Women in Construction: Ariane Kirkpatrick

Ariane Kirkpatrick
The AKA Team
President & CEO
25 years in the industry

Ariane Kirkpatrick is the owner and president of The AKA Team, a construction management firm, commercial waterproofing, and general trades company. Their company motto – Always Known As the TEAM you can depend on – sets them apart from other companies.
 
Entrepreneurship was ingrained in Ariane at an early age. The year 1969 made quite an impression on Ariane. She vividly remembers being five years old and boycotting the neighborhood McDonald's because African-Americans were banned from owning franchises. Sitting with President Barack Obama at the Winning the Future Forum held in Cleveland helped her overcome obstacles that affect small businesses. Some of AKA Team projects are Cleveland Clinic, CMSD, Tri-C and Amazon.

Ariane is very involved in the spirit of community and is a true lover of the City of Cleveland. Her proudest accomplishment is being the mother of two sons, Ali and Kristopher. She is also the proud wife of Danny Couch and has two step stepdaughters, Camille and Jazmine. While the journey isn't complete, Ariane realizes that both she and the business world have come a long way since 1969.

What brought or attracted you to the construction industry?

I always loved building things. I never really thought I could do it because I couldn't find a way to navigate in the industry. There were not many opportunities that I was able to find for a black woman. Then I met a couple friends who owned residential construction companies. Both of them hired me to be their secretary. One day, I went into the field and jumped into action. I learned carpentry, electrical, plumbing and roofing. I found an Ohio Basic Building Code book in one of the vacant homes and fell in love with commercial, plan review and code compliance. I utilized my management skills with my construction skills and started my first construction company in the 90's.

What do you like most about your work?

My team, the people who work with me and being part of the economic development in Cleveland.

What would you like to see change within the construction industry?

Equitable opportunities. Diversity and inclusion is great but it has become so cliché and some folks think, if they simply include you on a project, they have done the right thing. We need to be deliberate and intentional in elevating women and minorities to be sustainable companies.

What are your long term career goals?

I would love to see AKA Team become a national company.

What advice would you give to other women interested in construction?

Follow your dreams and don't let others tell you that you don't belong. Be Rosie Strong!!!

Describe the kinds of opportunities in construction available to women?

All of them should be available, just need to be attainable.

What can be done to attract more women to construction?

Get more women in decision making roles.