The construction industry has long been considered a male-dominated field. However, in recent years, more and more women have been breaking down barriers and making significant strides in this traditionally male-dominated industry. And EAPC Architects Engineers (EAPC) is proud to be part of this movement.
Headquartered in Grand Forks, ND, EAPC was founded in 1967. The company has seen significant growth in its 56 years history, specifically the last 5 years. With more than 180 employees and 10 offices throughout the United States, EAPC has played an essential role in shaping the physical environment of the communities it serves. The firm is committed to creating sustainable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing designs that meet the needs of its clients while also promoting environmental stewardship.
One area where the company has been particularly successful is in promoting gender equality in Construction Management, a subset of EAPC. The company is strongly committed to diversity and inclusion and actively works to ensure women have equal opportunities to succeed in the field. This includes actively recruiting and promoting women in leadership positions and creating a work environment that is supportive and inclusive.
The construction industry has traditionally been challenging for women to navigate. The job’s physical demands can be daunting, and the male-dominated culture can be intimidating. However, EAPC has taken steps to make the industry more welcoming for women. For example, the company offers flexible work schedules, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities that help women build the skills they need to succeed.
“Talent doesn’t have a stereotype. Establishing a culture that promotes and fosters professional growth creates opportunity and breaks down barriers. We are proud to highlight the women who work at EAPC and provide them with the support and tools they need to thrive,” explained EAPC Director of Human Resources, Noah Fischer.
One woman who has excelled at managing construction projects is Kristina (Krissy) Trowbridge, a construction assistant at EAPC.
“From the very first week at EAPC, Krissy immersed herself in the architecture and engineering world. She even attended a city council meeting representing EAPC. After that, Krissy took it upon herself to take classes and get her Construction Management certificate to better support the projects in our Western Region. She has helped us secure at least one school and one recreational project through her efforts. In addition, Krissy recently received her Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) certification to aid EAPC in our Safety Initiative. We are blessed to have motivated women like Krissy on our team,” explained Sean Sugden, EAPC Partner, and Architect.
As she explains, Krissy’s journey to get to where she is now has been marked by hard work, determination, and a willingness to go above and beyond in her position.
“As a woman in construction management, I knew that I wanted more out of my role than just being an admin assistant. I found my passion for attending construction meetings and interacting with owners and clients. To deepen my understanding, I went back to school for Construction Project Management. When my colleague, Sean, started training to become CPTED certified, I was eager to expand my role once again. I wanted to be able to make a building as safe as possible, and that’s exactly what I achieved. It’s incredibly satisfying to look at a structure and know that I played a part in its safety and construction process.”
The success of companies like EAPC in promoting gender equality in the construction management profession is a positive step forward. By actively recruiting and promoting women, creating supportive work environments, and providing professional development opportunities, these companies are helping to break down the barriers that have historically prevented women from succeeding in the field. With continued progress, the construction industry can become a more diverse and inclusive place for all.