2023 Women in Construction: Rose Williams, Unispace

In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of? As a part of Unispace’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) and wellbeing initiatives, I have been instrumental in building out a strategy to expand the company’s supplier base to include more women and minority-owned businesses, and to enrich employee wellbeing in the workplace. DEIB and wellbeing are top of mind to many Unispace clients, so prioritizing these initiatives makes a measurable impact on employees, businesses, organizations and communities worldwide. I believe that being on the forefront of Supplier Diversity trends is a differentiator for Unispace and have worked tirelessly to make this a reality. 

What was a pivotal point in your career? Last year I was given the opportunity to relocate from New Zealand to the United States and expand my focus from Unispace’s New Zealand construction market to the North American construction market. Today, I lead and manage a high-performing sales team for Unispace in New York, and this has been an incredible shift for me as the North American market is by far more diverse and fast-paced than the industry in New Zealand, and the opportunities here are endless. 

Which professional associations or organizations would you recommend to women who are starting out in the AEC industry?
• The Women Builders Council (WBC), which empowers women and promotes diversity throughout the construction industry. 
• PWC New York, which supports, advances and connect women and promotes diversity in the industry. 
• CREW Network, which aims to transform the commercial real estate industry by advancing women globally. 
• The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), which offers education, support, and networking to help women in construction build their careers.
• Wellness for Women in Real Estate (WWIRE), which promotes and connects strong women in CRE through wellness and fitness events.

How can AEC companies recruit more women? First, I would say start early – engage with young women at the college and university level, participate in classes and workshops, provide internship opportunities and partner with student organizations to find and recruit rising female talent. Additionally, I find having women in leadership positions can help attract more women into the AEC industry. When a company has a lot of women leaders, it shows they are progressive. Unispace is a leading example of this – we have many women in positions of leadership, and we are continuously striving to challenge ourselves to do better on DEIB. 

What is your favorite building in New York? I love so many buildings in New York, it’s hard to pick just one! But one of my favorite newer buildings is the 1 Hotel building in Dumbo. I love the progressive and sustainable architecture, and the hotel’s farm-to-table approach in its dining area is also a huge draw. As a bonus, this space has some of the best cocktails and views in the city.