Written by Alice Maughan, creative director at Stronghold Homes and mentor in the I Am a Housebuilder programme
When you asked me in a room full of developers, “Where are the female housebuilders?” it made me pause and reflect.
Raised in a traditional household where motherhood was the focus, I was taught that having a career was something you pursued as a backup, a “just in case.”
Upon completing my degree, my focus turned to having a family. Being a mother to you, and your brother, is the greatest gift of my life. It is a dream come true. But alongside that dream, I always felt there was something more I could be. I just didn’t know how to get there, how I would fit in, or how to make both motherhood and a career work together.
Owning our business has allowed me to live both dreams: holding your hand on the school run and designing and creating homes for families like ours.
Running a small housebuilding company has taught me patience, perseverance and courage. I’ve worn many hats and had to learn so much along the way. I’ve learned to speak confidently with a wide range of trades and professionals. Sometimes I catch myself thinking “How did shy little Alice grow into someone who makes these decisions?”
You get to see mummy and daddy work side by side as a team. Together we refine the homes we build and create better spaces for the families who will live in them. Never forget: men and women each have something valuable to contribute in business. Working together, listening, and learning from each other makes us better people and better at what we do.
Houses are built and homes are created from an understanding that every family looks different. When we combine our experiences and perspectives, we build homes that are more thoughtful, more inclusive, and more connected to the people who will one day walk through their doors.
When I was first asked to take part in I Am a Housebuilder, I felt too insignificant to say yes. Aware there were many other women ahead of me in their careers, including those who had pushed the boundaries of what it means to be a woman in the workplace. And then I realised: that same feeling, that I’ve felt many times before, was exactly why I needed to take part. I wanted women to know they are welcome in this industry I love. I wanted to show that men and women can, and do, work side by side successfully in housebuilding.
Most of all, I wanted you to be able to walk into your future workplace feeling at ease, knowing you belong. I already envy the choices and possibilities that will be open to you.
Housebuilding is just one industry. But progress in one industry can inspire change in others, and I want you to grow up believing that whatever path you choose, you will find opportunity, respect, and space to shine.
So, when you next ask me, “Where are the female housebuilders?”
My answer to you is simple:
I’m here.
