Katherine Chan

Principal and Project Manager, Structures Group

Walter P Moore

14 years in the industry

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

I was passionate about helping the world around me from a young age and fell into engineering at first trying to pursue biomedical engineering and develop handheld diagnostic machines to be used in third world countries but ultimately switched to structural engineering as the scale of buildings and the more artistic creative aspects of structural engineering and architecture grabbed my interest and attention. My father studied and became one of the first gen computer science engineers so engineering and applied sciences as a general field of study and professional industry were socialized to me at a young age.

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

The American Museum of Natural History has a really special place in my heart. Not only are the architectural design and technical execution of the facade and building inspiring, but the project team was also such a joy to work with. It is worth noting that each of the day-to-day multidisciplinary consultant project managers, owners rep, and design architect were all women. The architect of record day to day project managers were male architects who really championed their more junior staff, including women designers as well. That was an unusual and refreshing design team make up. I also live quite close to the museum, so seeing it and knowing I got to touch a bit of the process provides me with great solace that the work we do is important and worth the endeavor!

How do you see diversity and inclusion influencing better design outcomes in architecture today?

At the heart of it, for architecture to remain relevant or attempt to be timeless, the design needs to be accessible and welcoming to folks of as many backgrounds and abilities as possible. Place making and belonging are often discussed at concept level design, but I think these themes will maintain prominence as clients are getting more discerning even in the current economic environment. Maybe it is because of the current economic environment with the cost of building so high that new buildings need to justify themselves by increasing their relevance and accessibility.

Have you had mentors or advocates who played a key role in your career growth, and how important is mentorship for women entering the field now?

I am very lucky to have had advocates and mentors along the way. Mentorship for anyone entering the field is important in understanding the work culture of one’s firm and facet in the industry itself. But, for women, I have found that having someone you trust who can advocate for you when you have navigating challenging technical or corporate conversations is key. I have been super lucky to have mentors and advocates who are men and women with different backgrounds.

How do you balance creativity with the technical, regulatory, and business demands of architecture?

I have found myself to be most comfortable leading with a best practices perspective. For me, this means leading with design process and ensuring options all fulfill technical performance and code requirements. Being flexible and actively listening when presenting options to architectural clients has been critical to striking that balance. And the balance I have found is dynamic. That balance can shift during the project process or between projects.

What changes have you seen for women in engineering over the course of your career, and where do you think progress is still needed?

It is really great to see more women in leadership positions. It allows for more candid conversations about career path and journey. I think progress is still needed in the 10-15 year mark. I realize that is the window I am in now, but I find this is the time when my colleagues burn out because of the demands of the job in challenges in navigating career growth and pay.

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

It really invigorates me to see how technological advances in fabrication and manufacturing can push our industry towards a more sustainable one. Circularity is my latest most ardent interest under the sustainability umbrella of topics. Creating hyper local solutions that allow for capturing of glass cullet from renovation projects can lower the cost of demolition and also enable the same glass to be downcycled into glass gypsum board or glass fiber insulation. Design for disassembly and salvaging are also topics I am excited to see more of as our industry grapples with the pressing needs to make building more sustainable and economically viable.

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

I am founding co-chair for the Society of Façade Engineering North America Hub. It is one of the first hubs of a group that started in the U.K. I started the hub in 2022 and launched it in 2023 with a co-chair and then have since expanded our volunteer professional networking group that focuses on making façade engineering technical knowledge sharing accessible to all. We have grown our organizing committee from five inaugural members to 10-11 folks. We grew the scope of in person events from just New York with virtual events to an annual event in Los Angeles. Being able to collaborate with likeminded engineers, designers, and façade enthusiasts really warms my soul and energies me knowing that I can help cultivate that community I have always wanted. It is a nerd club! I am also extremely grateful for the support from my managers and firm, who are proud sponsors. To be supported like this has given me the boost that I am on the right path and to keep going when the day to day gets tough.

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

Mr. Rogers said it best—identify the helpers. Find likeminded folks—whether it be the topics you want to learn about or folks who fill your cup, these are the folks that can help you find your path. And, generally, helping another find theirs helps you gain clarify in yours. We are all in this together and creating a space and place of belonging within AEC is a lot about getting to know the people around you as people first.

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?

Recognition has been simultaneously exciting and unnerving. Like many folks, I struggle with imposter syndrome and perfectionism. While I know I am not perfect and cannot be, striving for excellence has become a main goal for me, especially in my ambitions to do my best. Receiving recognition helps remind myself of the positives and progress I have made. It makes me pause and reminds me that my passion towards my work is what empowers me, but that it does not have to be engulfing. In terms of industry continuing to better support and elevate women’s voices year-round, I think that creating employee resource groups for women within professional organizations or firms can help amplify women’s stories. Also, gender representation in speaking engagements makes a big difference.