The construction industry is experiencing a transformative shift as women increasingly take on leadership roles, particularly in the realms of Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). These digital technologies are revolutionizing how projects are planned and executed, enhancing collaboration and efficiency while also creating new opportunities for innovation. As the industry embraces these advancements, the contributions of women are becoming crucial in driving change, challenging traditional norms, and fostering a more inclusive environment.

In this article, we explore the significance of empowering women in construction and the impact of digital design technologies on the future of the industry. We interviewed industry expert Olivia Morgan to gain insight into the challenges faced by women and the opportunities presented by BIM and VDC. Her perspectives highlight the pivotal role women play in shaping a more equitable and innovative construction landscape.

 

About Olivia

Olivia Morgan is a BIM/VDC leader with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design from Iowa State University and extensive experience in electrical design and construction technology. As an Electrical Lead BIM/VDC Designer, she not only develops models and processes for efficiency and constructability but also manages large-scale projects, mentors and oversees internal and third-party drafters, and contributes to company-wide standards development.

Her influence extends beyond project delivery. Olivia is the Founder of QC BIM/VDC Peers, a knowledge-sharing community for professionals in the Quad Cities, and serves as a Regional Lead for Women in BIM, where she advocates for mentorship, representation, and the advancement of women in construction technology.

With a career built on leadership, innovation, and collaboration, Olivia continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital construction—empowering teams and projects to achieve smarter, more efficient outcomes.

 

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and what drew you specifically to BIM/VDC?

“Construction is an industry that will always be essential—it creates the world we see around us. What drew me to BIM/VDC is the ability to shape projects before they even break ground. It’s about taking a vision and making it functional and constructible, ensuring efficiency and collaboration from the very beginning.”

 

 

A photo of a coordination model vs. what it looks like in real-life after being produced and installed. Photo Credit: Olivia Morgan.

 

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, what challenges have you faced, and how have you navigated those obstacles?

“Being a woman in a male-dominated field isn’t always easy, as many of us know. Too often, people default to seeking input from men first, sometimes without even realizing it.”

“I’ve learned to navigate those moments by speaking up, staying confident, and letting my work demonstrate my value. When you keep your head high and consistently deliver, people notice—and soon, you become the go-to person who is trusted and respected.”

 

What advice would you give to women just starting their careers in construction?

“Don’t be afraid to use your voice. Mistakes will happen—it’s part of the learning process. What matters is finding the solution, presenting it with confidence, and moving forward. Men make mistakes all the time, and it doesn’t hold them back, so don’t let it hold you back either. Seek out a mentor for guidance and support; having someone in your corner can help you find your voice, build confidence, and truly shine.”

 

What excites you most about the future of digital construction and its impact on the industry?

“I’m excited to see how far BIM/VDC will grow and eventually become standard practice across projects. I don’t see VDC going away—it will only continue to expand. With that growth comes opportunity, especially for women. I believe women will thrive in this space, leading with innovation and paving a path that is recognized, respected, and admired in the industry.”

 

Can you describe a project where BIM/VDC significantly improved efficiency or collaboration? What were the key takeaways?

“On our current data center project, BIM/VDC has been a game-changer. We were able to forecast material needs early on, aligning orders with lead times so materials arrived exactly when needed. Modeling the site allowed us to design efficient underground racks ahead of excavation, reducing both time and waste. Prefabricating those racks before installation improved safety and helped the field team work faster than traditional onsite builds.”

“The biggest takeaway was the importance of open communication. With multiple teams and stakeholders spread across locations, strong communication kept prefab, ordering, shipping, and installation aligned. In situations like this, there’s almost no such thing as over-communicating. Transparent, ongoing discussions were the key to keeping the project on track.”

 

What emerging technologies do you believe will shape the future of construction, and how can professionals prepare for these changes?

“AI, VR, and AR will continue to transform construction. AI can streamline operations and increase efficiency—it may not replace the human side of our work, but it’s a powerful tool to have. VR is especially valuable for owners and clients, giving them a clear picture of a project’s design and progress before construction begins. This helps identify changes or corrections early, saving significant time and money.”

“Onsite, AR offers even greater potential. Unlike VR, it allows users to view the digital model while still seeing their real-world surroundings, making it safer and more practical in the field. Together, these tools will help us design smarter, collaborate better, and deliver projects more effectively.”

 

Olivia Morgan’s career is a powerful example of how leadership, innovation, and resilience can shape the future of construction technology. From leveraging BIM/VDC to drive efficiency and collaboration, to advocating for women’s representation in the industry, she continues to set the standard for what’s possible when vision meets determination. Key takeaways from her journey include the importance of using your voice confidently, embracing mistakes as opportunities to grow, fostering open communication across projects, and staying curious about emerging technologies like AI, VR, and AR.

Olivia’s insights remind us that the future of digital construction is not just about tools and processes -it’s about people who lead with purpose, share knowledge, and cultivate inclusivity.

A heartfelt thank you to Olivia for sharing her experiences and insights. Her voice inspires others in construction and technology to not only embrace change but also help shape it.

 

 

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At Chicago Build, we are committed to driving progress in both digital innovation and representation in the construction industry. With over 400 industry leaders sharing their knowledge across multiple stages, including dedicated tracks for Diversity in Construction and Digital Construction, we aim to inspire, educate, and empower our 30,000+ attendees.

Join Olivia in advancing the future of construction by participating in our Ambassador Program where you can connect with like-minded professionals, champion inclusion, and help shape the industry through innovation and collaboration. Become part of the Ambassador Community today!