Our Top Picks: Women-Owned Construction Companies to Follow
In an industry historically built by and for men, the rise of women-owned construction companies isn’t just inspiring—it’s revolutionary. These firms aren’t just making buildings—they’re making history.
Why You Should Follow Them
Because visibility changes the game.
When we see women thriving in leadership roles, running successful construction firms, and taking up space where they once weren’t allowed, we all benefit—especially the next generation. Following these companies is more than just business. It’s a statement. It’s saying: We belong here. We’re building more than walls—we’re building legacies.
Let’s Talk Numbers
Globally, less than 1% of construction companies are fully women-owned.
Let that sink in. Out of thousands—tens of thousands—of firms pouring concrete, framing cities, and shaping skylines, only a handful are led by women.
This isn’t just about business—it’s about access, power, and centuries of exclusion.
For much of modern history, women weren’t just discouraged from entering construction—they were barred.
They were seen as distractions, liabilities, or simply invisible.
They couldn’t enroll in technical universities.
They weren’t allowed into unions.
They weren’t hired for apprenticeships.
They were told, “This is men’s work.”
And yet—despite it all—here we are: Women are founding firms. Managing multimillion-dollar builds. Designing cities. Running crews. Training the next generation. Not because it was easy. But because we belong here.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just a “nice to have” statistic to improve.
When women lead in construction, projects perform better. Teams communicate more. Safety improves. Innovation increases. Because different perspectives build better.
But we’re not there yet. Women may be on the job site—but they’re still not at the table in the boardroom. They’re still pitching twice as hard to be taken half as seriously.
So when we find those rare 1%—the women who broke through, who dared to start something of their own—we don’t just admire them. We celebrate them. We support them. We follow them. Because every firm they build is another door kicked open. Every leadership title is another glass ceiling shattered. And every little girl who sees a woman in a hard hat, holding a blueprint, running a site—she grows up knowing this industry wasn’t just built for men. It was built for her, too.
Who Are They?
These women-led firms are shaking up the industry—and not quietly (thank goodness). They’re leading teams, transforming skylines, and proving that women don’t just belong in construction—they thrive in it.
Adroit Construction (Australia)
Founder: Kim Grove
One of the few female-led construction companies in the region, Kim is known for balancing bold commercial builds with a strong commitment to inclusive hiring.
GEM Industrial Solutions (Canada)
Founder: Gina Cody
Dr. Gina Cody is a legend—not only did she become the first woman in Canada to earn a PhD in building engineering, but she later founded a thriving construction consultancy and became a trailblazer in workplace diversity.
Build Like A Girl (South Africa)
Founder: Tshiamo Legoale
This social enterprise trains young women in construction skills like tiling, plumbing, and painting, then connects them to real-world jobs. It’s not just a company—it’s a movement.
ArchiWildish Construction Group (UK)
Founder: Lorna Wildish
A boutique, but mighty general contractor in the UK, Lorna’s firm specializes in heritage restorations and design-led renovations. Her leadership style emphasizes collaboration, education, and supporting women into leadership.
McKissack & McKissack (USA)
CEO: Cheryl McKissack Daniel
One of the oldest African American-owned architecture and construction firms in the U.S. With over $15 billion in completed projects, Cheryl continues a family legacy that spans 100+ years.
The Build Firm (USA)
Co-Founders: Carla Y. Thompson & Kimberly A. Slaughter
Based in Texas, this firm is known for its woman-led, community-driven development projects. They focus on equity and sustainability while mentoring young women through internships and apprenticeship programs.
What About Denmark?
Denmark is known for innovation, design, and sustainability—but even here, the construction sector is still catching up when it comes to gender equality. Women make up just around 9% of the construction workforce—and only a fraction of those are company owners. But a powerful shift is happening, and these Danish women are paving the way:
Boss Ladies – Byg Branchekvinder
Founded by Dorthe Mathiesen, Boss Ladies is more than a platform—it’s a revolution. This community connects women across all levels of the construction industry through mentorships, events, and storytelling. It’s not a firm in the traditional sense, but it’s actively building up the women who will lead future firms.
ROSAIX
Led by construction architect Catalina Trandafir, passionate about merging creativity and construction, ROSAIX is part company, part community. With a mission to bring more inclusion, design excellence, and women into the field, it’s one of the rising women-led forces in the Danish building scene. (yes, we’re cheering for ourselves here too 🙂 )
WIC DK – Women in Construction Denmark
While not yet a formal company, this growing network connects Danish women in construction through seminars, site visits, and community. Some of its members have already started their own firms—or are on the verge. This space is bursting with potential.
Want to See More Women-Owned Firms in Denmark?
So do we. And here’s how we get there:
- Invest in women-led ideas
- Mentor women in trades, design, and site management
- Shout out local female entrepreneurs in construction
- Start your own firm—or support the one your colleague just founded
If you know of a women-owned construction business in Denmark we should feature—DM us, tag us, or email us. We’re constantly updating our list and would love to highlight more homegrown talent.
Why It Matters
When a little girl walks past a construction site and sees a woman in charge, something shifts.
She stops asking, “Can I?” And starts saying, “I will.”
We need women-owned firms not just to challenge the status quo, but to become the new standard. There’s a quiet revolution underway—something we like to call the Triple C (CCC). Yes, we need cranes, contracts, and concrete to build our cities. But just as importantly, we need courage, compassion, and community to build our future. Because true progress isn’t just measured in square meters—it’s measured in how we lift each other while we rise. And we need more hard hats that come in ponytail-compatible sizes—not for fashion, but for function.
Let’s Build Together
Every girl deserves to grow up in a world where she sees herself in every role—especially the ones they told her weren’t for her. Let’s follow, support, and amplify the women who are rebuilding this industry from the ground up. Not just for themselves—but for the ones coming after.
Because when she sees it, she believes it. And when she believes it—She builds it.
With gratitude & ambition,
CATALINA TRANDAFIR
Founder, The BuildHer Network
