Sabeel Yosef

Senior Project Manager

Group PMX

23 years in the industry

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

There were 2 major influences that led me to pursue a career in construction. The first was watching my parents DIY our family home from top to bottom. I practically grew up at Home Depot and helped choose the finishes throughout our house. I loved seeing rooms come to life! Then, in High School, I took a mechanical drawing class where I learned to draw plans and make scaled models of my plans. I loved it so much, I was determined to pursue a career in architecture. My high school guidance counselor encouraged me to pursue engineering instead, as I hadn’t taken art electives, but I was a top student in math and science. I graduated from Cooper Union with a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, and I made my way right into construction management at a firm then known as Bovis Lend Lease, and the rest is history!

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

Interestingly, my proudest projects were the first projects I worked on, at NYU Langone Medical Center. Healthcare construction is deeply meaningful. You feel that you have an indirect contribution to saving lives. I was part of a large project team, where collaboration and camaraderie were at a high. Strong bonds were developed. I am still friends and have even professionally collaborated with many of those teammates, 20-something years later.

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

I’d had the privilege to work on projects that are for people. Whether I worked on the construction of several different hospitals, built to treat people of all walks and types; whether institutions like the Park Avenue Armory, a cultural space that attracts artists, talent and art-enthusiasts; whether office spaces like the headquarters for Sprint in Kansas City or TIAA in NYC, to attract talent and encourage employees to return to an inspiring office environment; or educational facilities like The Spence School or Stevens Institute of Technology, to motivate students to learn and grow. The projects I have worked on are designed with inclusivity at the forefront- to serve all kinds of people, and represent all needs. Collaborating while representing diversity and inclusion in design is what makes for the best spaces that attract guests and talent.

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 very fortunate to have mentors guide me on my career path. Mentorship for women is still so important. While the industry has made tremendous strides, women helping women is crucial to support our growth.

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

We see more women in the industry, in general. Women are in all roles in all levels throughout the industry. We see women running firms and we see firms proposing project teams that are reflective of gender, ethnic and racial diversity. As an Owner’s Representative, it is a normal and regular expectation to see design and construction firms proposing project teams that are reflective of the diversity of the Owner and Owner Representative firms. 

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

Although I followed my high school guidance counselor’s advice to pursue engineering instead of architecture, and then began a career in construction management, I still had a deep desire to explore the passion I have for design. About ten years into my construction management career, I had the courage to pivot and pursue a role at an interior design firm. The growth and influence that that experience had on me was so profound, it completely changed my career trajectory. Following 2 years in that role, I became an owner representative, where I was able to participate in both the design and construction phases of projects. I could lean on my strong project management skills, while also having a role in design. When I joined WeWork, I was part of a team that provided design build services to our clients, where, as a Senior Project Manager, I was responsible for the overall project delivery, I had the opportunity to work very closely with the design team throughout my projects. That experience at the interior design firm is what led me to develop my passion for design and discover the role in which I thrive, as an owner representative. 

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

The AEC industry is rather small, and relationship-based. Your colleagues become clients and vice versa. Invest the time at the start of your careers- especially before responsibilities and families take up more presence in your life, to develop those relationships. Go to lunch. Go to after-work drinks. Go to all the networking events. Take the time to socialize and schmooze. In 10, 20, 30 years, you’ll learn how much you’ll depend on those relationships.

Also, there are so many opportunities to pursue in this broader industry. The skill sets that are necessary to become an architect, engineer or construction manager are so widely applicable. Your growth and career path can adapt to follow your passions and strengths.

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?

I’m honored to receive this recognition. I feel proud to be part of this industry, especially as a working mom who has just recently returned from my second maternity leave. 

While the industry has made strides in supporting women and recognizing their outstanding contributions in the AEC fields, there is still room for more. There is a growing change in working women in all fields—millennial working mothers in particular—who are challenged by their work/life balance. It seems that this topic of conversation comes up at nearly every professional and social gathering lately. Women are so challenged by this, that the number of women who are seriously considering retiring from their careers to meet their needs, is concerning. These are highly educated women who have had long careers, have so much experience, and are in mid to senior level management positions, high performing talent. More attention should be paid to this, before we lose the decades of effort achieved to support growth for women in AEC.