Marci Bonham

Kingspan Light + Air | North America
President

29 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

My early career was in sales with companies like Mitsubishi Caterpillar and Hilti—industries adjacent to AEC. It wasn’t until I joined the Kingspan Group in 2018 that I fully immersed myself in the field. I love how our solutions influence building aesthetics, occupant well-being and energy efficiency. Our products require engineering expertise and close collaboration with contractors and architects, ensuring high-performance solutions integrate seamlessly into projects.

What inspires you to design? Do you incorporate any unique perspectives or values into your designs, and how do you think your experiences as a woman influence your work?

Though my background is in sales and leadership, I’m inspired by the transformative power of great design. At Kingspan Light + Air, we develop solutions that enhance well-being, efficiency and sustainability. My role is to empower designers and engineers to push boundaries while ensuring our work aligns with our People and Planet Passionate values. As a woman in a male-traditional field, I prioritize fostering an inclusive culture where bold ideas thrive, and diverse perspectives drive innovation.

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

I’ve been fortunate to learn from colleagues across all levels—front-line employees to senior leaders. Leadership, to me, is about listening, learning and drawing inspiration from those around you. Instead of a single mentor, I’ve gained insights from designers, engineers and builders who challenge conventions. These experiences have shaped both my leadership style and Kingspan Light + Air’s culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Feedback is a gift, and whenever it’s given, I try to embrace it as an opportunity for growth.

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

Architecture shapes communities, influences well-being and drives social progress. Thoughtful design prioritizes accessibility, equity and sustainability, ensuring buildings serve all people while minimizing environmental impact. At Kingspan Light + Air, we focus on solutions like natural daylighting and ventilation to create healthier, more sustainable environments.

Women in AEC have been key drivers of inclusive, human-centric design, championing sustainability, accessibility and diversity. Their leadership ensures built environments cater to diverse needs while advancing social equity and environmental responsibility. As a strong advocate for diversity, I’ve seen firsthand how greater female representation leads to more innovative and community-driven solutions.

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

Sustainability has shifted from a nice-to-have to a non-negotiable. The focus is now on embodied carbon, circularity and creating healthier indoor spaces. The challenge isn’t developing solutions—we already have energy-efficient daylighting, natural ventilation and high-performance building envelopes. The key is driving widespread adoption through collaboration across the industry. At Kingspan Light + Air, our Planet Passionate program is at the forefront, reducing carbon, water usage and waste while ensuring our innovations support a more sustainable built environment.

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

Leading integration of our strategic acquisitions has been one of the most rewarding experiences—not just for business growth but for the opportunity to integrate diverse cultures, knowledge and expertise. Kingspan thrives on organic growth, but acquisitions allow us to learn from talented teams, blend strengths and reinforce our People and Planet Passionate mission. Seeing these companies thrive within Kingspan has been one of the most impactful aspects of my career.

Beyond business strategy, I’m deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion in the industry. Throughout my career, I’ve actively supported initiatives to close the gender pay gap and encourage more women to pursue careers in construction and manufacturing. Mentorship has been a particularly fulfilling aspect of my journey—I’ve had the privilege of guiding aspiring female leaders worldwide, helping them navigate their careers and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. As a judge for the Women in Construction and Engineering (WICE) Awards, I’ve seen firsthand how empowering women in AEC leads to greater innovation and progress. For me, success isn’t just about business growth—it’s about building an industry that is more inclusive, equitable and forward-thinking for future generations.

Tell us about some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on.

It’s meaningful to me to support designing beautiful, healthy spaces where people live, work, play and learn. But, the most fulfilling projects aren’t tied to a single building or product—they’re about solving business challenges that create lasting impact. I enjoy identifying a need, developing a strategy and executing solutions with a strong team. Whether optimizing operations, integrating an acquisition or launching an industry-changing initiative, the true reward is in collaboration, innovation and learning along the way.

That said, there’s one exception—the projects I build with my 5-year-old son. Whether it's Legos, shipping boxes or couch cushions, we create imaginative spaces—sometimes impressive, if not always structurally sound. It’s fun seeing my influence when he adds a paper roll between blankets as a makeshift Solatube to bring daylight into his fort. What can I say? We’re a big daylight family!

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

You are your own best advocate. Own your expertise, ask questions and never underestimate your voice at the table. The AEC industry is evolving, and diverse perspectives are critical to driving innovation and progress. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo—change happens when we push boundaries and bring new ideas forward.

Surround yourself with mentors and champions who will support your growth. I’ve been fortunate to mentor women across the industry and serve as a judge for the Women in Construction and Engineering (WICE) Awards, where I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact women are making in this field. The more we support each other and lean on our male allies, the stronger and more inclusive this industry becomes. At Kingspan Light + Air, we foster a culture where bold ideas and diverse voices thrive. The future of AEC will be shaped by those willing to innovate, collaborate and lead—women included.