Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2025

In honour of Women in Construction Week 2025, we are proud to celebrate the invaluable contributions from the women in our teams at Rodgers Leask and the engineering industry as a whole.

We want to take this chance to highlight the experiences and insights of our colleagues who play a pivotal role in the success of our projects, bringing diverse perspectives and expertise to all that we do.

To provide a deeper insight into their careers and help you get to know them better, we spoke to our colleagues about their experience as a woman in the industry and the challenges they’ve faced, along with their advice for other women looking to explore a similar path.

Amelie Ogden-Storr – graduate geo-environmental engineer

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Prioritise happiness in your role over salary. Having a job you genuinely enjoy showing up to every day is far more important than just chasing a paycheck

What advice would you give a woman interested in getting started in the industry?

If you’re interested in this field, just go for it! There’s no reason why you shouldn’t. Believe in yourself, even if you feel unsure, confidence grows with experience.

What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in the construction industry? How did you overcome those challenges?

I haven’t personally faced any major challenges as a woman in the industry. My experience has been positive, and I’ve always felt supported in my role.

How has the industry changed since you started?

I’ve only been in the industry for a short time, so I haven’t seen major changes yet. But I’m excited to see how things evolve as I progress in my career.

What do you think is a misconception about being a woman in the industry?

A common misconception is that women don’t get the same opportunities as men in construction. While that may still be true in some places, my experience has been really positive where I work, opportunities are based on skill and capability rather than gender.

How do you spend your free time?

Outside of work, I love playing tennis and traveling to different cities to catch up with friends. I’m also working on a personal project to publish research in planetary science.

Do you have any hidden talents/party tricks?

I can juggle!

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be an astronaut! That dream led me down a scientific path at university, where I developed a real interest in planetary geology. That eventually steered me towards a career in ground engineering.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

I’d love to go motorbiking around Vietnam. The mix of beautiful landscapes, great food, warm weather, and stunning beaches really appeals to me. Plus, I’d love to go snorkel diving there as exploring the underwater world in such a tropical setting would be amazing.

What skill would you like to have?

I’d love to learn another language because being bilingual would be such a great skill to have.

Emily Rafferty – graduate geo-environmental engineer

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

There is no reason why in the future you can’t be at the top of your field, so take every opportunity while you’re young and just enjoy learning.

What advice would you give a woman interested in getting started in the industry?

Put aside the nerves and fear of going into a male dominated industry. It can be daunting but being a woman in STEM is very rewarding and something to be proud of. You’re making a path for more women to follow.

What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in the construction industry? How did you overcome those challenges?

The biggest challenge would have to be the lack of female specific facilities on short term site works. The industry itself is lacking in simple facilities such as sanitary bins in welfare vans and cabins.

With an understanding and respectful site team this can be somewhat helped by making site specific alterations to fit the female needs, however the industry as a whole still needs to work on this.

How has the industry changed since you started?

I only started in the industry just under two years ago, so it has not changed a lot since then. However, I am already seeing more innovative ways of thinking and implementing projects, and I am seeing more women on the sites that I go to, especially in senior roles.

What do you think is a misconception about being a woman the industry?

That we don’t know as much or are not a specialised in the field. We have the same qualifications and training, I believe it is just a misconception that comes with any male dominated industry, but with more women braving their way into the industry I believe this will soon change.

How do you spend your free time?

I like to walk in the Peak District and the Lake District. My partner and I are currently trying to tick off all the Wainwright Peaks. I also like to run, and I am currently training for a half marathon.

Do you have any hidden talents/party tricks?

I am Grade 7 on the piano.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a zoologist, until I realised at school that I hated biology and loved geography. When I was applying to university, I saw physical geography and geology courses, and I knew after that I would spend my days outdoors looking at rocks.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

I would love to go to Banff National Park in Canada, with a converted van and the dog, and spend every day walking with no technology, completely off grid just enjoying nature.

What skill would you like to have?

I would have loved to have got into go-karting as a child and been in racing cars as an adult. Unfortunately, the closest my car is to a racing car is that they both have wheels.

Florence Trahair – senior project engineer

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Work isn’t your life. You work to live, not the other way around. Make sure to make time for hobbies, trips, family and friends.

What advice would you give a woman interested in getting started in the industry?

Don’t be afraid to speak up – ask questions, give insight, agree or disagree.

What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in the construction industry? How did you overcome those challenges?

Being heard can be a challenge, especially early on in your career. Also, have clear, reasonable boundaries and don’t be afraid to speak out or report if they are crossed. Although women are a lot more common in the industry these days, we are still occasionally a ‘novelty’ in some circles.

How has the industry changed since you started?

There are now, nine times out of ten, designated women’s toilets on construction sites – and they are rarely used as storage closets anymore!

What do you think is a misconception about being a woman the industry?

This is pretty hard to answer, as it can be hard to know what other people are thinking when I turn up on a construction site – but we are around and can complete our work just as well as anyone else.

How do you spend your free time?

Playing video games/board games and walking the dog.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a teacher when I was little, but when I discovered physical geography at school, I decided rocks and fossils were more my thing.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

The Huangshan Mountains (Yellow Mountains) in China: the classic finger-shaped granite peaks covered in pine trees, with plenty of amazing views and hot springs nearby.

What skill would you like to have?

Flying a helicopter sounds like fun.

Ruth Hardy – graduate geo-environmental consultant

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

It is important to focus on your own career progression and not compare yourself to others, as everyone progresses differently. Maintain an open mind and avoid a narrow perspective within your industry, as there are various avenues that you may not have considered may suit you better. Work should not feel like an obligation. If a particular role does not align with your interests, do not hesitate to explore other opportunities in your industry or even in different industries.

What advice would you give a woman interested in getting started in the industry?

Embrace the challenges and opportunities that arise, as they will enable you to expand your knowledge, experience, and facilitate different approaches to problem solving. Attending networking events, such as the Women in Property events, presents opportunities to build and maintain valuable professional relationships that will aid you in your future career. Maintaining a work-life balance is often overlooked but is crucial, especially in a demanding industry, as it benefits both your well-being and long-term success in your career.

What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in the construction industry? How did you overcome those challenges?

The construction industry is male dominated, which can feel isolating for women. Attending events and connecting with other women in the same industry enables you to gain advice and support to help overcome challenges. The physical demands of the job can be an additional challenge, but utilising the right equipment, receiving comprehensive training, and being part of a supportive team easily makes a difference. Confronting challenges with confidence, having a supportive team, and being open with your colleagues about your obstacles can increase awareness and make it easier to overcome them.

How has the industry changed since you started?

Although I have not been in the industry for long, I have noticed that even small changes have had a significant positive impact. The increasing diversity and inclusivity within the industry have created a more collaborative and supportive environment, particularly for women. Additionally, the increased availability of resources and support is enhancing the industry’s ability to raise more awareness and expand knowledge, particularly in areas of safety, well-being and mental health.

What do you think is a misconception about being a woman the industry?

Due to the physical and masculine stereotypes associated with the industry, women are often perceived as unqualified or unsuitable for such a demanding workplace, with an assumption they would not perform as well. However, there is much more to the industry than just its physical demands. Despite this misconception, women are increasingly being recognised and valued within the industry. As the industry continues to evolve, embrace diversity, and adapt to change – it is creating an environment where women can thrive and succeed in their careers.

Joanna Read – associate transport planner

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

Not to run away from a hard fight and always deal with the difficult stuff first.

What advice would you give a woman interested in getting started in the industry?

Transport planning can be a varied career so keep an open mind and take advantage of the opportunities offered.   

What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in the construction industry? How did you overcome those challenges?

I’ve experienced very few challenges that relate to my gender. At the start of my career, I was lucky enough to work directly with two amazing women in a team with a supportive male boss and for the majority of my 20 plus years working as a transport planner I’ve been treated the same as male associates. There have been a few occasions when I have experienced micro-aggression, bullying and sexual harassment. The only way to overcome these challenges is to call out the behaviour and make it clear that it is not acceptable.

How has the industry changed since you started?

There is a better understanding of the difficulties that women face when progressing a career within any of the construction sectors.

What do you think is a misconception about being a woman the industry?

That a woman must be ‘more like a man’ to progress within the construction industry.

How do you spend your free time?

I volunteer as a community first responder when I can, providing emergency first aid in advance of paramedic support. I love country walks, especially when combined with a pub lunch and a pint.

Do you have any hidden talents/party tricks?

I’ve been told my superpower is my keen sense of smell, but it can sometimes be more of a curse.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A tree surgeon.

If you could visit any place in the world, where would it be and why?

Cuba is high up on my bucket list. Fantastic music and food within stunning scenery.

What skill would you like to have?

Being able to play a violin or fiddle.

Aimee Meredith-Smith – geo-environmental project engineer

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve received is to try and learn as much as possible from your colleagues, observing how both your team and wider office and company work together on projects and how systems work within the company. As well as taking any opportunities that come your way and asking to help on a variety of different projects to diversify your skillset.

What advice would you give a woman interested in getting started in the industry?

Don’t hesitate to reach out to other people within the industry on platforms such as LinkedIn. Most people I’ve met within the industry are happy to give advice to young professionals and making those personal connections can help you stand out when applying for jobs with those companies.

What are the biggest challenges of being a woman in the construction industry? How did you overcome those challenges?

The construction industry is male dominated, and you are often the only woman on a construction site or within a space. It can be easy to overthink how people might perceive you and make it daunting going into these environments. Seeking out other woman in the industry, whether through LinkedIn or by attending in-person networking events, has been beneficial in seeing what my role within the industry can look like, as well as hearing stories on other people’s personal experiences.

How has the industry changed since you started?

I have only been working within the industry for a short time, so I haven’t had the opportunity to see much change.

What do you think is a misconception about being a woman the industry? I think there is sometimes an assumption that women don’t like the active or physical work that site work demands. However, myself and other women I have worked with appreciate the change of scenery from the office and the variety in your work week that site work brings.