At Bimstore, we acknowledged Women in Construction Week, and International Women’s Day, by shining a light on four inspiring women within the industry, who are all pioneers of inclusion and advancements in BIM and technical construction. Creating space for women is essential to the ongoing evolution and enrichment of the built environment. From technological innovation to project management, women make invaluable contributions to construction, showing unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusivity, even while navigating challenges their male counterparts do not face.
Across the globe, the construction industry remains one of the most male-dominated sectors. As of 2026, women make up approximately 15% of the UK construction workforce. While this percentage is growing each year as more women join the field, a substantial gender imbalance persists, particularly evident in the pay gap, which is much higher in construction than in other industries.
The following AEC professionals have each forged a place for women within the BIM and construction industries. From Technologist Content Creators and Project Managers to BIM Researchers and Thought Leaders, these women challenge the status quo and highlight the necessity of women’s voices and innovation within the built environment and beyond. Their work encourages more women to enter the industry and pursue long-term careers within it.
Heather Graham (@heatherkeenbeanat)
As a Senior Architectural Technologist and Certified Passivhaus designer, Heather is well-versed in the technical aspects of a construction project. An expert in Revit and BIM implementation, she uses her online platform (@heatherkeenbeanat) to share practical Revit tips and advice with her niche audience. Dedicated to sustainable design, Heather also offers insights as a Passivhaus designer, highlighting projects from around the world that prioritise natural resources and environmental protection.
Heather’s platform brings visibility to the importance of women in Architectural Technology, encouraging the next generation to take an interest in the more technical aspects of design. Her online series, ‘How to Stop Your Revit File Being Basic’ details the intricacies of working on Revit, covering everything from editing lighting fixtures, to making materials appear more realistic.
Her posts receive praise from architects and technologists who value her technical insight and practical knowledge. Women represent only around a third of architectural professionals in the UK, yet figures like Heather are helping broaden representation and encouraging more women to pursue technical roles that have traditionally been male dominated. As one of the few female technologists sharing the realities of her daily work online, she hopes to inspire a new generation of young women to explore Architectural Technology.
Katy Robinson MCIOB (@whatkatyybuilt)
Named the UK’s Most Influential Woman in Construction by CITB, Katy Robinson is a Chartered Senior Project Manager from East Yorkshire with extensive experience in construction project management. She is committed to inspiring the next generation to consider careers in construction through her online platform (@whatkatyybuilt).
Katy, who grew up ‘on a building site,’ entered construction undeterred by its male dominance. Now in a senior role and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, she uses her platform and experience to make the industry more accessible to everyone passionate about building, regardless of gender.
In a post commemorating Women in Construction week, Katy commented:
“There’s a focus on encouraging women into these industries, but that’s only half the battle. We need to retain these women too. The industry desperately needs the next generation, but with an apprentice dropout rate of between 40-50%, it highlights we’re not doing enough for men or women within this industry. We all know that women are needed in construction but let’s make the effort to dig deep and resolve the issue of retaining them too.”
Through her project management role and social media presence, Katy advocates for equality and inclusion within construction. She believes collective progress depends on ensuring equal gender pay, providing appropriate welfare facilities for all, offering inclusive and well-fitting PPE, and promoting flexible working opportunities.
Rebecca De Cicco FCIOB
Rebecca De Cicco is a Digital Transformation Specialist and Founder of Women in BIM, a diverse network of women professionals in the AEC Industry (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction). Women in BIM celebrates female BIM and digital construction professionals, highlights women’s innovation globally, and unites like-minded individuals to address the growing need for more women in BIM.
Rebecca began her career as an architect in Australia before moving into the Technology and BIM sector, recognising the advantages of digital workflows. A renowned speaker, industry thought leader, and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building, Rebecca is an Autodesk Expert Elite and a pioneer in digital construction.
Passionate about inclusivity and equality within the industry, her Women in BIM community now has more than 1000 members worldwide. The next Women in BIM conference is set to take place in Brisbane on Thursday 12th March 2026; welcoming change-makers ‘to discuss how the growing ecosystem of the built environment can work together to build better.’
Dr Carol Hon
Dr Carol Hon is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture and Built Environment, Faculty of Engineering, Queensland University of Technology. Practiced in Quantity Surveying, Dr Hon also has diverse research experience in a range of different interests, from construction health and safety to construction industry development.
As a member of the BrisBIM committee, she is committed to sharing her knowledge and expertise with a broad audience, aiming to inspire others to pursue careers in BIM and technology.
BrisBIM intends to “Facilitate and bring together the built environment community within the greater Brisbane region, to share and exchange thoughts and knowledge in respect to technology innovation across the industry.”
Dr Hon is passionate about creating health and sustainable construction through digital transformation. She uses her extensive experience and knowledge to nurture future leaders, and young professionals, in the construction industry, equipping them with the critical thinking and technical skills required for a successful career in the industry. Campaigning for sustainable and healthy constructions, but also championing accessibility and inclusivity within the field, Dr Hon is powerful voice of change.
International Women’s Day celebrates women across the industry and reminds us that there is still work to do to strengthen support and inclusion in design and construction.
Communities such as Women in BIM, the Women in BIM Conference, and online spaces created by individuals like Heather and Katy help build a sense of belonging for women working in BIM and construction. Through their content, advice and open sharing of day-to-day work, they create accessible online spaces where others can learn, ask questions and see what a career in the industry can look like.
Together, the efforts of pioneering individuals and supportive communities are reshaping the landscape, opening the profession to a wider range of perspectives and experiences. Recognising the work of women across the industry helps bring these contributions into clearer view and encourages continued progress. As we mark the achievements made so far, it is equally important to continue supporting fair opportunities and representation, so that the next generation of professionals enter an industry that is more balanced, welcoming and reflective of the society it serves.