Perspectives from women driving change in the built environment
This week marks International Women’s Day, a global day honouring the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
International Women’s Day has been celebrated for more than a century. Today, it remains an opportunity not only to recognise progress, but also to highlight the work still needed to ensure equal opportunities across industries.
This year’s theme, “Give to Gain”, encourages a mindset of generosity, collaboration and shared progress. When people and organisations give support to one another, progress accelerates.
To mark the occasion, we’re spotlighting the women working across Amodal’s team in digital and information roles within the built environment. We asked them to reflect on how the sector is evolving, what people often misunderstand about these careers, and what advice they would give to the next generation considering a role in the industry.
How have you seen opportunities for women evolve within digital and information-focused roles in the built environment?
Jacqueline: “I’ve seen a real shift over the past few years. Digital and information roles have created new entry points into the built environment that don’t follow the traditional site or engineering route. That’s opened the door to people from more diverse academic and professional backgrounds, including more women.
“There’s also a growing recognition that information management, data strategy and digital transformation are commercial and strategic levers, not just technical support functions. As those roles move closer to leadership and board-level conversations, I’m seeing more women step into positions of influence, which is encouraging.
“There’s still work to do, particularly in visibility and representation at senior levels, but the trajectory is positive”.
Rianna: “I’ve genuinely seen momentum build. What was once considered a specialist or support function is now at the heart of how projects are delivered. Digital, data and information management aren’t add-ons anymore, it’s defining how projects are delivered
“That shift has created real space for women to step into leadership, influence decision-making and shape transformation. The conversation around inclusion is stronger, representation is improving, and there’s a growing recognition that’s leading to better outcomes”.
Tilly: “Digital roles in the built environment used to feel quite niche and heavily male-dominated, but now they’re much more visible and valued. I’m also seeing more women stepping into senior digital roles and being recognised as technical experts, not just as coordinators or support”.
Natasha: “From my experience, there are more ways to build a career in digital and information roles than people might expect.“I started in an administrative and document control role, but I am also involved in more technical tasks like supporting data migration and carrying out validation checks on information deliverables. That has helped me build confidence and develop new skills beyond basic document management.
“I have seen more women working in CDE and digital delivery teams, and it feels like there is a clearer path to grow from support roles into more technical or coordination positions. There is still progress to be made across the industry, but the opportunities are definitely there”.
Rachel: “From my experience, the change has been steady overtime rather than dramatic shift, but it is definitely there.
“Digital and information roles have opened up routes into the industry that are not tied to traditional site or engineering pathways. That has brought in people with strengths in organisation, data, systems and coordination, which has naturally increased diversity, including more women stepping into project-facing roles.
“On projects, I now regularly work alongside women leading CDE implementation, managing data workflows and supporting assurance processes. It feels more normal than it used to. There is still room for improvement at senior levels, but at delivery level the balance is shifting in a positive way”.
What’s something people often misunderstand about working in the sector?
Jacqueline: “That it’s purely technical or purely construction-focused and therefore not a natural fit for everyone.
“The built environment is ultimately about people; how we design, deliver and operate the spaces and infrastructure society relies on. The digital side is about clarity, collaboration and better decision-making.
“Also, that you don’t have to be an engineer to add value. Strategic thinking, commercial acumen, communication and leadership are just as critical as technical capability, which is exactly why the sector benefits from more diverse voices shaping its future”.
Rianna: “People often assume it’s rigid, purely technical or site-focused. In reality, digital roles in the built environment are dynamic, collaborative, and critical to project success”.
Tilly: “People often think it’s just construction sites, but there’s a huge digital and tech side to the industry that’s creative and collaborative”.
Natasha: “People often think document control is just about uploading files, but it is much more detailed than that.
“You need to make sure documents follow the correct naming conventions, go through the right review stages and are stored properly so they can be easily found. I also support with checking data before it is migrated into new systems and carrying out validation checks to make sure information deliverables meet project requirements.
“It is quite structured and requires attention to detail. A small mistake in data or file management can create issues later on, so accuracy is really important”.
Rachel: “People often think it is either very technical or very construction-heavy.
“In reality, a lot of digital delivery work is about being organised, consistent and clear. It is making sure information is in the right place, named properly, reviewed at the right time and accessible to the right people. That might sound simple, but on complex projects it makes a huge difference.
“There is also a misconception that CDE and data roles are just about systems. Most of the time, the challenge is helping people follow agreed processes and making those processes practical. It is about communication as much as it is about technology”.
What advice would you give to the next generation of women considering a career in the built environment?
Jacqueline: “Don’t wait until you feel 100% ready. Most people in this sector have learned by doing.
“Be curious. Ask questions. Get comfortable with complexity. And don’t underestimate the value of your perspective – particularly in digital roles, where challenging legacy thinking is often exactly what’s needed.
“Also, build your network early. This industry is relationship-driven, and the right mentors and allies make a huge difference.
“It’s a sector with real impact, real commercial opportunity and huge scope for innovation. If you want to shape how the world is built and operated, it’s a brilliant place to be”.
Rianna: “You don’t need to fit a mould to succeed in the built environment. The sector needs varied perspectives, communicators, innovators, and leaders. Your viewpoint adds value.
“Seek mentors and be hungry to learn. Put your hand up for opportunities that stretch you.
“The built environment is evolving, and it needs women who are ready to shape what comes next, not just adapt to it”.
Tilly: “Don’t be put off if you don’t have a typical construction background. There’s space for lots of different skills and perspectives.
“Be confident and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward for opportunities. The industry is changing, and there’s plenty of room to grow”.
Natasha: “Do not worry if you do not have a construction background. A lot of the learning happens on the job.
“Start by building strong organisational skills and getting comfortable with digital systems. If you get the opportunity to support tasks like data checks or system migrations, take it. It is a good way to develop technical knowledge step by step.
“Ask questions and try to understand why processes are set up the way they are. The more you understand the bigger picture, the more confident you will become.
“It is a supportive and practical environment. If you are reliable, detail-focused and willing to learn, there are real opportunities to grow”.
Rachel: “Do not assume you need a traditional construction background to add value. If you’re organised, curious and comfortable asking questions, you already have a strong foundation. Digital and information roles reward attention to detail and a willingness to understand how things connect across a project.
“My advice would be to get involved early in real delivery work. Volunteer to support CDE setup, help coordinate reviews, or contribute to quality processes. The best way to build confidence is through hands-on experience.
“Also, find people you can learn from. This industry is collaborative, and most people are willing to share knowledge if you show interest.
“It is a practical, fast-moving environment. If you enjoy bringing structure to complexity and seeing the tangible impact of your work on a live project, it is a rewarding place to build a career”.
As the industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that diverse perspectives, collaboration and shared experience will be key to shaping a more innovative and inclusive future for the built environment.
To learn more about Amodal and the work we’re doing across the built environment, explore our website.
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