Women in Construction: Joanne Brown, AIA, ASID

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Joanne Brown, AIA, ASID    
Case Western Reserve University    
Assistant Director, Planning, Design & Construction    
35 years in the industry

Joanne S. Brown, AIA, ASID currently serves as assistant director of Planning, Design and Construction within the division of Campus Planning and Facilities Management at Case Western Reserve University. Ms. Brown has 35 years of experience in project management leadership with a strong background in architecture, interior design, and facilities and construction management. Previous experience includes having been a partner within an architectural firm, vice president of a construction company and facility planning director of a bank. Having worked in a variety of fields, with various degrees of resources and capital allocation, Ms. Brown offers diverse knowledge and expertise in successfully managing areas of design, planning and project oversight. Her leadership in civic and professional organizations includes: ASID (American Society of Interior Design) Ohio North Chapter service: President (2007), Vice President (2006), Professional Development Director (2004-2005), Cleveland City Planning Commission - Euclid Corridor Region - Design Review Member (2014 - present); CWRU Women Staff Leadership Development Initiative Certificate Program (2011); Leadership Medina County (Class of 2006); Liverpool Township Zoning Board of Commissioners (2001- present). Ms. Brown is a State of Ohio Registered Architect and NCIDQ Certified Interior Designer, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Positive Organizational Development and Change at the Weatherhead School of Business, Case Western Reserve University.

What brought or attracted you to the construction industry?    
A career as an architect is integrated with construction.    

What do you like most about your work?    
Seeing projects come to fruition and being a part of creating functional and aesthetic spaces for people to interact.    

What would you like to see change within the construction industry?    
More collaboration within the owner, designer and constructor teams.    

What are your long term career goals?    
Share my experience with others.    
    
What advice would you give to other women interested in construction?    

Follow your passion in whatever field you want to become part of. Passion and dedication will lead to success. Get involved at an apprentice/intern level to get exposed to the facets of construction to find which part may interest you most.    

Describe the kinds of opportunities in construction available to women?    
I feel many opportunities are available to conscientious, dedicated women. The industry really needs Female Business Enterprise (FBE) representation in vertical transportation.    

What can be done to attract more women to construction?
Opportunities in apprentice programs, more female to female mentoring within companies.