2024 Women in Construction: Magda Jankowska, Claris Design Build

What has been the driving force behind your success in the AEC industry? I think that my attention to detail and need to know how things go together is the driving force behind my success. I see a building and think of it as a series of puzzles that must fit neatly together. During the design phase, I think a well-designed space should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also functional and efficient. To succeed in this industry, I like to look at the structure and HVAC systems first and focus on constructability, the design and aesthetic come naturally after that.

Who or what inspired you to join the AEC industry? As a child, I always liked to build and take things apart to understand how they fit together. My father was a general contractor working in the residential sector. When I came to the U.S as a teenager, I visited some of his job sites and worked over the summer in his woodshop. I became fascinated with how buildings go together and was inspired to go to school for architecture. We thought we could team up one day when I received my license, but he passed away before that happened. I continue my adventure in the AEC world and apply the problem-solving skills he helped instill in me.