Celebrating Women in Construction Week 2026

This Women in Construction Week, we’re proud to celebrate the talented women across Optima who drive innovation, quality, and excellence in every project.

From design to sales and estimating, these inspiring colleagues demonstrate the breadth of expertise and leadership women bring to the construction industry.

Let’s have a look at what they have to say about their roles and the construction industry.

Stephanie Cunneen, Specifications & Account Manager – Midlands & East Anglia

How does your role bridge technical knowledge and client relationships?

My role bridges technical and client relationships by translating complex specifications into clear, commercially practical solutions. I work closely with internal technical teams to fully understand product performance and compliance requirements, then align that with the client’s design intent, budget, and timeline. By understanding both sides, I can anticipate risks early, ensure specifications are accurate and deliverable, and build trust by giving clients confidence that what’s proposed will genuinely work in practice.

What trends are you seeing in specifications that are shaping the future of construction?

Sustainability is a big player now, and rightfully so! We all have a responsibility to make sure we are doing what we can. Optima are market leaders with this in mind which in turn gives me great pride when I’m able to offer solutions which I know are contributing positively.

What’s one misconception people have about specification or account management roles?

That we are sales! Nothing wrong with old fashioned sales however our roles cover so much more than that. We have a huge focus on building trust and relationships that will continue to grow for years. We want our clients to trust that when you come to us with a project in mind that we will deliver. If I’m calling to check in on a project, it’s to ensure I’m doing all that I can, not just a cold call with zero intent. 

What advice would you give women who want to move into client-facing construction positions?

I’d say don’t underestimate the value you bring. Client–facing construction roles are about communication, relationship building and credibility just as much as technical knowledge. Be confident in asking questions, invest time in understating the technicals – you’ll never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to take up space in the room. The industry is evolving and there’s real opportunity for women who are willing to step forward and own their expertise.

Ahbida Khan, Senior Marketing & Communications Executive

How does marketing shape the perception of the construction industry today?

Marketing plays an essential role in shaping how people view the construction industry, done by highlighting design, sustainability, and innovation. Through digital content, case studies, and social media platforms we can challenge the outdated stereotypes and show that construction is a dynamic industry full of varied career paths!

What strategies work best for communicating complex technical information to broad audiences?

By relating it into clear digestible information! Visual content such as short videos, infographics, and most importantly project photography can really help to simplify complicated concepts. Collaboration with teams across the business is so important to make ensure messaging is accurate. 

How can storytelling help attract more diverse talent into construction?

When people see real stories from people with different backgrounds, roles, and experiences, they find it easier to see themselves in that position. It humanizes the industry. Sharing journeys, challenges, and achievements shows the viewer that the construction industry is one where they can learn new skills, build a strong foundation, and ultimately have a successful career! Authentic stories build trust, challenges misconceptions, and make the industry feel a lot more approachable!  

What skills have been most valuable in building a career in construction communications?

Strong communication skills are so important, but curiosity and adaptability are just as important. The roles I’ve worked in have been fast paced, so being able to understand colleagues’ requirements as well as what will resonate with the market is essential. Relationship building skills are important in most roles, but being in marketing, it’s a necessity!

Rebekah Hughes, Senior Designer

What inspired you to specialise in design within construction?

I originally studied Illustration so have always been in the design field. I find the role engaging and love working alongside the architects.

Problem solving and creativity go hand in hand, so I find that as a Designer in the construction industry it ticks all the boxes.

How do you approach balancing creativity with technical and regulatory constraints?

Technical constraints are more prominent in the fire products; however, we try and explain these early stages so that we don’t experience any issues when we are well into the design stage.

Taking an architect’s intent and applying Optima products still allows for creativity and sometimes we notice things that could work better and suggest alternative options.

What’s a design detail you’re especially proud of and why?

I really love getting stuck into large projects and it’s very rewarding when you get to see the finished project after working alongside a good team of main contractors & architects, plus our own Optima team!

I am proud of all my work, but mainly the projects that have their challenges along the way as I can learn from these and apply findings to future projects.

In the early stages of being in the industry I was proud of the Barclays projects in Scotland as it was the biggest, I had taken on at the time.

What would you tell young women considering a technical design career?

I would say go for it, the industry is changing, slowly but surely and it is much more common to find design managers, designers and architects as females.

The big challenge is being confident, and this is something you learn as you go along your career.

Claire Bainbridge, Divisional Estimating Manager

What skills are most critical for success in estimating that people outside the discipline might not realise?

As Estimators we develop a sixth sense.  We recognise patterns for example, recurring risks, subcontractor’s behaviour, design issues etc which leads us to reading between the lines.  The specification and drawings are only part of our jobs.  We need to be able to see the invisible bits for example access issues, phasing, site expectations, temporary works etc.  Our skills as Estimators have led us to read the situation and adjust.  We cannot be afraid to ask for missing information and never assume.

How do you balance precision, deadlines, and stakeholder expectations in high-value bids?

It is like a controlled juggling act and communication is the key.  To balance and manage stakeholders’ expectations I use transparency and truth.  I put together a plan that works and gives us the best possible chance of securing the order when starting a new tender.  I look through the information sent and check what must be answered, by whom and when.

What’s the most complex project you’ve priced, and what did it teach you?

One of the most complex projects I have worked on is in Manchester and is part of the University.  While working on this project I learnt to admit uncertainty.  I learnt to not be afraid to ask awkward questions, to ask for help and challenge assumptions.  Looking back, I taught myself to break things down and double check information. Working on this project improved my confidence and more recent ones have felt less intimidating.  I can organise my thoughts better and not get overwhelmed.

How can companies encourage more women to pursue commercial and pre-construction roles?

Businesses need to be more open, visible, and genuinely appealing to encourage women to join construction. This could include highlighting the real experiences of women already in the industry, recruiting beyond the usual channels, and bringing in apprentices and trainees to grow into roles. Creating a culture where women want to work, through mixed-gender interview panels, clear progression paths, and giving women real responsibility, is essential. Celebrating current female employees and building partnerships with schools, colleges, and women-in-construction groups also helps shift perceptions of who these roles are for.

Alice Ronald, Design Manager

What does effective leadership look like when managing multidisciplinary design teams?

From my perspective as a design manager, effective leadership is about clarity and coordination. Good communication, timely decisions, and early risk management all help to prevent issues escalating later in the project.

How do you ensure collaboration between design and site teams from concept to completion?

Regular engagement throughout the project. From early coordination through to managing late-stage changes. This helps ensure alignment between the design and site teams.

What project challenged your problem-solving skills the most?

Every project presents challenges, but significant late-stage adjustments or unforeseen site conditions can be particularly demanding. Coordinating revised solutions quickly while maintaining programme requirements stretches problem-solving skills.

How can the industry better support women progressing into design leadership roles?

Providing opportunities to demonstrate leadership within existing roles and build confidence is important. Greater visibility of role models within the industry would also be positive.