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What you will learn from this episode: 

• Some challenges I still face being the only girl on the jobsite

• The importance of clear communication

• How to remain professional while handling uncomfortable situations

In today’s episode, I’m going back to the basics. What it’s really like being the only girl on the jobsite.

I don’t want to water down the fact that it is very challenging to be the only girl on the jobsite. My goal is not to make these challenges go away but to lessen that challenge for all women in this industry.

I have heard from a lot of you lately, particularly designers, about some of the challenges you are facing on these jobsites. I want to share a few strategies to take with you next time you walk onto a jobsite.

You may think that I don’t encounter uncomfortable situations after 29 years of working in this industry, but I still do. Yes, my role on projects is easier now than it was 20 years ago, but it’s not always easy. Every project is different, and they all come with their own challenges.

One project I am currently working on unfortunately has some disconnect, for many reasons. When multiple people are working on a project, most issues are due to a lack of communication.

And everyone who has been listening to me for a while knows that I’m all about communication.

When there are professionals hired for their specific skill set, they should be giving their professional opinion, not agreeing to do whatever makes us happy. A jobsite is a collaboration of professionals bringing their knowledge and experience together. Everyone should expect EQUAL collaboration.

I want to empower you, especially designers, that you can ask for someone to bring the skills that you have hired them to bring to the table.

And don’t be afraid to speak up if someone does or says something that makes you uncomfortable.

We can’t control all of the contractors or trades on every single project, but there are ways to deal with certain situations that may come up. It’s important to remain professional and build a good rapport with those you work with to have a smooth working relationship throughout your projects.

I hope the stories I’ve shared today make you feel like you’re not alone in dealing with these challenging situations. They will probably never go away but can be managed with strategies and confidence to nip them in the bud and finish your projects strong.

If you haven’t already, make sure to sign up for my email newsletters. I send one on Tuesday with this podcast and one on Friday specifically for either homeowners or designers. If you are a designer, please make sure to click on the box for designers, because it does include different content. Visit www.devignierdesign.com and scroll to the bottom to sign up.

Please reach out if you have any questions, or I can offer any advice on your current project. You can reach me at renee@devignierdesign.com or DM me on Instagram @devignierdesign.

Like this Episode?

• Be sure to check out Episode #53: Building & Maintaining Relationships on a Construction Site

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