2021 Women in Construction: Johanne Griffin, Associate, Project Architect, SLAM Collaborative

What was your greatest achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? The Newton Pavilion Re-Occupancy project in Boston, converting a mothballed hospital into a temporary COVID-19 quarantine shelter for homeless patients. It brought 304 much needed non-acute beds online in April 2020. This took pressure off surrounding Hospitals, during the first COVID wave. I am proud to have helped the homeless COVID-19 positive population in this crucial time. The project was done in partnership with the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management & Maintenance (DCAMM), Boston Medical Center (BMC), Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, the Department of Public Health, and Gilbane Building Company.

Why should women consider a career in the A/E/C industry? COVID-19 underscores how interconnected we all are. Working in design and construction allows you to use your creative and technical abilities to benefit others.