2020 Women in Construction: Annette Valdez, Assistant Project Manager at Shawmut Design and Construction

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? My most notable project in the last year is The Langham, Boston renovation, a historic hotel located in a building that was constructed in 1922. I was one of the estimators that helped win the project. Last summer, I transitioned to an assistant project manager role and have been working on-site on the hotel renovation since.

When I’m not working I am…Practicing yoga, cooking new recipes, discovering new places, and enjoying nature and art with my family.

What are you doing differently in 2020 that has had a positive impact on your career? This year, I’m not waiting for opportunities to come my way. Instead, I’m seeking new opportunities to help me grow and learn by getting out of my comfort zone and challenging myself. 

What trends are you seeing in your field this year? One trend I have noticed this year is labor shortage and the rising cost of materials due to the intensely busy and competitive market we are currently in.

Who or what inspired you to join the construction industry? I went to architecture school, but it was not until I had the opportunity to work in a design/build firm that I was inspired to transition over to the construction field. Seeing how a design goes from paper to reality is an amazing experience!