2025 Women in Construction: April Royster, CitiQuiet Windows

What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community? 

I’m most proud of leading an interior window project to provide soundproofing for a building housing women recently released from incarceration. With limited funds, an above-ground train creating noise, and a tight timeline, our team successfully delivered on budget, met noise cancellation goals, and beat the deadline, providing these women with a safe, quiet place to rebuild their lives. This project allowed me to combine my passion for windows with a meaningful impact on a vulnerable community.

What trends or innovations do you believe will shape the future of your field, and how are you positioning yourself (or your firm) to be at the forefront? 

Energy efficiency, driven by local Law 97 and its 2030 deadline, will be a game-changer for the window industry. Our firm is positioning itself at the forefront by becoming approved by ConEdison and NYSERDA to install energy-efficient interior and replacement windows. These windows qualify for valuable incentives, aligning with NYC’s push for energy efficiency. As demand for innovative, energy-saving solutions grows, we see this as a major opportunity for both industry growth and environmental progress.

What’s your favorite way to recharge or get inspired outside of work?

Spending time with my daughters, traveling with my husband, and volunteering with NYC Junior League. 

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry?

I’m most inspired by the women in the A/E/C industry who have paved the way for change and success. Their resilience and drive have not only shaped the industry but continue to push it forward. Without these trailblazing women, the industry wouldn’t evolve as quickly, and the path for future generations would not have been as clearly defined. My advice to the next generation is to keep pushing boundaries, knowing that your presence is critical to the industry’s growth and transformation.