International Women in Engineering Day 2026
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) is an opportunity to celebrate the talented women who are helping shape the future of engineering and the built environment.
At IN2, women across our teams are driving innovation in sustainability, environmental engineering, mechanical and electrical design, and project delivery. Their expertise, creativity and determination are helping deliver complex projects that improve how buildings perform, support decarbonisation goals, and create better outcomes for clients and communities.
This year, we asked some of our engineers what inspired them to pursue engineering, which projects they are most proud of, and what advice they would offer to the next generation.
Engineering Solutions That Make a Difference
For many of our engineers, the appeal of engineering lies in its ability to solve real-world problems.
Placement Environmental Engineer Clodagh Delaney was drawn to engineering because of its problem-solving nature and the opportunity to apply knowledge in practical ways. She is particularly proud of her work on the Stapolin Residential Development, one of the first projects she worked on, which gave her the opportunity to apply her learning in a real project environment.
Environmental Engineer Kaitlyn Moran credits her father, a biomedical engineering professor, for inspiring her career path. One of her proudest achievements has been her work on the Mater Misericordiae Decarbonisation project, contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable healthcare estate.
For Rayane Santos, a Mechanical Engineer, engineering has always been about understanding how things work and seeing ideas become reality. Her experience working on Residential T11 from construction through to handover provided valuable insight into how designs are successfully delivered on site.
Driving Sustainability Through Engineering
As the built environment faces increasing pressure to reduce carbon emissions and improve performance, sustainability engineers play a critical role in shaping a more resilient future.
Nastasia Bassil, Energy & Sustainability Associate, was inspired to pursue engineering after watching a documentary about wave-generated power at the age of 12. Her passion for renewable energy continues to drive her work today. Rather than focusing on a single project, she takes pride in helping project teams embrace practical sustainability measures and demonstrating how sustainable solutions can be both achievable and affordable.
Similarly, Melvina Pramadya Puspahati, Sustainability Engineer, was attracted to engineering because it combines technical knowledge with practical solutions that improve people's lives and the built environment.
“I have always enjoyed solving problems and understanding how things work. Engineering appealed to me because it combines technical knowledge with practical solutions that can improve people's lives and the built environment. I was particularly drawn to sustainability and the opportunity to contribute to projects that create long-term environmental and social benefits.”
Melvina is particularly proud of her work on the Schiller 109 project in Berlin, where she helped shape the sustainability strategy across multiple disciplines.
“Collaborating with architects, engineers, and project managers to achieve ambitious sustainability goals has been a rewarding experience and has demonstrated the value of an integrated approach to sustainable design.”
Her experience highlights the increasingly collaborative nature of modern engineering and the importance of sustainability expertise in delivering successful projects.
Challenging Boundaries and Creating Opportunities
Engineering remains a profession where diversity of thought, experience and perspective is essential to solving complex challenges.
Electrical Engineer Cynthia Machuca was motivated by the opportunity to challenge herself and build a successful career in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She is particularly proud of the projects she has delivered with Cairn Homes, which have played an important role in her professional growth and development.
Her story reflects a common theme among many of our engineers: the willingness to step outside their comfort zones, embrace challenges and continuously learn.
Advice for the Next Generation
While every engineer's journey is unique, several common themes emerged from their advice to future engineers:
- Stay curious and never stop learning.
- Believe in your abilities and back yourself.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes.
- Embrace challenges and opportunities for growth.
- Speak up and share your perspective.
As Melvina explains:
“Stay curious and never stop learning. Engineering is a field that constantly evolves, so being open to new technologies, standards, and ways of thinking is essential.”
Looking Ahead
At IN2, we believe the future of engineering depends on diverse perspectives, innovative thinking and a commitment to continuous improvement.
This International Women in Engineering Day, we celebrate the talented women across our global teams who are helping deliver sustainable, high-performing buildings and infrastructure projects around the world.
Their contributions are helping shape a better built environment today while inspiring the next generation of engineers for tomorrow.
Happy International Women in Engineering Day from everyone at IN2.