The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry has been shaped by the dedication, resilience, and brilliance of women who paved the way for future generations. From engineering marvels to architectural masterpieces, their contributions continue to inspire and elevate the built environment.
Emily Roebling: Aime Dupont
Emily Roebling played a pivotal role in completing the Brooklyn Bridge, stepping in as de facto chief engineer when her husband fell ill. While caring for both her ailing husband and son, she managed daily communications with workers, oversaw construction progress, and immersed herself in engineering principles—defying societal expectations of the time. Through her leadership and perseverance, the bridge was completed in 1883, becoming the world’s longest suspension bridge and the first to use steel cables. She was the first to cross it, carrying a rooster as a symbol of victory, and later walked alongside President Chester Arthur during its grand opening. Roebling’s legacy stands as a testament to the resilience, intellect, and unwavering dedication of women in engineering, inspiring generations to come.
Elsie Eaves: Walter P. Reuther Library (1828)
Elsie Eaves broke barriers as the first female member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the first woman to earn a civil engineering degree from the University of Colorado in 1920. A visionary in construction data analysis, she pioneered statistical tracking of construction activity, influencing policy and economic recovery efforts during the Great Depression and post-WWII rebuilding. As a founding member of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), Eaves mentored aspiring engineers and actively promoted career opportunities for women in the field. Her leadership and contributions reshaped the profession, establishing a foundation for greater inclusion.
Julia Morgan: PasadenaNow
Julia Morgan, the first woman licensed as an architect in California, redefined the profession through her innovation and technical mastery. Over her prolific career, she designed more than 700 buildings, including the iconic Hearst Castle. A pioneer in reinforced concrete, she advanced its use for both durability and aesthetic appeal, making structures safer and more resilient. Her meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering vision shattered barriers for women in architecture, proving that technical expertise and artistry go hand in hand. Morgan’s groundbreaking work set new standards in design and opened doors for more women to pursue careers in architecture.
Norma Merrick Sklarek: Blackpast.org
Norma Merrick Sklarek was one of the first Black female architects in the United States. A woman of firsts, she graduated from Columbia University in 1950—one of only two women and the only African American in her class—before forging a path in an industry that offered few opportunities to women, let alone women of color. Despite these challenges, she led major projects such as the Pacific Design Center and Terminal One at LAX, earning recognition for her technical expertise and leadership. In 1980, she became the first African American woman inducted into the AIA College of Fellows, the profession’s highest honor, and later co-founded the first woman-owned architectural firm led by an African American woman. A lifelong advocate for inclusivity, she served on numerous professional boards, mentoring and opening doors for future generations. In 2008, her impact was honored with the AIA’s Whitney M. Young Jr. Award for championing diversity in architecture. Sklarek’s legacy endures in the structures she helped shape and in the countless women and minorities she inspired to pursue careers in AEC.
Ray Eames: Peter Stackpole/The LIFE Picture Collection, via Getty Images
Ray Eames, a pioneering designer and architect, seamlessly blended art, industry, and function to shape modern design. Working alongside her husband, Charles, she revolutionized furniture and industrial design, introducing innovative materials like molded plywood and fiberglass to create pieces that remain timeless icons. Her influence extended beyond furniture into architecture, film, and exhibition design, changing the way people interact with spaces and objects in everyday life. By making high-quality, functional design accessible, she challenged conventions and expanded the role of women in architecture and industrial design.
The Brooklyn Bridge: Shutterstock
The contributions of these women remind us of the strength and innovation that define our industry. As we honor the legacies of these trailblazers, we also recognize the countless women making an impact today—shaping skylines, advancing technology, and redefining the industry. Their work is a testament to the power of vision and determination. We celebrate their achievements and remain committed to fostering a profession where talent and leadership are recognized, diversity is championed, and all voices are heard and valued.
Hearst Castle: Abbie Warnock-Matthews/Shutterstock
#WomenInHistory #WomenInAEC #InternationalWomensDay