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Celebrating Women In Construction Week: March 1-7, 2026 - Lori O’Malley

March 4, 2026

DRE Industries is proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week (March 1-7, 2026) by highlighting the incredible leaders driving the construction industry forward. As a female-owned and operated organization, we take pride in recognizing the trailblazers shaping the future of the industry. We sat down with a few exceptional women whose expertise, leadership, and dedication are paving the way for the next generation:

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and the unstoppable energy of women in construction.

Lori O’Malley is a P.Eng., M.A.Sc., LEED Green Associate with over 29 years of building envelope industry experience. Prior to joining PCL in 2008 as a Building Envelope Engineering Specialist, Lori was an Associate responsible for the Façade Consulting Services department at a large structural and building envelope consulting engineering firm in Toronto for eleven years. At PCL, Lori provides technical building envelope expertise during all phases of projects while protecting design integrity and vision. In addition to providing technical assistance throughout the project lifecycle to identify improved building envelope performance solutions, Lori assists in material selection, identifying continuity concerns, and potential constructability and sequencing considerations throughout the design, construction, and commissioning phases.

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what has kept you motivated in the industry?

Since my father was an engineer and construction manager, I grew up in a family that moved from major project to project in various cities across North America throughout my childhood. I witnessed firsthand the passion and enjoyment that my father had being part of a team that takes a building from concept to reality. The way he approached challenging projects inspired me to realize that there are no problems that are too big and that they can all be solved when given enough thought, research, and planning. His dedication to continuous learning and innovation encouraged me to develop my problem-solving skills and nurtured my interest in engineering and construction. My father also taught me not to be deterred by external influences and to set my sights on a career that would bring me as much enjoyment and pride as he experienced.

I continue to be motivated in my career by the constant exposure to new challenges and opportunities to solve complex problems. Being able to share my knowledge and experience with project teams and assist in the development of building envelope solutions that meet the needs of projects and clients is incredibly rewarding. I look forward to going to work every day and continuing to expand my building envelope knowledge.

What challenges have you faced as a woman working in construction, and how have you overcome them?

When I first began my career approximately thirty years ago, there were not very many women in the industry. I navigated the male dominated business by demonstrating my strengths and proving that I had something valuable to contribute. I relied on my determination and confidence to build my career and on my experience to guide my decisions. We are fortunate that the industry has progressed to welcome everyone who has the knowledge and passion for construction.

What skills or traits do you think are essential for success in the construction industry?

The skills and traits that I believe are most important for success in the construction industry include problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and organization. Recognizing the need for continued learning and refinement of our skills is also key to growth and development. Active listening and the willingness to learn something new from the people around us every day are equally valuable.

How do you balance the demands of a construction career with other aspects of your life?

Balancing my career, family life, and personal well being is very important to me and demonstrates the need for strong time management skills. Having two sons who competed in multiple sports and extracurricular activities, I recognized early in my career the need to manage my time carefully to be present in their lives while maintaining my professional responsibilities and health. This involved being flexible and coordinating my work hours to meet both personal and professional obligations. Thankfully, I also had an excellent support structure that helped me maintain this balance.

What advice would you give to other women who are considering a career in construction?

The advice that I would give is to put aside any preconceived hesitation about being a woman in construction and focus on developing a career in the area you are passionate about. In general, people will recognize your excitement, knowledge, skill, and commitment and focus on the value you bring. Set your goals and learn something new every day. Do not be afraid to advocate for yourself and contribute to the industry to help move it forward. Your career is what you make of it, so find a role that you enjoy and look forward to each day.

As part of our Women in Construction Week series, we’re recognizing the achievements and impact of women making waves in the industry. Let’s continue breaking barriers and building a more inclusive future.

Follow DRE Industries on LinkedIn to see more inspiring stories throughout the week.