2021 Women in Construction: Andrea Seward, Senior Project Manager, CM LEAN, G. Greene Construction Co., Inc.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? I recently managed a renovation with a new client. During the pandemic pause on construction, we addressed logistics with the user, and schedule expectations were further defined. Relying on my understanding of constructing this type of space we were able to keep the construction schedule moving while navigating working in a new facility once work resumed. We currently have multiple projects at this institution, due in part to the hard work put in on this initial project. The efforts on this project helped to propel GGC to the top of a select GC list for this client.

What are you most looking forward to post-pandemic? Being able to go on vacation with my husband and daughter!!

How have you adapted and changed in the last 12 months? I enjoyed taking advantage of spending more time with my husband and daughter while being able to work from home full time. This created a different type of juggling act of schedules and priorities including the line between work life and home life. Not having to commute was a nice change, and allowed me a little more sleep!

What steps have you taken to ensure the continued success of your firm? I always try to represent G. Greene Construction with a professional problem solving attitude, and approach each project or challenge as a team effort by trying to offer solutions rather than problems. By consistently going above and beyond, our company’s reputation will be rewarded with repeat work and happy clients. 

Why should women consider a career in construction? Each day and each project is different. There are many opportunities to challenge yourself, be it working in the trades, becoming an estimator or a being a Project Manager. Any woman who wants a challenging, empowering and rewarding career, where you can literally point at a building and say “I built that!” should definitely consider pursuing a career in construction. 

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? My family, friends and peers have always been a great support to me, especially when I was starting out in a career in construction. Their encouragement and support continues to be invaluable to me.