Women in Construction Week 2025: Celebrating Women at The Collective

Since its inception in 1998, Women in Construction Week has grown into a global movement celebrating and promoting the invaluable contributions of women in the construction industry. Running from March 2 to March 8, 2025, this year’s theme, ‘Together We Rise,’ focuses on the strength and expertise of women and the vital role they play in shaping the industry’s future.

Recent data shows that women make up between 11 and 17 percent of the construction workforce, with 11.2 percent in the U.S. (source) and 16.3 percent in Canada (source).  While these numbers reflect progress, there is still much work to be done to ensure women are represented, supported, and empowered.

At The Collective, we are committed to fostering equity within our workforce and the broader Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. In support of this initiative, we are proud to spotlight two inspiring women from our Architectural Products Division who are driving meaningful change.

Read on to learn more about Katie and Tanya’s journeys and the experiences that have shaped their careers.

Katie Bunton, Account Manager, Architectural Products Division

At Design Days, our Architectural Products Division team visited Teknion in Chicago where Teknion Architectural Interiors showcased some impressive innovations including a walk-through of a design lab that included comparison of different beam framework, finishes, and product lines.

Over the past few years, interior design trends have felt reactionary. Remember when casters were put on everything, and ‘resimercial’ was merely a buzzword? This year at NeoCon and Design Days Chicago, the largest commercial furniture tradeshows in the world, we saw interior design take a more intentional approach, catering to the actual needs of the user.

Toronto, Ontario – The Collective, a leading provider of Teknion furniture and architectural interior solutions, today announced the acquisition of Ergoworks, the premier Teknion dealer in Atlantic Canada. This strategic move strengthens The Collective’s national presence and expands its reach to serve clients across Canada.

Both The Collective and Ergoworks have proven track records of success, each achieving Teknion Platinum Dealer status again in 2023. The Platinum award is the highest recognition for Teknion dealerships, recognizing the achievement of demanding sales goals, demonstrating Dealer best practices, an exceptional commitment to exceeding client expectations, and delivering best-in-class service.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ergoworks Atlantic to The Collective family,” said Chris Rayner, President and COO of The Collective. “This acquisition brings together two highly respected Teknion dealers, both of whom have a deep commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients. Ergoworks’ strong reputation, talented team, and deep understanding of the Atlantic Canada market make them a perfect fit.”

Rick Underhill, President and Owner of Ergoworks Atlantic, commented, “Joining The Collective represents a fantastic opportunity for our team and for our clients. By combining our resources and expertise, we can offer a wider range of services and products to our clients while maintaining the personalized approach and service they value and have come to expect from Ergoworks Atlantic.”

“This acquisition will allow us to leverage our combined expertise and resources to deliver an even more comprehensive offering to our customers across a broader geographic reach,” confirmed Nick Tuttle, President of The Collective’s U.S. business. The Collective’s national presence and extensive resources will be combined with Ergoworks’ deep knowledge of the Atlantic regional market, which will be a huge win for all clients.

For any inquiries related to Ergoworks’ integration into The Collective, please reach out to Jeff Richard at jrichard@collective.space.

As we commemorate Women in Construction week, it is important to recognize the invaluable contributions of women across the Architecture, Engineering, Construction (AEC) industry. Women are making significant strides in reshaping the construction landscape and fostering innovation despite the barriers of stereotype and culture.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (source), women currently make up 10.8 percent of the construction workforce, and 26.3 percent of those categorized in “architectural, engineering, and related services”. In Canada, women currently make up 16.3 percent of the construction labor force (source). While these numbers show significant improvements from prior decades, there is still work to be done.

The Collective is dedicated to developing equity within our workforce and the industry at large. This year, we celebrate women at The Collective who are making strides within the AEC industry. These women are leaders within our organization – learn about their journey into the AEC industry below!

Jennifer Falletti, Senior Account Manager

 

How did you get involved in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry?

My grandfather and father were home builders and I enjoyed hanging out with them hammering nails into wood. I then got involved in small construction projects around my parents’ house such as building decks and tiling floors (I should have considered the medical field because I got pretty good at removing splinters!). Ultimately, my degree in interior design fostered my love of AEC. My first professional career in the contract industry was with a furniture dealership that also had an interiors department. In conjunction with providing furniture solutions to our clients, we also offered interior design services including architectural finish selection, construction documentation and management.

How does diversity impact your work?

I have come across my share of interesting experiences as a woman on construction sites over the last 25+ years. To this day I chuckle at the comment I received from a male subcontractor when he said, “My wife could never use a tape measure. Do you need help with that?” Today, while I walk the many floors of my current project at the Intuit Dome Arena, I note women are still in the minority on construction sites.  On the chance I do pass another woman, I am sure to make eye contact and display a generous smile. It’s our code of conduct. The cool thing is every subcontractor on the Intuit jobsite must pass an in-person training course which prioritizes not only safety protocols but also equity, diversity and inclusion. There is so much respect for women builders on this project, we have our own locked porta potties with a restroom attendant that does a sweep after each use to ensure safety and comfort.

What do you enjoy most about being in the AEC industry?

The furniture industry has changed over the decades; where once we were simply the ‘people that sold furniture,’ we are now a major component of a build team. As a furniture team member one must learn how to read the room – this skill comes with experience. It takes time to build trust on a build team, you must bring your A-game to the first meeting with a strong schedule in hand. My success is knowing when to insert our work into the build schedule and how to be proactive with our services. We are involved in all sorts of coordination meetings including framing, electrical and low voltage rough-in. One of our more important services is to know when to provide the critical dimensions for the afore-mentioned trades to ensure furniture and interior architecture blend perfectly. My goal is for a client to never ask, why is the electrical outlet behind my storage cabinet where I cannot reach it?

What is your favorite part about working at The Collective?

This year I celebrate my 10-year career at The Collective! My time here has rewarded me with many opportunities to utilize the talents I’ve honed along my AEC journey. It’s funny because I do relate mostly to Architecture and Construction and forget about the Engineering aspect. I have to remind myself that we furniture folks can indeed be engineers! On many occasions I have commented to a teammate, “I don’t know how to solve this. I’m not an engineer!”, and then with my team we markup a detailed set of shop drawings for a 786LF basketball jersey display case and rework how it’s constructed and attached to the wall 12’ off the ground. I have indeed lost count of how many custom pieces of furniture I have designed and engineered.

Last, but not least, my favorite thing about working at The Collective is the TEAM I work with.  We are the definition of a Collective! I am grateful to partner with a fun group of professionals that share their strengths and expertise, find value in our personal connections and care about delivering an exemplary project.

What advice would you give other women hoping to start a career in the AEC industry?

Words of wisdom:  Never use a laser measurer with a red light to field survey an office occupied by police officers.

And for some real advice: Never be afraid to admit you don’t know something, most people enjoy sharing their knowledge. Stop and listen. Take copious notes. Always be prepared with a solution. Be humble. Show your grit. You don’t have to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree to be successful in this industry – curiosity and learning is most important. There is value in continued professional development and certified training classes to stay on top of your game. Understand your value. The AEC industry has many career avenues, do your research to figure out what brings you joy, network with industry professionals, and get experience with internships.

Raj Kaur, Director Program Management

 

How did you get involved in working in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry?

My background is architecture and I have always been intrigued by design.  I landed in the commercial interiors/contract furniture industry after an opportunity presented itself back in 2005. I joined The Collective (previously Office Source) in 2008 as a CAD specialist and have since had many opportunities to grow within the organization.

How does diversity impact your work?

As a South Asian female in a leadership role, diversity profoundly impacts my work. We have a diverse team of project professionals at The Collective and I am honored to be working with individuals with different backgrounds who bring myriad of experiences, knowledge, and viewpoints to the table. Diversity challenges biases and encourages open-mindedness. It has certainly inspired me to be creative in my approach, be more inclusive and see the world from a unique perspective. I’ve learned to employ empathy and understanding towards situations which has enabled me to collaborate and connect better with my team and my colleagues.

What do you enjoy most about being in the AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) industry?

As a Project Management professional, I enjoy working on projects that allow me to collaborate with all stakeholders and produce tangible results. The AEC industry is constantly evolving and there is ample opportunity to grow and develop your skills. Throughout the lifecycle of a project, we learn a great deal about ourselves and our clients. Each project is unique and brings its own challenges which can turn into opportunities if you keep an open mind.

What is your favorite part about working at The Collective?

Our strong sense of community, our culture, and ability to collaborate with each other. Whether it is sharing feedback, experiences or celebrating achievements, our team members are always there to support each other.

What advice would you give other women hoping to start a career in the AEC industry?

Find your strengths, embrace your skills, challenge the stereotypes and be yourself! Continue learning and develop new skills through education and find a mentor who can guide you through your career journey.

Felicia Hernandez, Business Development Architectural Products

 

How did you get involved in working in the Architecture/Engineering/Construction (AEC) industry?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and started my career in Construction Management as a Project Coordinator, which provided me with valuable exposure to various projects. This experience allowed me to familiarize myself with the project process, expand my industry knowledge, and gradually transition to managing smaller-scale projects before advancing to the role of Project Manager. Along the way, I focused on improving my communication skills, learning from challenges, and building the confidence to ask pertinent questions crucial to project success. Inspired by my late mentor, Henry Martinez, I pursued a Master’s degree in Construction Management & Technology, motivated by his exemplary leadership and effective team management in the industry.

How does diversity impact your work?

It positively impacts women by providing opportunities for greater representation, fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all voices are valued, and promoting innovation through the integration of diverse perspectives and experiences. Additionally, diverse teams in architecture, engineering, and construction enable women to collaborate with colleagues from different backgrounds, enhancing their professional growth and contributing to the overall success and competitiveness of AEC firms.

What do you enjoy most about being in the AEC (Architecture/Engineering/Construction) industry?

I enjoy the opportunity to contribute to shaping the built environment and bringing innovative designs to life. Collaborating with architects, engineers, and construction professionals to overcome challenges and create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces is incredibly rewarding!

What is your favorite part about working at The Collective?

The people. I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting each individual and learning more about who they are and seeing that come through their work for successful outcomes!

What advice would you give other women hoping to start a career in the AEC industry?

Educate yourself, this will provide a solid foundation and assist with gaining opportunities to obtain hands-on experience. Familiarize yourself with construction technology tools used within the industry. Stand confidently in asking those questions; majority of the time, it’s assisting others on the project too. Trust that you not only deserve a seat at the table, but to have a voice too. Network, this is where you will meet like-minded individuals who can offer both mentorship & support.

Embrace challenges! It is unfortunately no surprise that challenges may arise for a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field. Be prepared to navigate through obstacles with resilience and determination. Use challenges as opportunities for growth and learning!

Stay focused, believe in yourself, and leverage your unique perspective and skills to thrive in the industry!

 

Written by Eva Lindstrom, Rafael Martin, and Matt Carvell

The commercial furniture industry is a hub of innovation. It is an industry of high adaptability and forward-thinking where designs evolve to aesthetically and functionally shape our workspaces. As an industry, we are constantly responding to and meeting society where we are today. A more drastic shift in how the workforce functions has occurred over the past few years in response to the pandemic as well as global economic and supply chain shifts.

One event that captures the essence of this industry is Neocon and Design Days, the premier tradeshow that brings together industry professionals, designers, and manufacturers under one roof. Over the past several weeks, we dissected four design trends that stole the show!

We couldn’t help but notice how many themes, colors, and designs reminisced of retro 70’s design. In an era when design was created around intimate social spaces, we were inspired by low-slung soft furniture, rounded silhouettes, caning, and earthy colors. These open spaces were conducive to human connection and inspired immediate comfort, while the earthy tones, rich woods, and incorporation of plants brought the outside in. Textiles certainly embraced the 70s with a modern twist, bringing new life to classic bouclés, geometric and checked patterns. Texture is the focus as we see simpler shapes finished in softer materials.

Don’t believe us? Even a recent article in Vogue (check it out here) suggests that the casual-ness of 70’s design fits nicely in the modern post-COVID era. In an interview with Vogue, editorial director of 1stDibs Anthony Barzilay Freund says, “People felt a need for a relaxed environment—so, nothing hard on the eyes, and a place that has an immediate comfortable feel.” The article proposes that “the ’70s, with their warm color schemes (brown, in particular, is known for its mentally grounding effect), wide-open rooms, and sit-and-sink-into furniture, was the perfect period to take cues from.”

 

Rounded Furniture: Creating Welcoming Spaces

Neocon and Design Days 2023 witnessed a surge in designs that were, for lack of a better term, round. Everything from lounge furniture, coffee tables, and accent details all incorporated soft curves. Beyond rounded profiles in individual pieces, furniture layouts have taken a rounded approach encouraging increased flow around a space so that the users don’t feel confined to one quadrant or area. It drives home the 70’s-style design that we couldn’t help but gush over!

Perching: Work From Anywhere

Gone are the days of rigid workstations and static office layouts. Neocon and Design Days manufacturers showcased a myriad of perching solutions to embrace flexibility and adaptability. These perching solutions allow users to pop in for a quick meeting and move to various work points around an office. With their multifunctional nature, these pieces empower employees to personalize their surroundings and optimize productivity.

 

Socially Responsible Designs: Designing with a Purpose

Sustainability and socially responsible design has been a buzz within the industry for awhile now. However, with more focus and pressure put on businesses to act on best practices, socially responsible design continued to gain momentum at Neocon in a way that felt more intentional and meaningful than ever before. Manufacturers showcased environmentally friendly solutions with emphasis on the importance of responsible sourcing and manufacturing practices. We saw a myriad of eco materials from the upholstery to the surfaces to the bases of furniture. The options in the specification process to choose ‘green’ are continuing to evolve, setting a new standard for eco-conscious commercial furniture.

360 Furniture: Good From Every Angle

Neocon and Design Days continued to up their game with even more design-driven ancillary furniture. Increasingly we are designing floorsets around centrally located collaboration hubs, with ancillary furniture front and center facilitating the different ways we need spaces to function. With these pieces on 360 display we saw more design detail being put into the back of the furniture with wrap arounds, stitching details, and more.

Neocon and Design Days 2023 was a testament to the remarkable advancements and trends shaping the commercial furniture industry. We saw a resurgence in 70s-inspired spaces and design aesthetic, while our top trends addressed the workplace’s evolving needs and preferences. As we move forward, it is clear that commercial furniture will continue to push boundaries, creating environments that foster well-being, productivity, and connectivity.

Happy Pride Month 🌈! As we near the end of Pride Month, we wanted to recognize the impact of Pride and how businesses and communities can create a lasting positive impact on the LGBTQIA+ community. Read more below about our monthly employee spotlight, veteran Account Manager Dennis Gouin-Malfara, who talks about how he celebrated Pride this year!

Favorite book: One of them is “The Velvet Rage”

Where is your hometown: I live in Ajax, Ontario

What do you do in your free time: Spend time with my son and husband – swimming 🏊‍♂️, hiking 🚶🏻, and geocaching

How has 2020-2021 changed you: It made me realize that family is most important and taught me to prioritize as such.

Favorite local restaurant: Mexico Lindo 🌮

What does Pride mean to you?

• Pride means to me that everyone can be who they are.
• The ability and freedom to be who I am and openly love the persons I choose without stigma and shame.
• Pride is being proud of who you are. It’s about not worrying what others will think of you or being discriminated against based on your race, nationality, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Pride means acceptance and authenticity of self. It’s a time when people can gather and accept themselves and each other and maybe just for a moment be able to breathe a sign of contentment.
• Pride means love, acceptance, educating and celebration.
• Free to be who you want to be.
• Pride is the opportunity to be openly expressive, loving, and honest. Pride is being unafraid of your true self and, if we’re lucky, met with understanding and support. Pride is also feeling a part of something and connected. When we are part of a community we experience feelings of acceptance and nurturance.

What does “acceptance” look and feel like, particularly at work?

Workplaces that focus on Acceptance as a core value I believe are the ones where employees feel  more comfortable taking risks, speaking up and offering new ideas.  They know that they will not be met with judgement or criticism and more likely to feel confident in their work and worth.

What has your experience been like in the workforce being a part of the LGBTQ+ community?

Personally, my experience as part of the LGTBQ+ community in the workforce has been a mixed bag.  It hasn’t always been easy or comfortable for me to come out at work.  There were times when I faced challenges and had to navigate a long process to feel truly accepted.  Unfortunately, I’ve also had negative experiences with colleagues in the past which made it even more difficult.  However, I’ve been fortunate to work for companies where being part of the LGTBQ+ community was embraced and celebrated.  In those environments, it was much more comfortable and easier for me to be open about my identity.  It was empowering to work in inclusive organizations that valued diversity and fostered an environment of acceptance.  While I have faced challenges and setbacks along the way, it’s important to acknowledge the progress that has been made in creating more inclusive workplaces.

In what ways do you believe companies should be celebrating pride month?

Companies can celebrate pride month in various ways to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community and foster an inclusive work environment including:

• Raise awareness by educating employees about the history, struggles and achievements of the LGTBQ+ community through workshops and online resources
• Pride Events and parades by organizing or participating in local Pride Events, Marches or Parades.. Encouraging employees to join – perhaps this could include forming a company sponsored pride group or floats to engage in these events
• Support LGBTQ+ organization or nonprofits through donations or volunteering…which shows commitment to the broader LGBTQ+ Community
• Pride month should be an ongoing effort beyond the month of June.

How are you planning to celebrate this year?

This year I celebrated pride by going to Family Pride and the Toronto Pride Parade and Festivities with my Husband and 5-year-old son, along with a couple of his friends and parents was a great day of celebrating who I am with the people I care about the most.

We want to acknowledge and honor Canada’s National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day in our calendar that honors the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities.

Orange Shirt Day also takes place on Sept. 30th, an Indigenous-led grassroots commemorative day intended to raise awareness of the individual, family, and community inter-generational impacts of residential schools, and to promote the concept of “Every Child Matters”. September 30^th was chosen as the date for Orange Shirt Day because it is the time of year when children were taken from their homes to residential schools and because it is an opportunity to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the coming school year. The orange shirt symbolizes the shiny new orange shirt that then six-year-old Phyllis Webstad’s grandmother bought for her, which was taken away on her first day of residential school in 1973. It symbolizes the stripping away of culture, freedom, and self-esteem experienced by Indigenous children over generations.

The holiday, now taking place for a second year, aims to bring light to the history and legacy of Canadian residential schools. These schools were tragically operated between the late 1800s and the late 1990s by the federal government and Christian churches as part of a federal policy to assimilate Indigenous people into Canadian society. Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their homes and taken to schools, where some children experienced abuse and died, never returning home.

Special visuals have been created to commemorate this day. Among the various visual elements illustrating Indigenous cultures, the circle is at the center, representing being together in the spirit of reconciliation. The orange color represents truth-telling and healing. The pathway represents the road to reconciliation. First Nations, Inuit, and Métis are represented in the image.

Please help us observe this holiday. Get involved and learn more through the resources below:

• Information from the Government of Canada
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation

Our team spent three jam-packed days at NeoCon 2022 and Teknion’s inaugural WorkWell Chicago event. We had a blast absorbing fresh furniture solutions, ways to address the new workplace, and other innovative ideas from some of the industry’s most influential designers and thought leaders.

The Collective Design Specialists, Eva Lindstrom and Rafael Martin, compiled common themes from the tradeshow that we feel will set the stage for the new workplace. Read them below!

Space Division

Before 2020, there was a simmering interest in additional space division, perhaps due to the growing backlash of noisy, open office environments. The pandemic accelerated this trend dramatically and pushed furniture experts to be more creative in adapting to clients’ needs, whether for health/safety, wellness, or worker productivity. As a result, these solutions involve more acoustics, visual privacy, and combinations of materials.

Spacestor, Arcadia

Stylex, Still

Teknion, Expansion Cityline A Frame

Mobility

Manufacturers are adding casters to their furniture in response to the trend of creating flexible spaces. Mobile furniture allows office leaders and end users to adapt rooms to their working styles, which can be especially useful for those clients that have downsized to a smaller office footprint. Adding mobility to furniture makes the office more playful.

Senator Group, Adapt

Teknion, Routes (stackable)

Martin Brattrud, Trestle Table

Planters

It brought us so much joy to see that nearly every brand incorporated greenery into their products in some way, shape, or form! The trend toward planters drives home the widespread desire to bring the outside inside and stimulate Biophilia, otherwise known as the natural human instinct to connect with nature. Bringing greenery into a space, whether through a large plant, moss wall, hanging plant from a workstation, or just a tiny planter hanging from a workstation, can tremendously impact employee well-being.

OFS, Kaleid

Teknion, Kiosk Planter

Nordgrona, Moss (can help with acoustics)

Textured Fabrics and Elevated Finishes on Day-to-Day Pieces

By now, most know about the Resimercial design trend, the blending of ‘residential’ and ‘commercial’, which has been a welcome departure from bland, dull, mainly vinyl fabrics. More manufacturers showcased highly textured fabrics on their furniture to perhaps add a “cozy and “homey” feel that resembles styles one might see in residential design. Screens with highly textured fabrics elevated the look of the workstation, and chairs with textured fabrics were too inviting to pass up a seat.

 

Allermuir / Senator Showroom – Chair finish

SitOnIt Ped Cushion

Naughtone Showroom Finish

Elevated Power

Power solutions were no longer an afterthought. Manufacturers are integrating power inside upholstered pieces, adding different color options, and even creating bold freestanding power modules. With the workplace so reliant on technology, it was refreshing to explore innovative solutions for power.

EVOline

Watson, Haven (integrated power in light fixtures)

Byrne, Vesta

Senator, Mote

Teknion Untethered

Hightower, Niko Power

Terracotta Color Palette

Will Terracotta be the next Pantone Color of the Year? Manufacturers seemed to trend towards blush finishes, wood-tone finishes, or other materially inspired finishes. This finish color communicated a soft, warm, and welcoming look/feel that we absolutely loved.

HBF, Note Touchdown Desk

 

HBF, Textiles

Hightower, Kona Sectional

OFS, Hydra

Teknion, Zones Modular & Studio TK, Qui

See something that you like? Contact us to get in touch with a furniture expert.

 

With work from home and flexible schedules being the “new normal”, many workers are spending more time working in their kitchens, bedrooms, and home offices. This holiday season, treat yourself (or your partner/spouse/roommate) to a more comfortable setup!

At The Collective, we specialize in helping workers be more productive and comfortable at the office – wherever that may be. In partnership with Shyft, our e-commerce furniture shop, we are here to help you find that final gift for your shopping list this year. Here are our top three products that are perfect for people who work from home.

1.  Brighten Up with the Sanna Lightbar

Sanna Lightbar Task Light, Freestanding provides a truly unique lighting experience through its shape and angles, transforming it from a companion ambient light to a work-focused task light. Sanna Lightbar can be playful and energizing, elevated and subtle. Complement your mood, task, or time of day.

 

2.   Stay Organized with TN Desktop Multi-Organizer

The Desktop Multi-Organizer has a moveable compartment and can be placed on a desk or table to compartmentalize small desktop items.

 

 

3.   Stand Up with the Quickstand Eco

Practical for home and corporate offices, this revolutionary product helps you bring ergonomic comfort and wellness right to your workspace. The award-winning QuickStand Eco features simple setup, portability and near effortless adjustability — transforming ordinary desktops into healthy, active workspaces. Monitor not included.

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