the odds.