2024 Women in Construction: Cindy Noret, HFA Architecture + Engineering

What has been the driving force behind your success in the AEC industry? The main driving forces for my success in the AEC industry are my fascination with structural mechanics of buildings and my perseverance. I love taking apart objects to see how they function and then putting them back together; I once took apart a lawnmower and then reassembled it. On a larger scale, I wanted to understand how buildings and structures are analyzed and designed. I have encountered many obstacles where people expressed doubts of my abilities. By being in this competitive AEC industry, I persevered through their negativities to be where I am today; accomplished and happy.

Who or what inspired you to join the AEC industry? My parents are the backbone to my success. In high school, I became fascinated with buildings. Architectural universities were financially impossible, so they advised me to include engineering. I graduated from a two-year technical college with an AS in Architectural Engineering. My first employer, a structural steel engineering company, is where I gained structural engineering knowledge. This encouraged me to continue my education while working full-time. Several years later, I graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering, concentrated in structural. It was a long road, but worth it. Today, I’m a licensed structural engineer working with inspiring AEC industry professionals.

What is your favorite / most beneficial part of Women in Construction week? Personally, I believe it is important to recognize the women who help build an exciting, innovative community through construction; and I believe Women in Construction week provides this. Women in all facets of construction should be celebrated and supported. We have come a long way to be where we are and persevered to be accepted in the AEC industry. Being a woman in the construction industry shows strength and determination. It is rewarding to see more women joining the AEC community. Women in Construction does bridge the gap with men to build an awe-inspiring building and structure for our society.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? The latest professional achievement of my career is being licensed in another state. I was given this opportunity to help another colleague and my employer since I hold a Structural Engineering (SE) professional licensure. There are few states and judications that require a particular licensure to certify buildings and structures. I am honored to help them out. I was able to complete several projects that were in queue. Having more than one state license has helped me to be more marketable and valuable, which benefits my employer and society through more building designs. 

What are your goals for the future? My future goals are to keep working as a structural engineer and to mentor the younger generations. It is important to be a leader in this field and to encourage both women and men to enter and to stay in this profession because buildings and structures are not stagnant. They’re always evolving through technologies and innovations. Another goal is to help societies less fortunate than us to build structures so they can grow, learn, and be successful, too. I am excited to see what the future holds for me and for the rest of the AEC industry.