2019 Women in Construction: Brenda Lam, Senior Inspector at CBI Consulting, LLC

Years in Current Field: 3

Which project, deal or transaction was the “game changer” in the advancement of your career during the last 10 years? 3W53 St., by Jean Nouvel – I was on-site full-time to observe curtain wall installation. I’m proud to be involved in the field team and to have made an impact in the CA phase.

Who are three women – living or dead – that you would like to have drinks with and why? I’m surrounded by phenomenally strong female role models, who have shown me how to be assertive and resilient in the construction industry. 
1. Jennifer Sze, principal and director of special inspections, Vidaris. 
2. Gina Lee-Glauser, vice president of undergraduate research, Syracuse University. 
3. Zaha Hadid.

What are you doing differently in 2019 that has had a positive impact on your career? In 2019, my goal is to be more confident and competent. 

What was your first job and what did you learn from it? My first job was a staff engineer at an environmental engineering firm. The role taught me that field exposure is invaluable and critical to the development of schematic design to construction documents. 

What were your biggest fears when you started out in your profession? Speaking confidently, especially in field construction meetings, is a fear that I had in the beginning of the job. Today, I look forward to field meetings as an opportunity for growth and to speak intelligently of my observations