The Women Building Bakker Construction: Voices from Our Team
Women in Construction Week 2026 brought a powerful theme to the forefront: "Level UP Build Strong: Communities | Careers | Futures." At Bakker Construction, this theme isn't just a weeklong celebration—it's the lived reality of our team every single day.
As we extend this recognition into Women's History Month, we're proud to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary women who make Bakker Construction what it is today. From leadership and design to operations and emerging talent, these women don't just contribute to our success—they define it.
We asked our team members to share their perspectives on working in construction and design-build, what surprises people about their roles, and what they believe women bring to this industry. Their responses reveal not only their individual talents and insights but also the culture of excellence, innovation, and genuine collaboration that sets Bakker Construction apart.
Leadership That Shapes Our Legacy
Chanelle ~ Vice President & Co-Owner
As Vice President and Co-Owner of Bakker Construction, Chanelle brings a unique perspective to leadership in the construction industry—one that recognizes the human element behind every project.
"People often think construction is mostly about materials and schedules, but much of what I do is really about people," Chanelle explains. "Every project is a collaboration between talented designers, builders, and trades, and my role is bringing that energy together and guiding it toward something exceptional."
Her approach extends far beyond project management. "What people may not realize is how much of my focus is on building the team and culture behind the work. I'm incredibly proud of the company we've grown and the people who make it what it is."
This investment in people reflects Bakker Construction's core mission. "At Bakker, we talk about transforming lives, nurturing community, and leaving a lasting legacy through crafting exquisite homes, and for me, that legacy isn't just the homes we build—it's the people and the standards we build along the way."
When asked about what women bring to construction and design, Chanelle's response captures why diverse perspectives matter: "Construction and Design are built on problem-solving, creativity and leadership, and women are known to bring all three with a perspective the industry genuinely needs. The more diverse the voices shaping a project, the more thoughtful and successful the final result tends to be."
Amanda ~ Director of Marketing & Co-Owner
Amanda has witnessed Bakker Construction's evolution from its earliest days, bringing a storyteller's perspective to the company's growth and mission.
"It is an awesome privilege to say that I have been a part of the Bakker Construction story since its infancy. And in a lot of ways, it truly has been like raising another child—one that is now nearly 18 years old!" Amanda reflects. "From the humble days of working out of a home office, to the talented, driven, and inspiring team that we have around us today, we have come so far and are truly just beginning to scratch the surface of our potential."
For Amanda, marketing transcends traditional promotion. "Marketing is about more than pretty print ads and engaging social posts. This is my opportunity to be a storyteller—to invite the community in to who Bakker is and to showcase what truly sets our incredible team apart. It is a privilege and responsibility I take very seriously."
She finds particular joy in the narrative arc of each project. "My favorite part is telling the stories of our projects, from design concept and development to demolition to construction to finishes. Our projects have a beginning, a middle and an end just like any other story… and then we hand these beautiful spaces back over to our clients and know that they are about to create beautiful moments and memories there, and begin stories of their own. It is truly transformational work."
This work is guided by Bakker's foundational principles: "At our core, the values of integrity, excellence, service, innovation, teamwork and impact guide everything we do—especially when it comes to marketing and sharing who we are with the rest of the world."
Design Vision That Brings Dreams to Life
Our in-house design team represents the creative heart of Bakker Construction, where vision meets technical expertise and thoughtful attention to how people actually live.
Tessa ~ Interior Designer
Tessa brings a philosophy to design that centers on understanding the human experience within spaces—an approach that goes far deeper than aesthetics alone.
"What do I love most? The people," Tessa shares. "We're surrounded by a really wonderful team of people who all want to do good work and create a beautiful, functional end product."
Her perspective on what women bring to construction reveals the power of lived experience. "When I think about what women bring to the construction industry, I think about perspective. Just like in every industry, it's important to have people with different life experiences. But in construction—especially when we're building homes—that diversity of experience becomes even more meaningful. A home isn't just a structure. It's where life unfolds in quiet, ordinary, deeply human ways."
This awareness shapes how Tessa approaches every project. "Women often bring a strong awareness of how spaces are actually lived in. There's an attentiveness to daily rhythms, to where the morning light falls, which drawer makes the most sense for the coffee spoons, how the flooring feels under bare feet, how a layout supports both chaos and calm. It's not just about how something looks, but how it functions and feels over time."
She emphasizes that these considerations have real impact: "That attention to lived experience can have a powerful impact. The small decisions—the ones that might seem invisible on a blueprint—shape how supported, comfortable, and at-home someone feels every day."
While acknowledging these qualities aren't exclusive to women, Tessa notes their particular significance: "Because of different life experiences, responsibilities, and perspectives many women have carried, they often approach building with a heightened sensitivity to how spaces nurture the people inside them. And in an industry that literally shapes the environments people live in, that perspective is incredibly valuable."
Toni ~ Interior Designer
Toni's experience at Bakker Construction highlights how the company invests in growing talent and creating an environment where questions lead to confidence.
"At Bakker, my questions have always been welcomed, and I've been given thoughtful, genuine guidance to help me grow," Toni shares. "That support has made a significant difference in my confidence and development."
She's quick to dispel common misconceptions about design work. "When I tell people I'm a designer, they often assume I just select tile and paint colors—which is definitely a fun part of the job! But in reality, that's only a small portion of what I do."
The technical scope of her role encompasses far more: "I create proposed floor plans, elevations, electrical plans, and site plans that our superintendents and carpenters rely on to construct the project. A significant part of my role involves ensuring what we're proposing is feasible. That means reviewing setback requirements, lot coverage regulations, permitting requirements, and compiling detailed permit sets."
The coordination extends even further: "We also evaluate existing utility lines and services to ensure our designs don't interfere with them. Beyond that, I track many of the project details like appliance selections, plumbing selections, delivery timelines, flooring specifications—like scratch resistance and waterproofing—and even clients' vacation schedules so we know when not to disturb them. There's a lot of coordination and technical work behind the scenes that people don't always see."
Her advice to other women considering this field combines confidence with humility: "Be confident in what you know, and in what you don't know. There's power in asking the right questions and recognizing when someone else has expertise you can learn from. At the same time, your knowledge, perspective, and voice deserve to be heard in any room you walk into. Don't underestimate the value you bring to the table."
Caitlin ~ Interior Designer
Caitlin's experience at Bakker Construction reveals a company culture that genuinely invests in its people's growth and creative potential.
"Bakker Construction is one of the most unique companies I've ever worked for," Caitlin emphasizes. "They genuinely invest in their people and push them to grow and improve. The culture they've built has no ceiling, which makes it incredibly empowering to be part of."
The collaborative environment shapes the daily work experience. "Being part of this team really does feel like a work family. We're all moving toward the same goal, and no one person can carry the entire process alone—it takes collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to get it done right."
She particularly values the leadership's commitment to support: "Bakker's leadership consistently asks how they can support us in our day-to-day work. No matter how busy things get, someone is always available and willing to step in to help—and they're always encouraging us as designers to push our creativity and think bigger."
Like her colleagues, Caitlin works to broaden understanding of what designers actually do. "People often assume designers just select pillows or focus on the 'pretty' details, but in reality we have to understand the entire home—electrical, plumbing, structural elements, and all the technical layers that bring a vision to life. Every small decision builds on the next, and that's what ultimately creates a truly beautiful space."
Operations Excellence That Keeps Everything Running
Brianna ~ Office Manager
For nearly four years, Brianna has served as a vital anchor for Bakker Construction, ensuring the financial and operational systems that support every project run smoothly.
"Being a part of this team means knowing that my work behind the scenes directly supports the success of every project," Brianna explains. "We all play different roles, but we're working toward the same goal—and that's something I'm proud to be part of."
Her role encompasses strategic thinking that many don't associate with financial management. "I enjoy bringing structure and clarity to the financial side of our projects. Helping keep budgets on track and supporting the team with accurate reporting allows our projects to run smoothly."
The depth of her work goes beyond traditional bookkeeping: "There's a lot more strategy involved than people think. It's not just numbers—it's forecasting, problem-solving, and helping make informed decisions that impact the success of every build."
Her perspective on what women bring to the industry highlights skills that prove essential in connecting different aspects of the business: "I feel that women bring strong communication, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset to this important industry. Those qualities are incredibly valuable—especially in roles that connect operations, finance, and project teams."
The Next Generation
Olivia ~ Intern
As an intern who has spent two summers with Bakker Construction, Olivia brings fresh perspective on what makes this work meaningful and how thoughtful planning creates impact.
"I enjoy getting to think deeply about our goals and strengths as a company and then make decisions today that will benefit us in the future," Olivia shares. "I also enjoy working to really understand our clients and make sure we are putting ourselves in front of the right people."
Her understanding of the industry's significance reflects both intellectual depth and emotional intelligence: "For me, working in the construction/design-build industry is a beautiful thing because it ties so many aspects of life and of the mind together. It requires active listening and helping clients to articulate their desires for a home that they hold close to their chest. It means being creative and imaginative in bringing those ideas to life and tangibly creating something beautiful."
She recognizes the multifaceted nature of the work: "Working in this industry also means thinking logically and puzzling through complicated situations, with hard and soft skills working in tandem. Our work is also highly relational, as we sit with real people and their real stories."
The experience has deepened her appreciation for what home truly means: "Ultimately, working in the construction/design-build industry has brought me to a deeper understanding of people and the concept of home. It has been truly special to see how integral a home is to all aspects of life, and how deep the fissures can run when that need is not met."
What This Means for Our Clients and Community
The voices you've heard throughout this post aren't just words on a page—they represent the living, breathing culture that shapes every Bakker Construction project. When you work with our team, you're not just hiring a construction company. You're partnering with women who understand how spaces truly function, who bring strategic thinking to every aspect of the process, who collaborate seamlessly across disciplines, and who genuinely care about creating homes that nurture the people inside them.
This is what sets Bakker Construction apart. Not just our technical expertise or our design capabilities—though both are exceptional—but the perspective, dedication, and humanity that these women bring to their work every single day.
As we celebrate Women in Construction Week and Women's History Month, we're not just honoring the past. We're building the future—one thoughtful decision, one collaborative project, one transformative home at a time.
To the women of Bakker Construction: thank you for sharing your insights, your expertise, and your passion. You are building strong communities, advancing careers, and shaping futures—including our own.
And to our community on California's Central Coast: this is who we are. This is the team behind the homes we craft, the culture we've built, and the legacy we're creating together. We invite you to experience the Bakker difference—where exceptional design meets masterful craftsmanship, guided by voices that genuinely understand what makes a house become a home.
Ready to work with a team that brings this level of insight and dedication to your project? Contact Bakker Construction today to schedule your free in-home design consultation. Experience firsthand what happens when vision, expertise, and genuine care come together under one roof.
