Women are Leading the Sustainability Movement

Autumn Dean

Copeland Building Enclosure Consulting
Consultant

3 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

I bounced around a lot in college: chemistry, linguistics, aquatic biology – and eventually building science. The diverse curriculum was what hooked me at first. We explored topics ranging from the biology of wood deterioration to urban sustainable development, and everything in between. As a chronic generalist, I managed to pick an area of study that was simultaneously multidisciplinary while also being incredibly niche. My main career goal was essentially “don’t be bored.”

Now what really draws me to the field is the impact potential of a profession dedicated to the built environment. Buildings are relevant to every aspect of our lives: we live in them, work in them, and play in them, and they’re one of the main ways humans interact with the natural environment. Making buildings better is ultimately about improving the lives of the people who use them and protecting the environments they are a part of.

What inspires you to design? Do you incorporate any unique perspectives or values into your designs, and how do you think your experiences as a woman influence your work?

At the end of the day, I’m an environmentalist and humanist who just happens to have the tools of an engineer. My fascination with the world around me and the people in it is what makes this kind of work interesting, plus I’m just one of those people who is fundamentally annoyed when things go wrong when they could be prevented (like when new buildings start leaking, for example). I also think that being a mom gives me the superpower of caring deeply for the needs of the future while still meeting the needs of today, which introduces a lot of balance in my work.

Who have your role models been? Have you had any mentors throughout your career, and how have they shaped your journey in architecture?

I didn’t even know what “building science” was until I met Pat Huelman at the University of Minnesota, who went on to be my professor and mentor throughout undergrad and beyond. My classmates and I spent countless hours in his office grappling with concepts like heat transfer and moisture transport, and we still meet up with him to talk shop over coffee. Most of his students have gone on to have very successful, rewarding careers and I don’t think it’s a coincidence.

Throughout my professional career, every woman I’ve worked closely with in the AEC industry has taken extra time to share their knowledge, connections, and friendship. We all have a shared experience of working in a male-dominated environment, which makes us show up for each other in a very intentional and dedicated way. We discuss the latest technical bulletin and redline wall assemblies together, but we also learn the names of each other’s kids and brainstorm restaurants for an anniversary dinner. I’d consider most of the women who I’ve worked with in recent years to have mentored me in one way or another, whether it’s with guidance for a roofing project or with (solicited) parenting advice.

How do you think architecture can help address social issues, and how have you seen women lead the way in creating inclusive, equitable spaces?

Women are leading the sustainability movement in the AEC industry. Every event related to architecture/construction and sustainability that I’ve attended over the last several years has been largely organized and attended by women – from healthy building materials to decarbonization to socially equitable design. The buildings we spend our time in shapes how we experience our day to day lives. Recent studies show that women are generally more sensitive to their surroundings, so I think women may tend to be more aware of the social impacts design and construction can have.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

I’m hopeful that data-driven, practical, and technical solutions will continue moving to the forefront of the conversation. While I appreciate the messaging of sustainable building ordinances and certifications, a lot of them overlook the emphasis needed on durability and end up tunnel visioning on energy efficiency. Operational carbon is undoubtedly an important metric to focus reduction efforts on, but there’s a lot of other pieces to the puzzle that need to be acknowledged simultaneously.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

I recently had the opportunity to organize and lead a business development initiative on behalf of my firm as we expand to my home town. It ended up being a lot more rewarding than I anticipated a networking week to be – I met with dozens of architects and had some really insightful conversations about the challenges they’re facing in the industry and the potential of integrated design and construction. This was a big accomplishment for me as someone who’s still relatively new to the field and really boosted my confidence as an AEC professional, despite being way out of my comfort zone.

Tell us about some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on.

I really enjoy working on buildings that have sensitive or unique interior conditions, like ice rinks, pools, cold storage facilities, and art museums. The margin for error is incredibly slim for buildings with such specific humidity and temperature requirements and I enjoy the challenge, whether it’s working on the design side to prevent failures or working on the forensic side to solve failures.

I also have a soft spot for funky, old, brick buildings – especially when the project involves an investigative condition assessment, which usually requires climbing around dusty and obscure places. Not very many people get to spend their work day in the bell tower of an ancient church or the “widows walk” of a historic courthouse.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

As a young woman early in my career, I initially had some anxiety about how I would be perceived in the industry. I felt uncomfortable asking too many questions or being too personable in case I would be interpreted as too young, too eager, or too girly. In reality, you can never control what other people think of you. Don’t dumb down your enthusiasm, empathy, or kindness in favor of an old-school definition of professionalism.