A record-high number of women were employed in residential construction in 2023. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) celebrated this milestone and the numerous achievements of women in the industry during the annual Professional Women in Building (PWB) Week held from September 9-13.
Between Shop Talks with industry professionals and Q&A blogs with younger builders, PWB Week was deemed a success.
Throughout discussions with industry professionals, it became evident that no two women in the field have the same experience.
NAHB recently spoke with three leaders from BuilderTrend’s “Working Differently, Building Better: Women’s Innovations in Construction” session at the PWB Lounge during the 2024 International Builders’ Show to learn about their breakthroughs, challenges as women in a male-dominated space, and hopes for the industry's future.
Yvonne Johnson, co-founder of Reclaimed Karma, a boutique design and build firm, shared her unexpected start in home building. Johnson began refurnishing furniture from Facebook Marketplace for her own home. After posting a picture on social media, she immediately received interest from a buyer.
“The next thing you know, our dining room table was gone,” said Johnson. This event marked the birth of their business.
Following a negative experience with a contractor, Yvonne and her husband Chris began renovating their own home out of necessity. They learned remodeling skills on the fly with help from a mentor. A friend connected to HGTV suggested they pitch an idea for a TV show despite their limited experience at that time.
“The power of yes is crazy,” said Johnson. “If you just keep saying yes to things, you can figure them out, but you have to follow through.” Their pilot episode aired in 2017.
Breaking into home building has its challenges for women. Despite employing 1.3 million women in residential construction in 2023, many face hardships less frequently experienced by their male counterparts.
“The challenges that I’ve faced being that I’m not just a woman but I’m a minority woman — this is my life every single day,” said Johnson. “As a woman, some of the challenges I face are being heard, being seen and being respected."
“One way I’ve overcome those things is by learning my trade," she continued. "I pour myself into education and educating other women so we can speak louder — not vocally louder but so that we are heard, seen and respected because we know what we’re doing.”
There is hope that future generations will find it easier to adjust to the industry dynamics.
“Now that there’s more women in commercial construction management programs and trade schools — not only management programs but trade schools — the stigma is starting to break down,” said Heather Tankersley, co-owner of Tankersley Construction.
Women now represent 10.8% of the construction workforce—a figure increasing annually since 2012.
“I’ve always found that if I ask any person in trades they’re willing to teach or give advice,” added Tankersley.
Ensuring younger women have ample opportunities and proper education remains key—especially amid an ongoing labor shortage.
“It’s always overlooked that 51% of our population is female," said Meghan Billings, owner of Meg & Co. Designer Homes. "They don’t realize there are amazing careers in this industry where they can control their hours, be their own boss while making good money.”
Building on PWB Week's excitement, NAHB's 2025 PWB Awards for Councils of the Year, Member of the Year and Woman of the Year remain open through October 7 for nominations recognizing outstanding women in construction. Winners will receive national recognition through NAHB media outlets such as Building Women Magazine.