2026 Women in Construction: Amanda Plourde, NCIDQ IIDA, Timberline Construction Corp.

What do you wish more women knew about the opportunities available in the construction industry today? Many people underestimate the range of interior design roles in construction. Beyond furniture and finishes, interior designers coordinate with MEP systems, detail materials, resolve clashes, and collaborate directly with trades on site. The work blends creativity with technical problem-solving and deep knowledge of building systems. I wish more women knew that interior design in construction offers a dynamic, hands-on career with real influence on how spaces are built and perform.

What is one piece of advice or perspective you would share with women beginning their careers in the construction industry? Take care of your partnerships and professional relationships, they matter. You will get to collaborate with engineers, contractors/subcontractors, fabricators, developers, manufacturers, consultants, specialists, the list goes on – don’t be afraid to ask your questions and learn what you can from them, be on site as often as you can, all of it will make you a better designer.

Share one fun or unexpected detail about yourself that colleagues might not know. I grew up traveling in a converted Greyhound bus, shaping my early fascination with space and design.