2024 Women in Construction: Holly Vaillancourt, Existing Conditions

Who or what inspired you to join the AEC industry?

Holding a degree in architecture and having over 20 years of professional experience in the field, coupled with a decade of expertise in 3D laser scanning and Building Information Modeling (BIM), my background combines extensive professional experience with a deep-rooted passion for architecture and construction. Before my role at Existing Conditions, I honed my skills as a project manager and lead designer at renowned Boston firms. My education in architecture and hands-on experience in my family’s real estate business have also equipped me to meet the fast-paced demands of Existing Conditions, ensuring efficient project and operations management.

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? 

I was deeply honored and filled with gratitude for being chosen as one of the Worcester Business Journal’s Outstanding Women in Business Awards honorees in 2023. Sharing this honor with six other women was truly inspiring. Receiving recognition from the Worcester Business Journal for my contributions and leadership, alongside my efforts in mentoring women and students in architecture, engineering, and construction, was a remarkable honor. I aspire for this acknowledgment of my endeavors at Existing Conditions to motivate and encourage other women in my field.

What are your goals for the future? 

The operations department at Existing Conditions is unique in that it fosters a culture of continuous professional growth for all employees. My goal is to ensure that as we grow and continue to evolve and remain at the forefront of the building industry, I am excited about the opportunity to leverage my knowledge to improve the organization’s performance. Keeping pace with advancements in 3D laser scanning technology is essential for maintaining our industry-leading position.

What has been the driving force behind your success in the AEC industry?

The driving force behind my success in the AEC industry is my family. Transitioning from full-time architecture position in a firm to Existing Conditions allowed me to balance my career and family commitments effectively. As my children grew older, I gradually increased my involvement, eventually transitioning into a full-time role as client relations manager and currently Operations Director. Working moms adeptly manage complex responsibilities, including those of problem-solving and multitasking skills. Balancing work, family, and personal life strengthens abilities in time management, organization, and adaptability. This experience equips me with a unique set of skills for my role, ensuring I handle a wide range of tasks simultaneously while maintaining efficiency.