2025 Women in Construction: Lilya Melnikova, PE, Alan Margolin & Associates

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

It’s hard to choose just one project I’m most proud of, as each one has been special in its own way. From designing a 20,000 s/f home with a cantilevered pool offering ocean views to renovating a 180-year-old church into a local restaurant, each project has challenged me creatively and technically. Whether residential, commercial, or a renovation, every project plays a key role in shaping our communities — providing housing, entertainment, or job opportunities. The impact of these structures, enhancing the lives of those who use them, is what makes them truly meaningful.

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?

My father, an electronics engineer in Russia, inspired me to pursue engineering, while my husband, Dan, has influenced my structural engineering career. Initially focused on environmental engineering, I landed an internship at a small structural firm during an economic downturn, where I met Dan. Working closely with experienced engineers gave me confidence, despite the male-dominated field. I encourage women entering A/E/C to embrace challenges, work in smaller firms for broader skill development, and take on tasks outside their roles, as they often provide invaluable experience.

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

Spending time in nature, especially by the ocean - swimming, walking, practicing yoga.

Do you have a hidden talent or a surprising fact about yourself that most people wouldn’t know?

I became a mother at a very young age and I am a certified yoga instructor.