This article is one in a series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past conversations.

DPR Construction's Taylor Ruth Fowler likes to think outside the box. The 35-year-old preconstruction manager is known for striving to improve traditional workflows on her projects by using lean practices and model-based costing tools.

Based in Orange County, California, Fowler said she is also passionate about building great things and embracing the continuous challenges and growth associated with technical construction. Recently, she worked with architect LPA to publish an industry whitepaper studying the benefits and cost feasibility of cross-laminated timber (CLT) construction.

Some of the projects she has worked on over her 13-year-long career include the UHS Behavioral Health project in Chino Hills and the award-winning Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center campus in Torrance.

Here, Fowler talks with Construction Dive about why she chose construction as a career and the importance of collaboration on project goals.

CONSTRUCTION DIVE: What do you do in your current job?

TAYLOR RUTH FOWLER: As a preconstruction manager, I lead a team of estimators and preconstruction professionals. My role also involves strategic direct involvement with key projects. Another interesting aspect of my job is providing conceptual construction cost data and advice to our clients. My projects and teams are all over Southern California.

What led you to choose construction for your career?

I did not chart a direct path to construction. As a high school student in "small town" Texas, I had no awareness of construction careers for women.

I was introduced to the idea of a professional career in construction while attending Texas A&M University. The construction science department there offered an exciting and challenging course load with a mix of business, engineering and architecture. That's where my construction journey started.

What are a few of the projects you've most enjoyed working on and why?

I've found the most growth and enjoyment on the projects where I'm working with a collaborative team to develop and implement solutions to technical challenges.

I was fortunate to work on one of the first true Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) projects in Southern California. Our integrated team planned, designed and executed a series of invasive infrastructure upgrades to a hospital that remained operational throughout construction. 

We upgraded the hospital, kept everyone safe during construction, met our schedule and budget goals and left as friends. It was a great project and a great reminder of what a team can accomplish with a shared vision and commitment.

What advice would you give to young women considering construction as a career?

Be bold, be yourself and say "yes" early in your career. Almost everything is a good opportunity early in your construction career. Say "yes" to helping with reports, meeting new folks, digging into the details, solving the small problems.

Those early opportunities turn into saying "yes" to taking on the stretch roles, coaching and mentoring others and the opportunity to solve bigger and more complex problems. Look at the challenges and failures as growth and opportunity — because they are!

What are you most looking forward to in your job in 2022?

In 2022, I look forward to prioritizing time to connect with clients and teams, safely and in person as soon as we can.