2025 Women in Construction: Lorna Lavelle, PROCON

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community? By far, the project I am most proud of is when I project managed the construction of a 321km High Voltage Power Line in Northern Alberta, Canada in 2007/08. We were working on First Nation Land, which was both a privilege and a source of complexity, as there were certain cultural codes we had to adhere to. I had an Indigenous Advisor working with me at all times, and I worked with as many members of the local community as I could. But by far the largest challenge on this project was the environment itself. We were building on muskeg (bog), so we had to wait until winter so we could build ice.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry? I have been so fortunate to have had a number of incredible mentors at all stages of my career, who have both supported and challenged me. In terms of advice for women entering the industry, I say, congratulations, you’ve made a wonderful choice! Working in A/E/C will inspire you, challenge you, and give you a feeling of accomplishment and of being part of something much bigger than yourself.

What trends or innovations do you believe will shape the future of your field, and how are you positioning yourself (or your firm) to be at the forefront? For good or ill, AI is here to stay, and I’m very much of the opinion that, while AI won’t steal your job, another construction firm that uses AI, will. In terms of the design of projects, AI is huge. For the success of a project from a fiscal and time perspective, the use of Business Analytical tools is crucial. Being able to identify your “problem children” as soon as possible into a project and remedying them as soon as possible, could save your project both time and money. I’m leaning more into the Business Analysis side of things and I’m looking forward to using those tools.

What’s your favorite way to recharge or get inspired outside of work? The arts are hugely important to me, particularly theatre, music, and literature.

Do you have a hidden talent or a surprising fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know? I’m a published writer and award-winning broadcaster.