2018 Women in Construction: Katie Gibbs Senior, Shawmut Design and Construction

Name: Katie Gibbs

Postion: Senior Project Manager

Company: Shawmut Design and Construction

Years in the A/E/C Industry: 15 years

Why the A/E/C Industry? When I was in 8th grade my parents put an addition on our house, doubling it in size. I was fascinated watching it go together and thought about the satisfaction the crew had seeing the results of a day’s work. It was then that I decided to take courses throughout high school which eventually led to a major in architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston! 

Advice/Keys to Success: Always ask questions! There is so much to learn in this business. I learn something new every day. Being a general contractor, I feel like I know a little about a lot of things. It’s ok to ask the trades how and why. You’ll find out they like to share and talk about what they do too! 

If you had to choose one word to explain why you do what you do, which one most suits you? And why? Challenge. This is a hard business for anyone—long hours, stress, and unpredictable days—but the reward at the end of a project is so satisfying. To look at a new hospital building or a classroom that so many people can benefit from makes me feel proud to say I had a hand in making that space a reality.

Are you aware of the film Hard Hatted Woman? If so, what does a film like this mean to you? Yes—and I love what the film maker is doing. These women can be role models for so many others and this needs to be out there for girls who didn’t believe the opportunity is there for them to go after.