2022 Women in Construction: Hayley Desroches, Interior Designer at House of Dietrich | Pidgeon & Co.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? In a recently completed corporate interiors project located in Chelsea, MA, I was responsible for leading and/or delegating all construction-related tasks such as procurement, managing of submittals & RFI’s, and CO’s all while delivering the project on time, within budget, and keeping great client communication.

When you’re not busy, what is your go to book or podcast to help you unwind? When I want to wind down, I enjoy listening to music and flipping through design magazines for inspiration. I also enjoy occasional yoga and meditation sessions to relax.

Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you? Being able to be in an industry that is breaking gender barriers and being able to bring a fresh perspective.

Within your firm, who has helped you succeed within the industry? How have they helped you? My direct superior, and CEO of our company, Molly Pidgeon, has always given me the motivation to succeed in such a fast-paced, gender-biased industry. She has given me helpful tips and real-world construction knowledge which has really helped further my abilities in the industry.

What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry? My advice for a woman thinking of coming into this industry would be - you may be the only woman in the room most of the time, but do not let that underestimate your abilities and what you bring to the table. Do your job so well that people who stand in your way must move or get run over!