2026 Women in Construction: Elisabeth Martin, FAIA, H2M architects + engineers

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What current or recently completed project, accomplishment or initiative are you most excited about, and why does it matter for your team, clients or community?

I’m most excited about Oceanside Library, the fruit of a five-year collaboration. There, all members of the client and design worked to envision and construct a center of transformative learning. With biophilic design principles and a commitment to sustainability, its human-centered design inspires a platform for collaboration and creativity. In our fractured society, its role as a welcoming place of encounter that promotes well-being is invaluable. It demonstrates how thoughtful architecture elevates human experience. More than a building, it is now a beacon of possibility and connection.

What do you wish more women knew about the opportunities available in the construction industry today?

I wish women in architecture and construction better understood the value they bring. We contribute solid management, clear communication, and construction skill, yet often feel less secure than our male counterparts. Over four decades of practice, I’ve seen greater numbers of women in construction. Oceanside Library had female carpenters, landscapers, and fire alarm technicians. Joining a team of mostly female architects and a female library director and board president, we brought success to the project. When women participate with confidence, we command a seat at the head of the table.

What habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated during a busy week?

My part-time role mentoring students as an architecture professor at NYC College of Technology helps motivate and inspire me.