2026 Women in Construction: Stephanie Lafontaine, RMF Engineering

What current or recently completed project, accomplishment or initiative are you most excited about, and why does it matter for your team, clients or community? I am looking forward to the upcoming completion of the Harvard South Campus Drive Graduate Student Housing Building in Boston, a capstone to the work RMF has conducted across campus. The 13-story building targets LEED, Passive House, and Living Building Challenge certifications. A collaboration of multiple RMF offices, the firm was involved in MEP building engineering systems, power generation, the distributed energy facility as well as underground distribution. The project’s complexity and sustainability goals make it a uniquely significant addition to RMF’s portfolio.

What is one piece of advice or perspective you would share with women beginning their careers in the construction industry? My advice is to find a mentor you’re comfortable asking questions and learning from. Take every opportunity to get on site and see how things actually come together and learn something new. I was fortunate to have several mentors early in my career who encouraged curiosity, shared their knowledge, and gave me opportunities that helped me grow and flourish.

What is something outside of work that brings you energy, balance or creativity? Scuba diving and underwater photography give me a creative outlet and a quiet, meditative space to reset.

What emerging challenge or opportunity do you see shaping the construction industry in the next few years, and how are you preparing for it? One emerging challenge I’m seeing is the introduction of new A2L refrigerants now coming onto the market as recent refrigerant changes take effect. Because these refrigerants are flammable, they bring added restrictions on system installations and require additional safety measures. Design engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and owners are collaborating to get up to speed on code requirements to safely incorporate these refrigerants into buildings.