A Q&A with Sarah Jacobson, Executive Director at Lamar Johnson Collaborative

Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC) is a full-service design and architecture firm committed to creating transformative spaces that serve people and communities. Together with Clayco, a fully integrated real estate, architecture, engineering, and construction firm, they are reshaping the built environment.

In this Q&A, the Communications Committee chats with Sarah Jacobson, Executive Director at LJC. Sarah reflects on some of the most persistent myths about women in the field and shares why the future of design and construction must be more inclusive.

Are women still underrepresented in construction and design?

Sarah Jacobson: It’s true that women are still catching up in numbers, especially in leadership positions, but to call construction and design male-dominated today is an outdated idea. When I started my career, I was often the only woman in a meeting.  That is almost never the case anymore. Whether you’re on-site or in the design studio, success in this industry is about problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, and communication, not physical strength. These are qualities that women bring in abundance, and the inclusion of women in the industry brings a more diverse and dynamic workforce. 

What makes women effective leaders in the industry?

Sarah Jacobson:  Women often bring empathy, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit to leadership, which are essential in a field where we’re constantly navigating complexity and designing for people’s lives. Strong leadership isn’t about fitting a mold, it’s about showing up authentically and effectively. That’s true regardless of gender.

What makes it possible for women to build a successful career in construction while raising a family?

Sarah Jacobson: As a mother of two, I would definitely say it is possible. It’s essential to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about women's ability to balance family and career in traditionally male-dominated fields like construction. It is a lot of work, and I certainly did not do it without help from my husband and a workplace that understands the needs of parents – but with the right support and opportunities, women can indeed have fulfilling careers in the industry while also enjoying a fruitful personal life. 

What makes design and construction a rewarding career path for women?
Sarah Jacobson: This industry can be very lucrative for women – both in the field and in the office. Women bring valuable skills and perspectives to the construction industry, including aptitude, communication and innovative, out-of-the box thinking. The earlier we can expose young women to the possibilities in this field, from architecture to engineering to project development, the more inclusive and innovative our future will be.  Mentorship to young women who may be considering a career in the AEC industry is something that I consider to be one of my key job duties, making sure that others see the opportunities that I did. 

How are women excelling in all facets of the construction industry, beyond client-facing roles? 
Sarah Jacobson: The idea that women can only succeed sales in construction is long outdated. I personally have spent most of my career as a technical architect, responsible for the most complicated aspects of a projects design.  Women possess the skills and technical acumen to do the sales pitch AND design or build a building.  Women can succeed in any role within the construction industry – whether that is in the field or working in the office – based on their skills, qualifications, and determination, rather than being limited to traditional gender roles or expectations. 

To explore Lamar Johnson Collaborative, their work and opportunities with their company, please visit their website: https://theljc.com/