In engineering, architecture, and land surveying, we often talk about success in technical terms, such as square footage, schedules, budgets, load calculations, and compliance. And yes, those things matter. But they aren’t the whole story.
The truth is, this work is deeply human.
Every technical decision connects back to real life in some way:
- A safer intersection means fewer crashes—and more confidence for families crossing the street.
- A well-designed public space makes it easier for people to gather, connect, and stay awhile.
- A resilient utility or stormwater system quietly protects homes, businesses, and essential services.
- A thoughtfully planned building supports wellness, accessibility, and safety from day one.
These impacts aren’t abstract. They’re things our teams see and feel once a project moves off the page and into the world.
Senior Landscape Architect Kathy Burczak describes that moment clearly. “Each time I attend a ribbon cutting or grand opening for a project we’ve worked on, it’s a reminder of why we do this.” Seeing cyclists on the Marquette Trail, people using Canal Plaza, or golfers at the Wee Course brings the purpose into focus.
That realization also shows up in smaller, everyday moments. Staff Engineer Lara Brown mentions that “driving through residential subdivisions I’ve worked on… reminds me that real people live in the places I’ve designed.” Roads and utilities may fade into the background, but people rely on them every day. CAD Technician Keri Van Antwerp captures it simply: “One day you look at them and realize, people are using this.”
Some projects make that connection impossible to ignore.
Project Manager Miranda Bishop recalls an accessible boardwalk project where the contractor shared that his daughter, who is quadriplegic, would be coming to experience it. “Knowing this project allows her, and so many others, to access and enjoy the lake is something I’ll never forget.” It’s a reminder that accessibility isn’t just a requirement; it’s personal.
Staff Engineer Maghan Homan points to projects like affordable housing, recovery support housing, and senior living communities, work that helps people stay safely housed. “Being part of that work is incredibly rewarding,” she says, and it’s easy to understand why.
More Perspectives Create Better Outcomes
If our work is about people, then who is involved in designing it matters.
Having women in STEAM isn’t just about representation; it’s about how problems get solved. Complex projects require collaboration, communication, and a willingness to look at challenges from more than one angle. When teams bring different perspectives to the table early, they tend to ask better questions and land on better solutions.
Project Engineer Liz Roberson puts it honestly: “Having a variety of perspectives on a team can be frustrating… but it always makes the project turn out better.” Our sites are used by people of all abilities and life stages, and teams that reflect that reality tend to design better outcomes.
That value shows up in both big picture decisions and small details. Maghan Homan notes that “sometimes it really helps to reach out and ask someone else for input, even if you aren’t sure they’ll have insight.” Miranda Bishop shares how a woman’s perspective made a real difference on a restroom project, details like changing stations, hooks, benches, and managing small children don’t always surface unless someone brings that lived experience to the table.
And sometimes, a different perspective changes the direction of a project entirely.
On the Five Mile Hill project, the original plan was to replace an old wooden deck with another wooden deck. Kathy Burczak and her team proposed a low retaining wall with seating and landscaping instead, more attractive and lower maintenance. That shift led to an award-winning project, reinforcing her belief that “when our teams reflect the people our projects serve, the solutions benefit everyone.”
Visibility Changes the Pipeline
Seeing someone like yourself in a role can make all the difference.
When young women see engineers, architects, surveyors, and project managers leading meaningful work, it sends a powerful message: there’s a place for you here.
Miranda Bishop speaks directly to that reality. “You may be in the minority in these fields, but that doesn’t mean you don’t belong.” She points to the organizational, leadership, and project management strengths women bring to every phase of a project.
Maghan Homan echoes that encouragement: “Be bold. Be brave. Find other women to connect with, ask questions, and absorb as much knowledge as you can.” Representation doesn’t just inspire, it helps sustain the future of the profession.
Leadership Takes Intention
Progress in STEAM doesn’t happen by accident. It takes intention, through mentorship, sponsorship, opportunity, and trust.
Kathy Burczak’s advice is refreshingly simple: “Go for it, there are no limits to what you can do.” CAD Technician Keri Van Antwerp reminds us that the payoff often comes later: “One day you’ll look at a project and be able to say, ‘I helped create that.’” And Project Manager Leah Bectel points to the breadth of opportunity available today, noting that “the opportunities, from scholarships and internships to full-time careers, are endless.”
The Future Is Better When More People Shape It
Women in STEAM aren’t waiting for their turn. They are leading teams, shaping communities, and delivering meaningful work right now.
Women in STEAM Day is a moment to celebrate that, but it’s also a reminder. When we make room for more voices and perspectives, we don’t just strengthen our industry. We strengthen the places and people our work is meant to serve.
Because at the end of the day, the built environment is a people business.
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