2026 Women in Construction: Nancie Allen, NCIDQ, IIDA, JZA+D

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?

For Homeworks Trenton, a non-profit dedicated to providing a boarding school experience to young women attending public high schools, JZA+D designed a dormitory-style residence now under construction and expected to open this Spring. Adapting and expanding an existing historic Trenton home, this exciting project expands the number of scholars served, with apartments for live-in staff, a full kitchen, study spaces and more. Homeworks scholars participated in our design process, gaining valuable exposure to AEC professions while contributing to the design of their future home away from home.

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

The number of women in the AEC industry is growing, including in positions in design, project management, engineering, construction, and leadership. We are also seeing more women running their own firms. These trends are accompanied by an increase in opportunities for us to network and learn, including a national leadership conference for women in architecture, and a widely attended annual state-wide Women in Business conference featuring valuable sessions and inspirational speakers. Women supporting women is a positive development that strengthens our personal and professional communities.

What emerging challenge or opportunity do you see shaping the construction industry in the next few years, and how are you preparing for it?

It’s the universal challenge these days: AI. Apart from concerns of reducing job opportunities, AI also poses a risk of limiting personal interaction between designer and client, obstructing the natural evolution of a design. But it has become a tool in my arsenal for increasing productivity. I use it to generate possible finish palettes, to be developed further with input from colleagues and our client, or to produce test space plans – sometimes with humorous oversights – which we then build upon to meet the client’s needs. We use AI as a tool, without it replacing the entire process.

What is one piece of advice or perspective you would share with women beginning their careers in the construction industry?

Self confidence when presenting and speaking is critical, particularly in a field that remains mostly male. Speaking with conviction and competency garners respect for your knowledge and reliability. Time management and organization are also key: tracking details and working efficiently ensure projects stay on track without costly errors or delays. And networks are important, not only for career connections and job hunting but as resources for being effective. For example, product representatives often help me with research, saving us time and presenting options we may not have known about.

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

I listen to music: instrumental for urgent tasks, vocal music for lighter ones, high-energy tracks to break afternoon slumps.

What is something outside of work that brings you energy, balance or creativity?

As a new mom I am still developing balance in my home/work life. I’m open to learning from others what they have found works!

Share one fun or unexpected detail about yourself that colleagues might not know.

I began coloring my hair vibrant red or purple after taking a personal branding course – helped me land one of my first jobs!