At Skyline Construction, we’re proud to celebrate Women in Construction Week by highlighting the talented women who drive our projects forward. From innovative tech spaces to transformative lobby renovations, their unique perspectives and leadership inspire us daily. We asked a few of our team members about their favorite types of projects, memorable experiences, and advice for women entering the industry. Here’s what they had to say.

Jess Savickis: Mastering Amenity Spaces with Style and Collaboration

Favorite Projects:

“I am always in awe of the aesthetics and variation of styles I see throughout amenity floor buildouts. Being on the jobsite and seeing firsthand how the various trades coordinate efforts to bring these unique spaces to life is a constant reminder of my love for this profession.”

Unique Challenges:

“Coordination between the trades is one of the biggest challenges, yet one of the most important components of these projects. With amenity spaces, you’re creating a unique environment that must also be functional for a wide range of users. Bringing together all the trades to showcase their work while maintaining the same end goal shows just how impactful unity can be.”

Memorable Experience:

“At One East Wacker, where we are upgrading many of the building’s common spaces and vacant floors, I love seeing the relationships come together between Skyline, our subcontractors, and the client’s project team. It’s not just about conversations and collaboration – it’s about building a solid foundation for the future. When all parties truly ‘get’ each other, the process runs like a well-oiled machine.”

Advice for Women in Construction:


“It’s easy to get discouraged when things don’t go as expected, but take those setbacks as learning opportunities. Seek mentorship, actively advocate for yourself, and embrace the continuous learning that comes with this career.”

Kelsey Green: Innovating Tech Spaces with Creativity and Problem-Solving

Favorite Projects:

“I gravitate towards tech spaces because of the unique design elements and interesting material selections. I really enjoy figuring out how to take a specific element of the design and apply it to the space.”

Unique Challenges:

“These projects are full of complex design elements and tight timelines. I love the problem-solving aspect, especially when figuring out how to keep spaces functional while moving forward with exciting upgrades.”

Memorable Experience:

“One of my projects featured a large light fixture as a main design element. We were shipped a template with mismatched product numbers and had to figure it out like a puzzle. It required a lot of coordination with the electrical subcontractor, and multiple syncs with mechanical, sprinkler, security, and speaker teams to ensure everything fit intentionally. Moments where you’re able to make a key design element work are really rewarding. Looking back, it’s amazing to realize what you’re capable of accomplishing.”

Advice for Women in Construction:

“The more women, the better the construction industry is for it. We bring different perspectives and are natural problem solvers. Be confident in your abilities—there’s a place for us in construction.”

Katie Swartzloff: Transforming Common Areas with Vision and Precision

Favorite Projects:

“My favorite projects are large lobby renovations and common area upgrades. These high-traffic spaces significantly impact a building’s overall appeal and functionality, blending creativity with practicality. The design needs to be aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The tight timelines and occupied environments make problem-solving especially rewarding.”

Unique Challenges:

“It’s rare to shut down common areas, so we’re constantly thinking of creative ways to maintain pathways and usability while moving forward with upgrades. It’s a rewarding challenge to balance functionality with the client’s vision.”

Memorable Experience:

“On one of my projects, we had to figure out how to paint a roof structure in an atrium lobby that was 10 stories tall. Since the floor couldn’t structurally hold a scaffold, we devised an interior pulley and chair system, similar to exterior window washing equipment. It felt like a jungle gym at one point, but it allowed us to complete our work and provided the building management team with easier access for future maintenance. It was a new experience and a true test of innovation and problem-solving.”

Advice for Women in Construction:

“Be confident and assertive. Construction has traditionally been male dominated, but your voice and perspective are valuable. The most successful companies are those with diverse workforces. There is a place for us in construction.”

Joanna Ding: Bringing Design Vision to Life in High-Impact Workspaces

Favorite Projects:

“I always love building out office spaces for venture capital firms. It’s the process of collaborating with talented designers to create spaces that blend client needs, building character, and the beauty of the area that does it for me. From framing a 16’ coffered ceiling to laying out casework that perfectly frames a beloved landmark– it’s incredible to see how a well-crafted environment transforms the way people experience their workplace.”

Unique Challenges:

“The level of attention to detail in these spaces is a challenge I love tackling. From ensuring exposed overhead elements are perfectly aligned to maintaining consistent heights throughout, every aspect requires precision. At TCG, we found creative solutions to maintain a continuous soffit and mirrored casework despite difficult existing conditions. At Forerunner Ventures, we had to carefully install radial floor tile at the café island while preserving the integrity of the adjacent wood flooring. These challenges push us to think outside the box while staying true to the design intent.”

Memorable Experience:

“One of my most memorable projects was Forerunner Ventures, a firm led by an all-women team. Despite the challenges of building during COVID-19, we had a great time collaborating with Jenna from F+M Architects and Jennifer from Forerunner Ventures to create a modern, open, and feminine space to serve as the Forerunner Ventures homebase.

Advice for Women in Construction:

“Use your voice! It can be daunting to walk into a room full of men but let that be a reminder that you’re bringing to the table something unique. Make your ideas heard, don’t be afraid to defend it, and have all of fun while you can!”