When I first stepped into the industry, I didn’t expect to be the only woman there.

I was young, eager, and fresh into architectural design — a field that combined everything I loved: creativity, technical detail, and the feeling of bringing homes to life. But what I wasn’t prepared for was how rare it would be to see another woman in the room… let alone on the project.

For a long time, I was it.

No women on the framing crew.
No women running the builds.
No women on the other design teams* — at least, not where I was working.
Only 1 woman building inspector (PS. she was incredible).

*Eventually I did work with some amazing interior designers but even that took time.

It wasn’t something I focused on at first. But over time, the isolation started to feel louder. And so did the expectations.

"So you do Interior Design then?" (Right after I explained what I do)
“How old are you?” (I know I started at 19, but I doubt men are asked this)
“I think it should be designed this way.” (They regretted their design later)
“What does your dad think of it?” (He’s always backed my work)

I wish I could say those were rare comments. They weren’t.
But they taught me something important.

What I Learned from Being the Only Woman

1. You will be underestimated.
There’s no getting around it. I learned quickly that people were more likely to challenge me, doubt me, or try to go around me.
At first, I felt like I had to prove myself constantly. But eventually, I realized: the work is the proof.
And when you do good work, word travels fast — especially in construction.

2. Communication is a superpower.
In this industry, breakdowns happen when people don’t talk.
When the client doesn’t know what’s coming.
When the trades aren’t on the same page.
When expectations are assumed, not aligned.
I learned to be the translator between all parties — the one who asked the questions no one else did, and answered the ones no one thought to bring up.

3. Leadership doesn’t have to look a certain way.
I didn’t lead with a booming voice or a clipboard. I led with clarity, calm, curiosity, and confidence — eventually.
And it worked.
Because people don’t follow the loudest person in the room. They follow the one who helps them move forward.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

We need more women in construction, architecture, and trades — not just because representation matters (it does), but because outcomes do.

Homes are emotional spaces. They carry the weight of someone’s future.
And women, in particular, understand how those small design decisions shape daily life.

I’ve had clients tell me their favourite feature in the whole home wasn’t a vaulted ceiling or spacious main bedroom — it was a kitchen layout we worked hard at to get it just right. Or the quiet nook they never knew they needed until I asked what their morning routine looked like. Or just the fact that their crazy dreams were realized and reassured that they weren’t crazy.

That’s the stuff that sticks.

Why I Started Homeowner HQ

I created Homeowner HQ because I wanted homeowners to feel supported before they even broke ground.

To know what questions to ask.
To feel confident in the hiring process.
To better understand who does what and why it matters.
Ps. You can find all this in the Concrete Method.

And to connect with professionals — many of them women — who are changing the way homes are designed and built.

Whether you’re a homeowner navigating your first build, or a woman just starting out or working in this industry: 

You belong here.

And I’m here to help however I can.