2023 Women in Construction: Jennifer Shea, Patriquin Architects

What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the AEC industry? Just do it. Kick any fear and uncertainty out the door and display the utmost confidence in your abilities. Grit and determination will lead you as far as you let it. You deserve to be here. In an industry that is still largely dominated by males, the women in leadership positions who have overcome challenges and adversity at the start of their careers now have an opportunity to become such important role models for the younger aspiring architects and engineers considering futures in these fields. By recognizing these past challenges, we are afforded the ability to give back and be the mentors we once needed.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? Our office recently completed a new daycare facility where I served as the project lead from concept through construction. Once construction was completed, I was invited to attend their ribbon-cutting ceremony with the children, their parents and all of the teachers. It was incredibly rewarding to see the kids engaging with the new spaces with smiles on their faces.

What made you interested in seeking a career in the AEC industry? As a young kid, I was always tinkering with build sets and drawing house plans. As I entered into high school, I was formally introduced to this field and began taking more advanced drafting and model building classes. It felt like something I wanted to pursue as a career once I realized how impactful the built world is to all of us experiencing it. Architecture has the ability to initiate change in behavior, emotions, habits and the way we view our lives.

How are you involved in community organizations and/or charities? I find any opportunity I can to volunteer time and resources to organizations within our professional community and within my immediate community. I’ve presented at several career fair events at local high schools and serve as a mentor for younger aspiring architects. I’ve organized food drives and school supply drives for families in need, and I’ve been part of project build teams supporting disabled veterans. Recently, I worked with my local elementary school to help them create an action plan for how to upgrade a courtyard and garden that is used by the Special Education Department in town.