Women in Construction

March 2022 - When you think of an industry dominated by men, construction might be one of the first that comes to mind. The Campus Renewal Project is doing its part to change that. Dozens of women, from architects and engineers, to carpenters and project managers, are setting an example for those who may be inspired to pursue similar careers. 

In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week, we’d like to introduce you to some of the BJC women of Campus Renewal.

Donna Ware, BJC Executive Director, Planning & Design

Donna has a master of architecture (MArch) degree and has worked in her current field for nearly 25 years. Having led the planning and design teams for Campus Renewal Phase 1 (Barnes-Jewish Parkview Tower and St. Louis Children’s Hospital expansion, which opened in early 2018) and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, which opened in late 2019, Donna lends her expertise to the next phase of Campus Renewal.

What drew you to healthcare?

When pursuing my graduate degree, I had a significant interest in how the built environment could impact people’s behavior.  My first job after college, I was put on a healthcare project and the light bulb went off – I recognized there was no greater way to impact peoples’ lives through architecture than in the area of healthcare.

How have you seen the industry evolve since you’ve been in it? Are there more women?  

Yes – definitely more women in the field of architecture now than when I started.  Also, I have seen progress in how people react when I tell them I am an architect. 

How do you feel that having a workforce of people from all walks of life impacts a project?

We can only design based off our personal experiences but no one else has the same experiences as me.  Differences in perspecitives and experiences amongst design professionals brings design solutions that create environments that can make more people feel welcome and supported in our projects.

Are you involved in any professional groups?

I am a local board member for the ACE Mentor Program, which focuses on exposing more young people, minorities and women, to the fields of architecture, construction and engineering.  If we are going to expect more diversity in these professions, we need to find ways to create a more diverse candidate pool.

Steph Kroener, BJC Senior Activation Manager

Steph is a registered nurse, with a bachelor of science in nursing. Having extensive nursing and management experience at St. Louis Children’s Hospital for more than 30 years, Steph joined Campus Renewal nine years ago and co-leads the activation efforts for the project, serving as a liaison between hospital departments and the design-build team.  

Why did you decide to become a nurse?

When I graduated in the 70s from a small town high school, girls were encouraged to go into nursing or teaching. I knew right away I wanted to help people. I was the first in my family to enter nursing profession. Today, my sister and two nieces are all working in different types of nursing care.

If you’ve changed careers, why?

During nursing school, I was assigned in my pediatric rotation to the neuro/neurosurgery floor in St. Louis Children’s Hospital. Then I knew I wanted to work in pediatrics. That was 42 years ago.  

After becoming a manager 29 years ago, I helped moved patients from an old building to the current site of the main Children’s Hospital. As the building grew, and as units moved, I got more involved in design and in improvement process committees, interacting with staff from all areas. When the Children’s Hospital expansion was being discussed in 2012, I applied for the activation position to be a liaison for all staff and to share their input with the project team and designers.

How have you seen the industry evolve since you’ve been in it?

There are so many more women in design and construction. In my nine years, I think there is more respect for what women have to offer. Our team has a focus to ensure that we are looking for opportunities for everyone in the workplace to have a seat at the table.

How do you feel that having different perspectives, including clinical background such as yours, improves the project?

People with different experiences bring new and different ideas to the table. Our goal is always to improve what we are designing and building for the patients, and that won’t happen if we all think the same.

Would you encourage more women to get into these fields? If so, why?

Of course! I presented at my kids’ high school because I knew they thought nursing school led to a very defined job. I wanted to share that they can take the skills they learn and apply them to other fields, like design and construction. I can help translate the patient, family and staff experience to improve design and how the final product affects them. Management skills have helped me guide hospital staff to problem solve during design and to find the positive when it might not turn out exactly as they wanted.

What is your hope for the future of women in the planning, design and construction industry?

That all members of the construction team continue to show respect for ideas women bring to the project and that as an equal partner, we are relied upon as a resource and advisor.

Kathy Bretsch, Project Communications

Kathy has a bachelors degree in journalism and an MBA. Kathy joined BJC Planning, Design & Construction in 1997 and has led the communications efforts for many of BJC’s large construction projects, including the construction of the Center for Advanced Medicine (opened in 2002), Barnes-Jewish Parkview Tower and St. Louis Children’s Hospital expansion (opened in 2018) and the new Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital (opened in 2019).

Why did you pursue a journalism degree?

I’m curious, and that’s essential to journalism and writing. I was always able to put thoughts and sentences together, first in my head, and then on paper. I figured I could turn that into a career. Once I took my first journalism class, I knew that writing was my calling. The MBA came a few years into my career when I wanted to expand my business acumen. 

How many years have you been in your current field of work?

I joined BJC Planning, Design and Construction in 1997. For 17 of my 28 years at BJC, I've told stories about construction and the people who build BJC hospitals.

What drew you to planning, design and construction field and why?

My curiosity. Construction is fun to watch – who doesn’t like to watch demolition or a new building rising from the ground and wonder how it all comes together! I quickly learned there is so much more to construction than meets the eye. It’s a fascinating and evolving field, and one in which I continue to learn.

How have you seen the industry evolve since you’ve been in it? More diversity, more women?

Absolutely. There were few women 28 years ago, especially in leadership roles and in the trades. It’s encouraging to see so many female engineers, architects, project managers and tradespeople.    

How do you feel that having different perspectives improves the project?

If everyone thought the same, or had the same perspectives and backgrounds, wouldn’t this world be boring? Smart minds that don’t always agree, that can compromise, and that can appreciate the validity of other perspectives can work together to create some wonderful things.

What is your hope for the future of women in the planning, design and construction industry?

I know it’s hard for young people to picture themselves in a career, especially if they have zero exposure or experience with it. I hope young women are introduced to the possibilities and realize what tremendous opportunities there in whatever field they choose.