In episode 4 of Excavate, Beyond Brick & Mortar, we continue to share our enthusiasm about women making a difference in the built environment and introduce Lynn Simon, Senior VP of Sustainability Practice at Thornton Tomasetti. At this leading global engineering firm, Simon and her team incorporate sustainability systems into the buildings they create, including energy efficiency, indoor air quality and the utilization of healthy building materials.

Simon’s father, who is 87 and also an architect, took her to see buildings around Union Station and Olvera Street in Los Angeles when she was a child, so she had the good fortune of learning about the industry through those trips. She notes:

“There’s not enough discussion when career counselors are working with young people about the fact that there are roles within the AEC community and I think I had that opportunity with having a father who was an architect.”

When asked why she would encourage a pursuing a career in this industry, she says:

“A career in the architecture-engineering-construction industry is different every single day. It’s creative. It’s collaborative and there are lots of opportunities and different types of experiences that one can have in those careers.”

Keenly aware of the conservative nature of construction industry, Simon senses it is evolving and she is a vocal advocate for the significant elevation of women within the profession, especially in leadership and board positions. She offers some wise words to women to further this end:

“My advice to women is to become a licensed professional. Having a credential is exceedingly important for women and instant credibility which is highly valuable and important.”

She believes those in the AEC industry have an incredible amount to contribute to making our society and communities more sustainable and states:

“We underestimate our value in the contribution we can make to a thriving society.”

LISA couldn’t agree more.

Excavate, Beyond Brick & Mortar showcases the stories of influencers who are shaping the future of the built environment and flourishing in the industry. We believe that by seeing the possibilities, new talent can envision and create their future.

We hope you enjoy our exploration of the many facets and personalities in the built environment.