2025 Women in Construction:
Dana DeCuzzi, Urban Atelier Group

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?

I believe Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption is one of the most important developments of my generation and will continue to revolutionize the design and construction phases of building. I am always trialing new products – mainly on the backend – to help our team stay on track and streamline our day-to-day work on site. That said, construction requires human intuition and strong interpersonal relationships which cannot be replaced by automation. I take great pride in walking our site every day, speaking with our subcontractors and consultants, and responding to challenges in real time.

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?

Watching my projects pop up around the New York City skyline continues to drive me. Every project comes with its own unique challenges and there are many external forces at play – zoning, site limitations, and construction logistics. We are required to wear multiple hats throughout a project’s lifeline and seeing the final product is a reminder of how multifaceted the industry is. I would encourage the next generation of women to ask uncomfortable questions, speak with conviction, and have a thick skin. Be resilient and position yourself to never be doubted when you walk in the room.

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

Going for a long walk/exercising - It gives me the confidence I need to lead a meeting.