Author Archives: Maia Wakefield

Vice Chair of the National Association of Home Builders Student Advisory Board
1st Place Outstanding NAHB Student Chapter of the Year
2021 National Housing Endowment HELP Grant Winner

What year did you start teaching at NewSchool?

2011

What led you to pursue a career in the construction industry?

My father! He was my first hero and role model! I was introduced to residential construction at birth. My dad was a brick mason then later became a general contractor. I spent every summer going to work with him. In my family, the first-born male becomes a general contractor. I am my dad’s only child, so I was destined to have a career in construction.

Why did you start teaching at NewSchool?

My mentor Dr. Linda Thomas Mobley always spoke to me about teaching. I was a teaching assistant when I was attending graduate school and I quickly realized I had a gift with it.

In your opinion, what makes NewSchool special?

It’s a safe place where faculty and students can be themselves while obtaining a great education.

What are the challenges, if any, faced by women in a male-dominated field?

The biggest challenge is not getting a chance to prove yourself in the field. Some females would like to be superintendents and not sales associates!

Throughout your time in the construction industry, what are some ways you feel it has changed?

There is definitely more diversity in the field! There is also more mainstream interest in the craft.

What’s something interesting you’re currently working on? Personal or professional.

I am working on research exploring women in the construction industry. I want to research the experiences of women in the industry and how we can promote and introduce more women in the industry.

What is your favorite part about educating the next generation of construction managers?

My favorite part about educating the next generation is being a part of their journey and seeing how far they go. Many of my students have made me very proud.

If you could provide advice to a young female interested in a career in construction, what would it be?

I would tell young females in the industry to JUST DO IT! Don’t be afraid of what might happen. Our industry is more open to women than ever before and I truly believe this is the time to be a woman in the industry.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?

The most important lesson I learned is to believe in my abilities and knowledge. I earned my spot in the industry and I should not think differently.

What has you most excited about the future?

I am most excited about new technologies that are being introduced. The industry has not changed much in its processes, and I think the new generation is going to provide more innovative ways to accomplish many tasks in the industry.

Dr. Rodger’s Favorite Project
I have so many projects that I have worked on that I love, but my favorite projects were created in the residential industry. I love building a house for someone who is going to turn it into a home.

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s a wonderful day celebrating all women and the fight for gender equality.

What woman inspires you and why?

My mother. Her never-ending love, strength, and wisdom, despite having a very hard childhood. She raised three daughters that are best friends and know how to love.

What highlights and challenges have you faced in your career?

I have moved from Romania to Germany, then Germany to the United States. Had to learn both German and English from scratch and work in different cultures. Especially the technical language and different standards were a challenge every time. At some point my career moved also towards Academia and grew in that direction ever since. This is for sure my favorite highlight.

What’s something interesting you’re currently working on? Personal or professional.

I just became the Head of Architecture Programs at NewSchool of Architecture & Design in San Diego. Working with students and faculty on further enhancing our program and modeling the behavior we want to see in the world of design and construction is my ongoing passion.

What do you believe will be the biggest challenge for the next generation of female architects, designers, and construction managers?

The profession is more and more friendly and inclusive to women. The only challenges I can see now can just arise if we forget to believe in ourselves. It may still remain hard for some, but I think today the possibilities are endless.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career to date?

Fight ambivalence.

Why should women and girls pursue a career in the architecture, design, or construction management industry? Why is it important to encourage women and girls?

If it’s a calling, pursue it! It’s important to encourage them, if they need to remember that women can do any job they want or have an affinity for. More specifically, all these jobs, Architect, Designer, or Construction Manager offer satisfying careers with creative outputs and gratifying team work.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Trust with care.

What has you most excited about the future?

My son.

On International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?

You are the Architect of your success.