City & Country’s Katarzyna Gawenda builds career in construction

City & Country’s Katarzyna Gawenda builds career in construction

With Women in Construction Week taking place this month, City & Country’s Katarzyna Gawenda recently discussed her route into the industry and her plans for the future.

Kat joined the business as an Trainee Assistant Site Manager last year and has since been working at the The 1840, St George’s Gardens in South West London.

“I was really attracted to City & Country because they bring historic buildings back to life, and that is so satisfying. My role lets me take part in all aspects of site management, and a typical day includes liaising with subcontractors, monitoring quality of works, solving daily matters and taking care of site’s documentation and procedures.” she explains.

Kat’s passion for the construction industry started early, but it required effort and dedication to turn it into a career. In her native Poland, she gained a Masters in Structural Engineering and Site Management, before moving to the UK and securing her job during the height of the pandemic. She is now keen to show other women how rewarding careers in construction can be.

“Despite the stereotypes, women can excel in site-based roles. There are a lot of misconceptions about gender specific roles in the industry, and it can be daunting at first to join what is still a male-dominated environment. But that should not be stopping young people of all genders from pursuing their goals.

“Construction is a demanding industry, regardless of your gender, but if you have the passion and the dedication for the role, that will ultimately be recognised, and I’m hoping we continue to see changes in how women on construction sites are perceived.”