2025 Women in Construction: Sharon Small, JT Magen

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

BlackRock’s new offices at 50 Hudson Yards required Platinum certification from the beginning of this large, multi-year project. Platinum projects cannot let LEED requirements slip through cracks. I review all construction materials for LEED compliance AND adequate documentation. I collect monthly waste reports to check the diversion rate and total waste. I check and photograph all Indoor Air Quality measures on site. LEED Indoor Air Quality testing required intense coordination with the project schedule. When the project achieved Platinum certification, it was a victory for the whole team.

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?

Larger companies made public commitments to investors and customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in both operations and construction projects. For construction projects, this affects how equipment is fueled or powered and how the fuel and power are tracked. It also means accounting carefully for material quantities, especially steel and concrete, and the amount of GHG emissions created during their manufacture and shipment. More manufacturers will need Environmental Product Declarations and more installers will need to track fuel use and material quantities.

What’s your favorite way to recharge or get inspired outside of work? Movement! It can be a barre class, swimming laps, tennis, shooting hoops or just using the stairs!