Women in Leadership AEC Industry

In 2023, the AEC industry achieved a historic milestone: for the first time, women held 30% of executive positions in top architecture and engineering firms. This shift marks a significant turning point in a traditionally male-dominated sector.

The arc of change of sustainable development in design and engineering is at its magnum opus. The exploration within the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector reveals the profound influence of women.

Within an industry traditionally dominated by men, women are not only challenging but also triumphing over the glass ceiling. The current times underscore the indispensable role of women as leaders, innovators, and catalysts for change. Their influence is increasingly critical as the industry evolves.

Fostering inclusive workspace:

Establishing inclusive AEC environments that valorize diverse viewpoints is paramount for fostering a culture of innovation and expansion.

McKinsey’s 2020 report showed gender-diverse companies are 25% more likely to achieve above-average profitability compared to less diverse organizations

Despite these strides, women continue to encounter challenging barriers on their ascent to leadership. It is imperative to address these obstacles and gain inspiration from the women leaders who are breaking the barriers.

Our vision aims to celebrate their achievements and devise strategies for empowering future female leaders, from the words of successful women leaders in the AEC industry.

Diverse Perspectives Drive Innovation:

Historically, women's contributions in the AEC field were often underappreciated. However, the gender-based barriers are now in the process of dismantling. This has enabled women's expertise and perspectives to be added to significantly improve project collaboration and facilitate the integration of advanced technologies.

Digital transformation of the AEC sector has highlighted the importance of diverse viewpoints in driving progress.

From Lillian Gilbreth, the first woman elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1965 to Catherine and John Macdonald, founders of the pioneering women-led construction firms. With such a great historical backdrop, true equality and inclusiveness remain elusive.

A study of 2020 reflects, 46% of the US workforce are women but the representation is in AEC industry is still not alluring. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, women hold 27% of stakes in specializing in architectural and engineering firms while in construction it is only 10.9%. This underrepresentation extends to leadership in the industry with only 16% of AEC firms employing women in c-suite level positions.

According to these statistics, it is crystal clear that despite the visible growth curve for women in the AEC sector, there is still much work to be done. To address these gaps, it is extremely essential to focus on the efforts and strategies of women industry leaders who are spearheading change within the industry.

Pioneers of Change- Women Trailblazers in AEC

In the evolving landscape of the AEC industry, today we see several women leaders from all walks of life making significant strides and setting new benchmarks for success. These trailblazers exemplify the burgeoning influence of women in shaping the future of the sector.

Let us explore the contribution of the female AEC Industry moguls- showcasing their expertise and leadership in redefining the field's trajectory.

Jennifer Cover- President and CEO, WoodWorks , USA

Jennifer Cover - a distinguished AEC professional's journey in the AEC industry commenced with formative experiences in design and construction. Fueled by working with her father on wood projects, her passion for timber design led her to specialize in this field. This ultimately shaped her distinguished career.

Coover, an inspiration to an architect fraternity worldwide. Her vision to chase her passion balancing and managing the circumstances and taking chances makes her a global inspiration.

Her initial professional career in structural design and construction management, paved the way for her to academia to teach Timber Design at the University of California, San Diego.

The passion I have for my work is inspired by the design community. It's gratifying to be part of an organization that helps people make their projects a reality. Coover asserts.

Under Jennifer Cover's transformative leadership, Woodworks launched the WoodWorks Innovation Network in 2020. This platform is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the built environment. Her pioneering vision and commitment have established her as a leading figure in the AEC industry.

Preetie Ghotra- Founder & CEO, Tejjy Inc., USA

Preetie Ghotra is a seminal force in the AEC industry. She is the founder and CEO of Tejjy Inc., a prominent women's minority business enterprise in the USA. Distinguished by her innovative vision, Ghotra is dedicated to fostering diversity and empowerment within the Sector.

Under her proactive leadership, Tejjy Inc. Has become a leading integrated facilities management company.

Empowering women in the AEC industry is not just about diversity-it is about harnessing diverse perspectives to drive innovation and excellence. At Tejjy Inc. We are committed to creating opportunities and fostering a collaborative environment where every individual can thrive and contribute to groundbreaking advancements Ghotra states.

Ghotra's influence extends beyond just business. She is a staunch advocate for women in the workplace. She strives to create an environment that drives gender diversity and equal opportunities for career growth.

Her stewardship is ensuring that Tejjy Inc. embraces smart and sustainable AEC, BIM and facility management practices. In parallel with this, she is also assuring that the company promotes women's advancement within the business realm.

Her visionary approach and commitment to diversity have positioned Tejjy Inc. at the forefront of the industry. Preetie Ghotra's zeal to innovation and creating career opportunities for women in AEC industry inspires us challenge norms and reimagine a dynamic future for the field.

Kimberly Dowdell - Director of Business Development, HOK Chicago, USA

Kimberly Dowdell, often described as a “change agent disguised as an architect”, is an epochal presence in the AEC industry. Her deep-seated commitment to leveraging architecture as a tool for societal advancement is noteworthy.

“What role can architects play in making places that facilitate more peace and harmony, versus the opposite?” Dowdell enquires.

A LEED-accredited professional, co-founder of the SEED Network, Dowdell has received acclaim as the AIA 2020 Young Architect of the Year.

During her tenure as NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) national president, she significantly expanded the organization’s memberships. She championed equitable access and opportunities for women of color in the AEC profession.

Her pursuit of innovation and inclusion inspires us to craft a more equitable landscape in the AEC industry.

Harnessing women's extraordinary strengths, such as multitasking, keen attention to detail and adaptability, not only fuels impactful leadership but also fosters substantial growth across a range of diverse business landscapes

- Kimberly Bauer Burke, Skanska USA

As insightfully noted by Kimberley Bauer,

We need women in the AEC Industry- The Imperative.

The current statistics suggest that despite women earning 57% of bachelor's degrees and representing 47% of the workforce, there remains a significant underrepresentation in field leadership roles.

This disparity highlights the necessity for increased female presence in leadership within the AEC industry for several compelling reasons.

✅ The AEC sector is undergoing a rapid expansion. It is now heavily driven by the integration of innovative technologies and intelligent systems.

With the advent of predictive Building Information Modeling (BIM), Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), 3D laser scanning, and Scan-to BIM services, there is a pressing demand for a highly educated and technologically adept workforce.

Women, with their robust academic backgrounds and analytical prowess, are well-positioned to excel in these leadership roles. Especially, now that they demand driving innovation and technological integration.

✅ Ranking third on the Bureau of Labor Statistics short list of five industries propelling the U.S. economy is the AEC sector. The industry is poised for significant growth fueled by the demand for more infrastructure and housing. To meet this requirement, professionals with a good education and skills are going to be crucial. Women embodying these attributes are more suitable for employee and leadership roles alike.

✅ Shattering the glass ceiling. As Preetie Ghotra correctly mentions

“Diversity ensures productivity and productivity is always profitable”

A Boston Consulting Group study found that companies with more diverse management teams are more open to innovation, creativity and empathy, resulting in a 19% increase in their revenues.

✅ It is not news, that women contribute to the wealth of diverse perspectives to the table. Their exceptional analytical acumen equips them with profound ability to devise effective problem-solving strategies. Top industry leaders today are prioritizing innovation and avant-garde solutions over anything else. This is exactly what women bring with them- innovation, groundbreaking ideas and transformative approach.

✅ Ensuring equal representation within the AEC industry fosters justice and inclusivity. It mirrors the multi-faceted nature of the society we serve, thereby ensuring that the built facilities meet the needs of all the stakeholders alike. This approach not only upholds principles of fairness but also enhances the relevance and functionality of built facilities for a broad spectrum of users.

Rebecca De Cicco, Global Digital Advocate and Global Chair and founder of Women in BIM, emphasizes the importance of addressing diversity in a long-standing male-prevalent field:

“When working in a male dominated industry it is imperative to ensure there are ways to positively address the lack of diversity and I work hard to ensure this is addressed and to encourage young people to enter the construction industry”

✅ Women in leadership roles in the AEC industry serve as exemplars for emerging female professionals. Their triumph stories act as a powerful example, motivating young women to pursue careers in AEC. This helps foster a more equitable workforce. It cultivates and dynamic and professional environment.

As, Juliette Stacey, CEO, Mabey Group captures the essence of this need:

Bringing more women into our sector, and ensuring they progress into more senior positions, will be essential if construction is to transform into a better stronger sector

Call to Action for Equal Representation.

The profound impact of the mere presence of women in various roles in the AEC sector cannot be overstated. Women offer a distinctive perspective on the role of a leader.

There are invaluable insights from their experience that every company, organization, and AEC firm can apply to foster a more inclusive and effective work environment. Their narratives provide actionable lessons that can be leveraged to cultivate a productive environment.

As we navigate the world where women continue to face barriers in the industry, lets pledge to promote practices like supporting policies, professional development and equitable roles as much as possible.

Emulating the trailblazers of female leadership, let us collectively commit to shaping a more equitable and inspiring future for the women in AEC.