Designing commercial rooftop spaces is a niche industry in which only a handful of experts work in. Demand is high in the current real estate development market for making something of these previously forgotten spaces that might have only been home to water tanks, cooling towers, elevator machine rooms, and private amenities. Female designers in this sector should have no trouble finding work, but they still face headwinds familiar to members of their gender trying to get ahead in the business world.
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Designing a Commercial Rooftop Space
How companies approach commercial rooftops has changed drastically in the last few years, but physical conversions aren’t that simple. Providing people physical access to a rooftop space might require an elevator and enough capacity for exit stairs. Slab reinforcements and bathrooms are among the many considerations that support a group of people in a space not intended initially for gatherings.
Energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprints are just as popular among many consumers and employees as spending more time outdoors. Repurposing the roof of an older building can accomplish these goals. Planted or green roofs can minimize a building’s energy consumption by providing a thermal barrier that reduces cooling costs. Replacing older and darker roofing materials can lower the impact of heat islands. Rooftop solar panels take things a step further.
Physical enclosures can keep rooftop commercial spaces usable in inclement weather but might trigger zoning regulations. Developed rooftops also have higher maintenance requirements, and drainage can be difficult to handle. Given the special equipment necessary, rooftop commercial spaces can also be expensive to invest in, but the additional value can make them worth it.
Getting Ahead in Business as a Woman
In many areas of business, women have trouble getting ahead or making as much money as men. Still, those who know how to design corporate spaces, such as commercial rooftops, can seize opportunities that are currently in abundance. Women can find success through confidence, relationships, and expertise.
Building confidence starts with creating an elevator pitch, using positive affirmations to minimize negative self-talk and limiting beliefs, dressing for success, and observing confident women to learn better body language. Being unafraid of failure is crucial to convincing others that a unique selling proposition is worth someone’s time and money.
Supportive relationships with other industry professionals, mentors, and other women can lead to professional improvement, networking, and potential contracts or sales leads. These all help women in commercial rooftop design find the opportunities, knowledge, and insights they need. Any chance to gain expertise makes it easier to demonstrate technical proficiency in the future.
Women Have Opportunities
The pandemic motivated many businesses and individuals to a heightened appreciation of spending time outdoors, and commercial rooftop spaces range from bars and restaurants to break areas for corporations helping their employees get fresh air. Women working in rooftop design can apply their skills and expertise to help fill an in-demand business model, and companies can find plenty of site development and hardscaping solutions for the physical installations and work.