Dana Pucillo

Vice President of Acoustic Solutions at Carnegie

Carnegie Acoustic Solutions

30 years in the industry

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

I was exposed to the design industry early on through my father, who worked in advertising for Interior Design magazine. While I was drawn to fine art, he recognized my interest in how spaces function and encouraged me to pursue interior design. More importantly, he instilled in me an appreciation for the role of skilled manufacturers and craftspeople, and the idea that great design is only as strong as the partners who help bring it to life.

That perspective shaped how I approach design and leadership today, and it ultimately set the foundation for my career.

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

Diversity and inclusion lead to better design because they bring more perspectives into the process. Earlier in my career, the focus was often on aesthetics and recognition, which was very much a reflection of the industry at the time. As the profession has evolved, welcoming a wider range of voices and experiences has made design stronger and more relevant.

Today, inclusive teams are better equipped to create spaces that are thoughtful, functional, and meaningful to the people who use them. Design isn’t just about how something looks anymore—it’s about impact, performance, and purpose—and diversity plays an important role in getting us there.

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’ve been fortunate to learn from a range of mentors throughout my career. Many of the leadership roles I worked under early on were held by male owners, CEOs, or design principals, and each taught me something valuable. One particularly formative influence was Timothy Macdonald (Timothy Macdonald, Inc.), who emphasized the importance of understanding the business side of the interior design industry. From that experience, I learned how critical it is to balance creative leadership with strategic and financial decision-making.

That foundation has been essential in my current role at Carnegie, where I lead the Acoustic Solutions division as Vice President. At this level, business strategy and growth are not just about performance—they enable innovation, strengthen teams, and support long-term impact.

Mentorship remains especially important for women entering the field. As more women step into strategic, decision-making roles, continued training, advocacy, and mentorship around business leadership ensure they are equipped to influence outcomes, grow organizations, and lead at the highest levels.

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

Over the course of my 35+ years in this industry, I’ve held a wide range of roles—from residential design to manufacturing, sales, operations, and divisional leadership. My advice to young women and girls is to follow what genuinely excites you, while also paying close attention to where your strengths really show up. The intersection of passion and capability is where you build confidence, momentum, and long-term growth.

Every role you take on is an opportunity to bring your own footprint to an organization—whether that’s creative thinking, technical problem-solving, operational efficiency, or leadership. And that footprint can change. You may start out as an interior designer and discover a love for engineering, or begin as a manufacturer’s representative and realize you have a real talent for production processes and efficiencies. Just because a path looks good on paper doesn’t mean it’s the right one. Keep asking yourself: Am I solving problems in the way I do best? Does my team enjoy how we work together? Am I curious and excited about where we’re headed next?

My experience at Carnegie has been the most rewarding chapter of my career, because building teams and delivering innovation is truly my passion. We’re collectively focused on making a meaningful impact through sustainable solutions that are healthier for both people and the planet. I’m proud to be on that journey alongside incredibly talented women—and exceptional men—working together to move our industry forward.

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? 

While recognition during International Women’s Month is meaningful, I’m fortunate to work alongside an exceptional team of women every day—and that’s something I celebrate year-round. For me, moments like this reinforce the importance of amplifying women’s voices, particularly women in leadership, and creating more space to share how they’ve built their careers, lead teams, and navigate the business side of our industry.

The industry can continue to support women by making those stories more visible—highlighting best practices, leadership approaches, and paths to growth that empower others to lead with confidence. Women bring a unique ability to balance strategic thinking, creativity, and empathy, and when those qualities are supported consistently—not just in one month—the entire industry benefits.