Celebrating Women in Construction: How Curate is Leading the Way in Chattanooga
The Reality for Women in Home Building
It’s no secret that the construction industry remains largely male-dominated, but many people may not realize the extent of this disparity. To put things into perspective:
Women account for just 10.9% of the construction workforce in the U.S.
Only 4% of women in construction work onsite
Half of female construction workers experience gender inequality on the job
While there has been progress in recent years, thanks in part to initiatives like Women in Construction Week, there’s still a long way to go. The percentage of women in construction is at an all-time high, and women in the industry earn about 99% of what their male counterparts earn—an improvement over the 87% wage gap seen in other industries. However, there’s still significant room for growth, and companies like Curate are committed to driving meaningful change every day.
Curate’s Commitment to Change
At Curate, we take pride in fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for women in home building. Our team consists of sixteen skilled professionals, eleven of whom are talented women filling key roles such as CSO, lead designer, and director of field operations. Our founder, Piper Stromatt, is a trailblazer in the industry, having contributed to the construction of over 400 homes throughout her career.
Through firsthand experience, we’ve seen the immense value that women bring to the home-building industry. Their expertise, creativity, and dedication are integral to our ability to craft stunning, high-quality homes tailored to every homeowner’s needs.
As part of our commitment to advancing opportunities for women in home building, Curate has established the Build Up Foundation and actively participates in The House That She Built program. This initiative, which promotes and supports women in the home-building industry, aligns perfectly with our mission to create pathways for female professionals in construction. To learn more about The House That She Built, visit their website.
Real House, Real Women
One of the most inspiring aspects of The House That She Built initiative is its origin. The project was born out of a need to showcase and uplift skilled tradeswomen and women-owned businesses within the home-building industry. It was first established by the Utah Home Builders Association’s Professional Women in Building Council of NAHB, who worked together to construct a one-of-a-kind home built entirely by women.
As the project gained national recognition, women from all over the country traveled to Utah to contribute their skills and expertise. The House That She Built not only provided a space for women to demonstrate their craftsmanship but also highlighted the urgent need to increase female representation in the home-building industry, where women make up less than 3% of the onsite workforce.
Mollie Elkman, a key participant in the project, played a vital role in branding and marketing efforts that helped secure donations, labor, and media attention. Inspired by the mission, she later created Real House, Real Women, a book dedicated to sharing the powerful story behind The House That She Built, ensuring that the movement continues to inspire and empower future generations.
Supporting Women in Home Building Year-Round
The momentum of Women in Construction Week shouldn’t fade after one week—it should serve as a launching point for ongoing efforts to elevate women in home building. At Curate, we recognize that real change comes from consistent action, education, and advocacy.
Whether you’re looking for a custom-built home or a move-in-ready option, partnering with Curate means supporting some of the most skilled female professionals in the field—not just during Women in Construction Week, but every day of the year.
Get in touch with us today to see how our team can bring expertise, craftsmanship, and innovation to your home-building project while continuing to empower women in construction!
Curate’s skilled team can help you craft the home of your dreams. Click here to take the first step towards making that dream a reality.
