This week, the industry comes together for Women in Construction Week to celebrate the resilience, skill, and impact of the women shaping our built environment. In 2026, the theme “Level Up. Build Strong” challenges us to raise the bar as individuals – professionally and personally. It is a call to action for growth, excellence, and collective strength within the industry.
To mark the occasion, we sat down with Hannah Maurice our Quantity Surveyor (QS), to discuss her career, the importance of mentorship, and why there has never been a better time for women to join the construction sector.
What does a typical day look like in your role?
My role involves managing costs from pre-construction through to completion. This includes preparing budgets, reviewing drawings, procuring subcontractors, and valuing works on-site to ensure projects remain financially on track. It’s a constant balance of office-based analysis – like cost reporting and negotiating variations – and on-site collaboration with site managers to review physical progress.
What is the most satisfying part of the job?
Seeing a development evolve from drawings and spreadsheets into completed homes. Knowing I played a part in delivering high-quality housing where families will build their future is really satisfying.
How is the industry “levelling up” for women?
There is a noticeable shift. We are seeing more visibility of women in leadership, better-structured support networks, and proactive mentoring schemes. While construction is still male-dominated, professionalism and knowledge get you a seat at the table. The industry is moving toward a culture of inclusion where diverse perspectives are finally being recognised as a competitive advantage.
What unique perspectives do women bring to commercial roles?
In roles like Quantity Surveying, success relies heavily on negotiation, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building.
Women bring diverse perspectives, strong communication skills, attention to detail and varying leadership styles.
Ultimately, construction benefits from a wider range of viewpoints and approaches that will allow any industry to keep growing and evolving.
What is your “golden rule” for someone just starting out?
Learn from the site teams. Practical knowledge is the most valuable currency in construction. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and take ownership of your development. Confidence grows the moment you understand how things are built on the ground, not just on paper.
Don’t be intimidated by outdated perceptions of the industry. Construction offers a huge variety of roles – from commercial and technical to design and site management.
The industry needs skilled, driven individuals, and there is absolutely space for women to thrive.
How has the industry evolved or improved for women since you began?
There is noticeably more visibility of women in leadership roles and more structured support networks, mentoring schemes, and awareness initiatives. While there is still progress to be made, the trajectory is positive.
What excites you most about the future of construction?
Innovation. Whether it’s digital technologies, sustainability initiatives, or modern methods of construction (MMC), we have an opportunity to reshape the culture of the industry alongside its processes. We aren’t just building houses; we’re evolving how the world builds.
Your take away advice for women in construction?
• Don’t be intimidated by outdated perceptions; the industry offers a huge variety of roles from technical to design.
• Seek mentors early -both in the office and on-site -to help navigate your career path.
• Be confident in your ability to learn; the industry needs skilled, driven individuals, and there is absolutely space for you to thrive.
