Chelsey Line

Copeland Building Envelope Consulting
Chief of Staff

8 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

Growing up, I watched my father build his residential roofing company from the ground up, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the friendships and healthy sense of competition that came with the industry. I started my career in commercial roofing in 2017 at Carlisle Construction Materials as a Strategic Accounts Coordinator. From there, I spent several years working for an independent manufacturer's representative as the Marketing and Inside Sales Manager. That experience not only fueled my passion for leadership but also planted the seed for my desire to help other women grow in the industry.

Who have your role models been? Have you had any mentors throughout your career, and how have they shaped your journey in architecture?

My biggest role model and inspiration—both in life and in my career—has always been my dad! Watching him work hard and create opportunities for others to earn a stable income has been incredibly inspiring. As I’ve grown in my own career, I’ve been lucky to have some amazing female leaders step up and mentor me along the way. I’m especially grateful for Jennifer Keegan, whose leadership and guidance have meant so much to me. She’s never hesitated to say my name in a room full of opportunities, and that kind of support is something I’ll never take for granted.

How do you think architecture can help address social issues, and how have you seen women lead the way in creating inclusive, equitable spaces?

This is one of my favorite questions! Our industry is still very male-dominated, but as women, we have a unique opportunity to bring our perspective to the table. More than ever, people are paying attention, and our voices matter. At the end of the day, it’s about being willing to mentor and support the next generation of women in this industry. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that we can’t tear each other down—there’s enough room for all of us to succeed. Success comes from hard work, but also from being open about our experiences so others can learn from the challenges we’ve faced. Creating inclusive, equitable spaces for working parents and caregivers is a huge passion of mine. I make it no secret at work that I'm a mom first. The more that we can support people for who they are and what their "why" is, the more inclusive our workplaces become.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

Sustainability has been a buzz word in our industry for good reason. As time goes on, I see more organizations steering away from using the word sustainability as a check the box type initiative, and really digging into what about sustainability is it they value, and figure out how they can actually make an impact.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

The most fulfilling moment of my career so far has been having the opportunity to lead and mentor the younger generation in our industry at CopelandBEC! It's a responsibility I don't take lightly, and I make it my mission to ensure that this generation of women doesn't experience some of the hardships that I faced throughout my career (specifically, as a working mom). Giving my team the ability to choose what balance and success means for them, and empowering them to make decisions around how to structure their day in a way that best serves them has been really gratifying.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

Use your voice! Don’t be afraid to share your ideas, speak up when something doesn’t sit right, and tell your story. The knowledge and experience you have can make a real impact on those coming up behind you in the industry. It took me years to find the courage to use my own voice, and I’m so grateful that I finally did.