NAHB Professional Women in Building Week celebrates the contributions of women to the homebuilding industry. Stanley Martin is fortunate to have great women on our team, including Architectural Project Manager Michelle Edwards. We spoke with Michelle about her experiences in the homebuilding industry and what she hopes to see in the future.
How did you get started in the construction industry? How long have you been working in the industry?
Michelle Edwards: I have wanted to be in the architecture career field for as long as I can remember. I ended up taking high school courses in engineering, then going to college and obtaining a degree in architectural engineering. Once graduating college, I was directed by a couple of former teachers and classmates to companies that were hiring. I was hired straight out of college in the fall of 2014 as an architectural associate. I have been working and learning in this industry ever since.
What attracted you to the construction industry?
ME: I was intrigued by the entire process of creating a functional building from just a plot of land. I love architectural design
What is your most memorable experience in the construction industry?
ME: My most memorable experience in this industry was the first day I went to the field to see the buildings I draw on a day-to-day, in person. It was a beautiful learning experience and very rewarding.
What was an experience that you benefited the most from?
ME: An experience that I’ve benefited the most from would be training new employees! Everyone that I’ve helped train has brought new questions, ideas, and outlooks on a career that I thought I had complete knowledge of. It’s very humbling yet fulfilling to know that I can learn a little something from everyone. I take this lesson with me throughout every aspect of my life, not just my career.
What changes are you seeing in the industry as it relates to women? What changes do you hope to see?
ME: I’ve seen more women hired and working in my personal workplace since the day I started 9 years ago. I also see women making leaps in career changes to be more involved in the actual construction, or field work, of a home, which in the past, has been stereotypically a “male role”. I’d like to continue to see more inclusion for women. I appreciate how my team has considered my experiences and outlooks on situations that a female’s opinion wouldn’t have typically been significant in the past.
What is something you want other women in the construction industry to know?
ME: I’d like other women in the construction industry to know there’s always room in this career path/industry to grow. There are so many opportunities in this industry to learn and make a career out of something you would have never thought you’d enjoy!
Read more about NAHB Professional Women in Building Week on their website.