2026 Women in Construction: Naya Taneja, SPECTOR companies

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 by corporate and hospitality projects where thoughtful space planning and clear construction documents shape how people experience a space every day. I take pride in creating clean, coordinated drawing sets with fully resolved decisions, knowing they help teams build with confidence and clarity. For me, this work shows that attention to detail and care for process can directly influence how successful, and enjoyable, a project is for everyone involved.

What do you wish more women knew about the opportunities available in the construction industry today? I wish more women knew that design and construction are highly collaborative and don’t require having every answer on day one. Projects are shaped by teams, where attention to detail, coordination, and problem-solving are just as valuable as big ideas. Meaningful design work exists throughout the process, from space planning to ceiling layouts, and noticing issues early, speaking up, and advocating for clarity builds confidence, trust, and long-term respect.

What habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated during a busy week? I kick off the week by sorting my to-do list turning chaos on paper into a clear plan.

What is something outside of work that brings you energy, balance or creativity? I get my best energy from creating things – crafts, DIY, or hands-on projects for fun.

Share one fun or unexpected detail about yourself that colleagues might not know. I get a quiet thrill when every annotation in a drawing set is perfectly in place.