Terri Brouhard

Electrical Designer

Matern Professional Engineering

10 years in the industry

What initially inspired you to pursue a career in AEC, and who or what influenced you most along the way?

I was drawn to the AEC field because I’ve always had strong spatial reasoning skills and natural attention to detail. I enjoy visualizing how things fit together and take satisfaction in seeing a design come to life from planning to construction. Collaborating with my colleagues and industry mentors broadened my perspective and left a lasting impact. I got to see first-hand their problem-solving process and passion, which confirmed that this was the right path for me and pushed me to continue developing my skills.

Can you share a project you’re especially proud of and explain what made it meaningful—either professionally or personally?

I’m so proud of my work with Florida public schools. There’s something incredibly meaningful about contributing to the community and leaving a lasting, positive footprint. Generations of students will walk through spaces that I helped design, and those environments can positively impact their learning and daily experiences. On a personal level, it’s even more rewarding to know that my own children attend schools I helped create.

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

Early on in my career, I assisted with a wind farm project in northern Michigan, where I had the opportunity to ride the elevator to the top of a 475-foot wind turbine designed to generate enough energy to power roughly 1,400 to 1,600 homes. Experiencing firsthand the scale and power of a renewable energy source and understanding the impact it could have on the surrounding community was truly enlightening. That moment reinforced the importance of sustainability in our industry and shaped my desire to be more intentional about incorporating renewable and green design strategies into my projects moving forward.

What advice would you give to young women or girls who are considering a career in architecture or the broader AEC industry?

I would encourage young women and girls to trust their abilities. Do not be intimidated by the AEC industry's history of being male-dominated; women have and are continuing to break barriers for the next generation of talent. If you enjoy problem-solving, creativity, and seeing your work come to life in real, tangible ways, there is a place for you here. Diverse voices make the industry stronger, and as more women take on prominent roles, they help shape the workplace environment into a more welcoming space for other female professionals.

During International Women’s Month, what does recognition like this mean to you, and how can the industry continue to better support and elevate women’s voices year-round?

International Women’s Month allows us to closely examine past, present, and future women leaders, reinforcing the stance that women can and should take up space in all fields, especially male-dominated ones. Seeing women succeed in these roles provides mentorship by example and encourages others to join the industry with confidence. While progress has been made, there is still work to do in increasing the number of women in senior leadership and decision-making positions, and in continuing to support work–life balance without stigma. Ongoing mentorship, visibility, and advocacy are essential to ensuring that women not only enter the industry but are supported, valued, and able to thrive year-round.