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    "Diverse teams are now a given, and I’m proud to see so many talented women leading in various disciplines at Unispace."" 

    Kelly Mewett
    Principal, Preconstruction at Unispace

     

    As more women step into leadership roles in construction, the industry is evolving to become more inclusive and diverse. Kelly Mewett, Preconstruction Principal for Unispace, has built a successful career by embracing challenges, leading teams and advocating for positive change. Here, she shares her perspective on industry shifts, the importance of sustainability and how women can navigate and thrive in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

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    What excites you the most about working in the construction industry, how do you stay passionate about your role at Unispace every day?

    Continuous learning is what excites me the most. At Unispace, two days are never the same given the breadth of clients we’re lucky to partner with, from law firms to pharmaceutical companies. What’s wonderful is being able to join the dots and transfer skills between those projects, harnessing both the successes and challenges. I also enjoy bringing together talented teams and using that collective experience to build a winning and successful solution.

    What’s one project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of and what makes it stand out for you? 

    There are so many projects to choose from!

    I particularly love working on historical buildings and in challenging existing environments. We get to problem-solve and bring added value to our clients. Breathing new life into existing buildings is not just rewarding, but also necessary. We have a role to play in protecting our environment for future generations and sustainable solutions should be part of the DNA of the construction world.

    What positive changes have you seen in the industry that have made it more welcoming for women in construction?

    There’s still a long way to go industry-wide, but looking back, 25 years ago, I’d often be the only female in a room. While that was fairly normal at the time, I’m happy to say it’s so much different now.

    At Unispace, in particular, we have a powerful team of women leading in various disciplines, and diverse teams are now a given.

    How do you foster an environment of positivity and collaboration on your projects, especially when working with diverse teams?

    My style is based on collaboration. We are working together as one team, and if we’re all driving toward the same goal and pulling in the same direction, we will make a success of the project. It's essential that everyone is heard and has a voice - if a team member feels they haven’t been listened to, I haven’t done my job.

    This approach applies to everyone - customers, supply chain partners, internal teams and beyond. Honesty and compassion are also at the top of my priority list. We are all people who want to deliver exemplary service and welcome future business. Happy clients remain a top goal.

    What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women looking to climb the ladder in traditionally male-dominated industries?

    Be your authentic self.

    Find the balance between being heard and respectful, and embrace vulnerability. Lean into the discomfort sometimes - stepping outside your comfort zone will be rewarding and always treat every day as a learning opportunity. Help others wherever you can, and most importantly, ace your job to the best of your ability!
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