Celebrating International Women’s Day and Women in Construction Week

This year, we are celebrating International Women's Day and Women in Construction Week by highlighting women who are breaking barriers and stereotypes in the construction industry.

We have asked a handful of women who are cost and project managers to detail their inspiration behind building a career and their experiences at KAM.

Emma Moore has over six years' experience working on commercial and residential projects and is a cost manager at KAM. She has stated:

"The built environment shapes the world around us, ideas go from being jotted down on paper or napkin to tangible spaces that contribute to our economies and communities. After gaining experience in an entirely different industry, I recognised I loved working on multiple different projects with moving parts and enjoyed the cost analysis side of helping determine decisions. The construction industry is the perfect blend of a structured career but also exciting, innovating, sociable, and I'm not always at my desk because we get to visit site! The idea of being involved in large scale projects really excited me and I realised I wanted to be part of that process. 

I saw the male-dominated nature of the construction industry not as a barrier, but as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective, new ideas and to challenge outdated sterotypes.

One of my proudest achievements at KAM has been playing a key role in the cost management of an industrial project at Hemel Hempstead. I was tasked with ensuring the project stayed on budget during the early stages, to the demolition and the completion of the main works. As well as being able to see this impressive warehouse being built and within the key drivers of time, cost and quality; I became a valued member of the project team and enjoyed building new relationships with both the client and the contractor. 

KAM has an amazing team spirit and a shared sense of community and excellence that resonates through the multiple offices. The KAM team is forward thinking and forward looking, and includes people from all backgrounds which brings a wide range of knowledge, skills and ideas into projects. KAM is about completing our projects to the highest quality and standard, I always feel like I am aiming to achieve the best and I am always learning. Being part of KAM makes me feel excited about contributing to the growth of the business and the future of the industry."

Cannis Lam, an associate cost manager with over 10 years' experience, commented:

"I have always been fascinated by how things are built and the impact that construction has on shaping the world around us. Growing up, I loved seeing projects come to life, from small buildings to large infrastructure. I was drawn to the idea of being part of that transformation and contributing to projects that would stand the test of time. The dynamic nature of the construction industry, with its problem-solving challenges and opportunities for innovation, really appealed to me. I wanted to be involved in something tangible and impactful, and construction offered exactly that."

Amy Wesley is a senior associate project manager at KAM and has been with the business for over 10 years. She has said: 

"I’ve always been in awe of buildings; the way they’re designed, the materials they’re built out of and curious about how they’re built. I really value historical buildings; I appreciate architecture and how construction methods have changed over time. I am technically minded and have always sought to understand a buildings purpose and function. I knew I had to be in construction. 

I’m really proud of a completed project where everyone collaborates to build something awesome. The more challenging the project, the more proud I am of what we have achieved as a team.

I’m proud to work at KAM because I literally feel we are one team delivering excellence!"

Helen Elliott, who is an associate project manager with over 15 years' experience in a wide range of sectors, commented: 

"A career in construction offers a dynamic and rewarding path which provides opportunities for diverse skill development and the chance to contribute to projects which shape communities and create spaces that people use every day. You can directly see the results of your work. Construction offers a wide range of career paths so you can specialise based on your interests and abilities. You get to collaborate with diverse teams and develop excellent problem-solving skills. The industry is also constantly evolving with new technologies, building techniques and new regulations offering opportunities to keep learning and development to keep at the forefront of the industry.

KAM is all about the team; working together, sharing ideas and supporting each other which is a great environment to work and thrive in. KAM is also always looking forward in the drive for continued excellence which is exciting to be a part of.  Being part of KAM putting the team and the client at the heart of everything we do offers a rewarding and positive place to work."