Women in Construction: Jen Diasio

Jen Diasio    
GLSD Architects & GDOT Design     
President     
25 years in the industry    

Mrs. Diasio is president of GLSD Architects where she coordinates the architectural design and engineering efforts to produce design development and construction documentation, interior design, LEED certification, and procurement. She is responsible for transitioning the initial design documents and guaranteed pricing into a full set of architectural drawings, while orchestrating rigid timelines in order to keep the construction project on schedule. Mrs. Diasio also meets with clients directly to ensure that the details meet their requirements and satisfaction. She has over twenty-five years of experience working in a truly design/build environment, is LEED AP Certified, and is licensed in over 30 states. She is also president of GDOT Design, which works closely with the GLSD design team to procure furniture for offices, hospitality projects, and luxury apartments. GDOT corresponds directly with vendors to ensure the overall design, budget, installation, and schedule meet project requirements. GDOT is also recently WBE certified, and recently opened a second office in Pittsburgh.  And in her spare time, Jen is president of The Erwin & Katherine Geis Charitable Foundation.  

What brought or attracted you to the construction industry?

I was attracted by the ability to affect the built environment, that something I created would outlast my lifetime. It’s my way of leaving my mark on the world.    

What do you like most about your work?

Problem solving. No project is ever the same. No client has the same program. Taking a problem and turning it into a solution that works functionally, technically, and aesthetically.

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

The labor shortage. Construction work has become viewed as menial unless you are in project management. The ability to create, problem solve, work with your hands, and the pay! Oh my gosh the pay… the craftsmanship, the pride in your work… all of these admirable, wonderful things about construction seem to be overlooked for a college degree in today’s work climate.    

What are your long term career goals?

At this point, retirement!      

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

Do it! There are so many fields, disciplines to learn, plenty of room for advancement… and if you need a mentor, call me!    

Describe the kinds of opportunities in construction available to women?

Some careers are certainly more physically demanding than others, but that certainly doesn’t limit or exclude a capable woman from performing well. Electricians, roofers, machine operators, estimators, architects… In my experience, I have seen women, albeit not many, but WOMEN in all of these roles and performing well. There are so many opportunities in construction that the real question becomes which one field interests you most, do you have the talent for, and best suits your long term goals.    

What can be done to attract more women to construction?

It’s quite a confusing maze to navigate… union/nonunion, trade schools, apprenticeships, journeyman, training… The best way to attract women is to present a simple way to get involved and the path to a good paying job. Working women are also typically still responsible for child rearing. Employers need to offer flexibility and/or benefits specifically focused to handle hardships of juggling both.