Women In Construction Week 2022

As we conclude our celebration of Women in Construction Week, we are honored to feature interviews with a couple of our female employees at Scott + Reid to learn more about their unique experiences in the industry. We asked Cyndi Chesak and Melody Buehler a few questions. Explore their full interviews below.

---

Cyndi Chesak

Senior Project Manager

 

 Q: How did you get started in the construction industry?

 

A: When I got out of college with my degree in design, I started working for a small firm in Houston. Eventually, this led me to Austin, Texas, where my firm oversaw space planning which ended up becoming more construction work than architecture. 

 

 

Q: What led you to project management?

 

A: After learning more about construction, I realized that I truly enjoyed this side of the industry.

 

 

Q: What do you like best about being in the construction industry?

 

A: I like to see projects go from paper to reality. After doing this for many years, I can build it in my head, but I still get so excited when I see these jobs completed. To see my clients’ faces at the end of construction is the best. 

 

 

Q: What accomplishments in your construction career are you most proud of?

 

A: Being able to mentor newer employees coming into the industry, all while helping Scott + Reid continue to grow. It’s been fun to watch.  

 

 

Q: What advice do you have for young women entering the industry? 

 

A: Just go for it. To be a good project manager you have to be organized, a problem solver, communicate well, but most importantly understand when you make mistakes and learn from them. If construction is something you enjoy, try it.

 

---

Melody Buehler

Project Engineer

 

 Q: How did you get started in the construction industry?

 

A: A mutual friend led me to a position as a receptionist for an electrical contractor. I became so intrigued with the industry which made me want to learn and do more. Over the course of eleven years working on the electrical side I became an assistant project manager and preconstruction coordinator.

 

 

Q: What led you to project engineering?

 

A: I am someone that wants to always continue learning. So, I wanted to understand more about the project in its entirety and not just the electrical trade. 

 

 

Q: What do you like best about being in the construction industry?

 

A: I love getting to build relationships with all of the people I work with. Not only at Scott + Reid, but with clients, architects, construction mangers, and subcontractors. 

 

 

Q: What accomplishments in your construction career are you most proud of?

 

A: I am most proud of seeing the growth from where I started to where I am now. Starting as a receptionist and growing to my current position without a college degree.

 

 

Q: What advice do you have for young women entering the industry? 

 

A: Don’t get discouraged if you think this is a “man’s world”. There is always an opportunity for growth and advancement, with or without a degree.

 

---