To celebrate International Women’s Day 2026, which takes place on 8 March, BE News is running a series of interviews with inspirational women who work across the built environment sector
Name: Jenny Braid
Job title: Project director at multidisciplinary property and construction consultancy Stace
What I do: I oversee projects from concept to completion across multiple sectors, working with a diverse range of clients. I lead teams, manage client relationships and drive delivery from strategy through to handover. Alongside project work, I mentor emerging talent and lead on EDI initiatives across the business.
Why I got into the property industry: I’ve always been fascinated by the world around me – how buildings came to be, who shaped them, and why they matter. My dad was a quantity surveyor, so construction was always in the background growing up. Subliminal influence perhaps – but the passion is very much my own. I love being able to say, “I helped build that.” The variety is what truly draws me in. One day it’s local authority housing, the next it’s private student accommodation – and occasionally even an elephant enclosure. No two days (or projects) are ever the same.
How I did it: Academically, a fairly traditional route: A-levels, a civil engineering degree at the University of Portsmouth, then joining Stace as a graduate project manager. Personally, through hard work, curiosity and saying ‘yes’ to opportunities – especially the ones that felt slightly daunting. I’ve learned as much from the things that didn’t go to plan as I have from the successes. Sometimes learning how not to do something is the most valuable lesson of all.
My first proper job: My first ‘proper job’ in the industry was at Stace. I joined as a graduate the week the London 2012 Olympics started – nothing like a global sporting event to set performance expectations. Life does come full circle: at college I worked in Tesco, then later found myself delivering stores for them. At university I worked in a cinema and recently completed a shell for a leading cinema occupier.
My inspiration(s): My parents instilled in me the value of hard work and earning your achievements. I’m also inspired by the next generation entering the industry. Knowing I can play a part in creating opportunity for them motivates me to keep pushing for better and to help open doors that haven’t always been easy to access.
My greatest achievement/proudest moment to date: Aside from getting married, having my son and achieving a hole-in-one at 11 (I peaked early on the golf front), seeing Boxpark Croydon, one of the first projects I delivered, on the international news being covered in beer during the FIFA World Cup was a pretty good moment – although I did consider whether we have installed enough water points and drainage for the clean up!
The biggest misconception people have about the property industry: That we are all bricklayers! The industry is so broad and there are so many opportunities for lots of different skills and interests. It is not just about building a building – it’s about people, communities and long-term impact.
My biggest bugbear about the industry/the one thing I would change about the industry: I think the industry is sometimes quite slow at reacting to societal changes and whilst it is slowly changing, the lack of diversity at senior levels is still not where it should be.
Why I’m so passionate about DE&I: Because a world where everyone looks, thinks and acts the same would be incredibly dull – and commercially weaker. A more inclusive and diverse industry is a more innovative, resilient and sustainable one.
Where I’d like to be in five years’ time career-wise: I aspire to be a partner at my firm, leading a strong, diverse team with a varied and meaningful project portfolio – continuing to deliver quality work while shaping the future direction of the business.
Who I’d invite, living or dead, to a dinner party: My wife, Stephen Fry, Diane Morgan, Leah Williamson, Adele and finally Claudia Winkleman – so we could all have a game of Traitors.
What I do in my downtime: I’ve recently become a mother, so downtime now looks slightly different. It used to be gym sessions, golf and socialising with friends. It’s now nappies, night feeds and re-learning my ABCs – with slightly less sleep, but considerably more joy.
The job I’d be doing if I was not doing this: I’ve always fancied myself as a chef – though the unsociable hours put me off. That said, project delivery and running a professional kitchen probably aren’t worlds apart.
My advice for someone just starting out: Listen, ask questions, be curious, take on responsibility and build relationships – enjoy it!
