Sarah Le Gresley | Innovation and Sustainability Director | Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC.
Sarah Le Gresley, AADipl RIBA, is the Innovation and Sustainability Director at Michelmersh Brick Holdings PLC. She studied at the Architectural Association, earning a RIBA High Pass. Her career began as Design and Marketing Manager and Vice-CEO of the Brick Development Association (BDA). After several years living off-grid in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, she became Director and main professor of the AA Granada/Galicia Visiting School, where she taught how to grow, design, and build living structures. We at EliteX, are proud to introduce Sarah Le Gresley as one of the Impactful Women in Construction, 2024.
Sarah’s career in construction began with a passion for designing buildings and spaces, inspired by learning carpentry from her uncle. She initially studied art at Wimbledon School of Art but soon realized her true calling was in architecture. Her first job in the construction industry was with a material trade association, where she quickly moved into a leadership position. This experience solidified her role as a passionate change-maker, leading transformation projects, embedding sustainability, and driving innovation in the sector.
“Diversity and inclusion are crucial for the construction industry’s success, leading to a broader range of ideas, improved efficiencies, and better mental health through positive human interactions.”
Since she started her career, the construction industry has seen significant improvements in diversity and opportunities for women. Sarah has been an advocate for these changes, pushing for better representation and inclusion. One of her proudest projects is the creation of the UK’s first brick manufacturer’s BIM files and the world’s first hydrogen-fired clay bricks. These projects have set new standards for sustainability in the industry. Sarah’s dedication to creative and sustainable solutions has led to many influential projects that promote biodiversity, the circular economy, and significant reductions in carbon emissions. Sarah has faced challenges as a woman in the construction industry, including dealing with colleagues who valued physical appearance over performance. She often felt her opinions were overlooked, but through persistence and successful performance, she gained respect and overcame these obstacles. Her journey showcases her resilience and commitment to creating a more sustainable and inclusive construction industry.
Sarah Le Gresley believes that the construction industry can attract more women by providing them with more opportunities free from bias. She emphasizes the importance of equality in creating a welcoming environment for women. Throughout her career, Sarah has had few women role models. However, she appreciates the lack of bias towards women at the Architectural Association and is encouraged by the increasing number of women in non-executive director positions. She believes that having more women in such roles would promote a balanced and progressive industry. To succeed in the construction industry, Sarah stresses the importance of being brave, bold, dedicated, and passionate about one’s beliefs. Balancing her demanding career with personal life is possible thanks to her supportive husband, who manages their home farm and homeschools their children.
“Success in this industry requires being brave and bold, dedicated and passionate about what you believe in.”
Sarah advises young women considering a career in construction to be strong and resilient, as challenges are inevitable when working as a minority in the sector. She encourages them not to be discouraged and assures them that success is achievable. Sarah’s involvement in initiatives supporting women in construction includes being nominated in the Top 100 Influential Women in Construction, which highlights the contributions of inspiring women across the country. She believes that diversity and inclusion are crucial for the success of the construction industry. Equality between gender and race can lead to a broader range of ideas, improved efficiencies, and better mental health through positive human interactions. To stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in construction, Sarah actively listens to others with more knowledge, attends events, and reads white papers.
Looking ahead, Sarah is optimistic about the future for women in construction, hoping it will be bright. She aspires to leave a legacy of determination to strive for positive change in sustainability, paving the way for a better future for generations to come.
“The design of buildings and spaces has always been my passion, driving me to push boundaries for positive change in the construction industry.”
