Construcciones Yamaro: Women leading the future of construction with Autodesk

Autodesk isn’t only advancing construction through technology; it’s creating a future where women have ample opportunity to lead, innovate and shape the industry.

While construction has long been viewed as a male-dominated industry, a profound transformation is taking shape. Women across the Asia-Pacific are redefining what it means to work in construction, and Autodesk is at the forefront of this shift, providing the tools, resources and support to make the field more accessible, inclusive and innovative.

Digital intelligence, data analytics and software that enhance collaboration are pivotal tools that have made construction an attractive, viable career path for diverse employees.

A movement gaining momentum

Gender equality in construction has seen a surge in recent years, as women take on more senior roles across the industry. Autodesk recognises this momentum, celebrating the unique contributions women bring, from technical expertise to leadership. In a field increasingly reliant on technology, the demand for a diversified skillset has never been greater – and women are stepping in to meet this need with their expertise in areas like building information modelling (BIM), project management and digital engineering.

Autodesk’s commitment to gender diversity goes beyond words. With a holistic approach to workplace inclusivity, the company is investing in initiatives, including providing technology training and supporting policies that create equitable opportunities for women to grow and succeed.

Ljubica Radoicic, APAC director of marketing and customer success at Autodesk, describes how technology is “really enabling and opening up a lot more doors and opportunities for women, bringing in a more diversified workforce.”

As construction evolves, Autodesk aims to make sure women are not just part of the industry’s future but are also leading it.

Redefining leadership

In regions like Australia and New Zealand, women are increasingly occupying leadership roles, bringing a fresh perspective to the field. Lendlease project engineer Silvia Salazar recalls her early career when she was often the only woman onsite. She faced challenges, but her perseverance has opened the door for others. Today, women are not just participating in construction; they are driving change and challenging stereotypes, she says.

Preeya Selvarajah, senior product marketing manager of APAC at Autodesk, explains that the image of construction as a “brute‑force” field is evolving. She notes that the introduction of technology and digitisation has not only diversified the skillsets needed but also created a more level playing field. This shift is evident on construction sites and design teams, where collaboration and innovation are key, rather than solely performing onsite tasks. Visibility matters, Selvarajah emphasises, as young women entering the industry now see female leaders as examples of what is possible, proving that leadership in construction is not only attainable but celebrated.

Voices from across the industry highlight the importance of a balanced work-life environment, an inclusive culture, and policies that enable women to thrive. Sally Archer, digital engineering manager at Built, discusses how diverse perspectives are invaluable: “The industry needs to be more open to being challenged in the way things are done.”

SHAPE construction planning D&C Sadaf Sharikian supports this sentiment, highlighting the unique perspectives women bring to construction – “a totally different set of skills and perspective” that enhances teamwork and leads to better outcomes.

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Women in construction. (Image: Supplied by Autodesk)

Embracing digital transformation

The rapid adoption of digital tools has reshaped construction practices across The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and Autodesk is encouraging women to take the lead in this new landscape. Autodesk’s construction partner manager, Chiamin Lau, speaks to the rewards of working in the industry, noting that attention to detail – a skill many women excel in – is essential in today’s technology-driven construction landscape. She encourages more women to consider the field, saying it’s no longer “a job in the sun,” but one that involves sophisticated technology and requires keen analytical skills.

BIM modeller Wang Weilin of KTC Civil Engineering tells Autodesk that she chose construction because it allows her to see the tangible results of her efforts. Even without directly building structures, she feels her contributions have a meaningful impact.

Women are at the forefront

The adoption of digital tools has opened the industry to new ways of working.

Autodesk technical solutions executive Monica Roquel and Welltech Construction BIM manager Zhao Yan observe that women are now at the forefront of technology implementation. They see digital intelligence and data analytics as tools that have made construction an attractive, viable career path for everyone.

Similarly, Turner & Townsend director Siti Sabariah Norman reflects on her 15-year journey in construction, noting that the industry has shifted from manual labour to intelligent processes supported by digital technology. She shares advice with young women considering the field: “Take every opportunity, every day, to do better,” adding that efforts compound over time, building expertise and success.

For Autodesk, this digital transformation is not just a trend but a vital shift that makes the industry more inclusive, enabling women with technical and analytical skills to play prominent roles.

Bringing dreams to life

In India, too, women are making strides, gaining visibility in roles previously considered out of reach. Autodesk spotlights women like Swathi Parameswaran, head of planning at L&T Realty, who is excited by the increasing presence of women on job sites. She encourages young women to embrace hands-on experiences and make the most of every learning opportunity.

“One of the things that still is mind-blowing to me is to be able to convert somebody’s vision or dream from just paper into an actual built product, and the kind of pride that you feel, I think, is incredible,” says Parameswaran.

Seema Patil of Kalpataru Limited entered the industry 15 years ago when only 10 out of her 60 classmates were women. Today, she sees a steadily growing number of women entering the field.

Nirlipta Swain, assistant manager of IT and digital at Tata Projects, recalls an early job interview where she was asked if she saw herself as a “site person or an office person.” She never allowed herself to be boxed into any role. Seeing women leaders in construction, she wondered, “Why can’t I be one of them, too?”

Swain’s story is one of resilience and ambition, encouraging women to be “changemakers” rather than waiting for the industry to change for them.

Namratha Suresh, planning manager at Shapoorji Pallonji E&C, and Jonaki Bhayani, design manager of BIM and VDC at Rustomjee, also acknowledge that while the construction industry remains male‑dominated, women have a real chance to make their mark.

Constructing tomorrow

Autodesk’s Constructing Tomorrow: Building a Dynamic Workforce for the Future report highlights the benefits of diversity, showing how a balanced workforce boosts wellbeing, improves talent retention and drives economic success. Research by McKinsey & Company adds weight to this perspective, revealing that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 21 per cent more likely to outperform in profitability.

Technology’s role in reshaping construction cannot be overstated. In Queensland, Australia, Construction Skills Queensland’s 2021 Women in Construction report reveals between 2000 and 2020, the number of women in construction doubled, demonstrating the field’s growing accessibility. By driving innovation and advocating for a culture of inclusion, Autodesk is paving the way for a construction industry where all genders are empowered to contribute and succeed.

With a renewed focus on equality, Autodesk is helping build a legacy that promises a brighter, more inclusive future for construction. Through its advocacy for gender diversity and investment in cutting-edge technology and training, Autodesk is ensuring women are not just part of construction’s story – they’re leading it. The future of construction is diverse, equitable and full of potential, with Autodesk proud to support the women transforming the industry.

The post Women leading the future of construction with Autodesk appeared first on Inside Construction.

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Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini