Brenda Sorensen | Owner and Design Director | Aspect Interior Design Ltd.
Brenda Sorensen, the owner and design director of Aspect Interior Design Ltd., stands out as a dedicated and passionate professional in the construction and design industry. Beyond her professional life, Brenda is a devoted wife, mother of four, and a proud new grandmother, balancing her family life with her thriving career. Brenda’s journey into the world of design began during her teenage years, inspired by the vivid depictions of interior spaces in Danielle Steel novels. Growing up in a creatively stimulating environment further fueled her passion. Her father, a Master Waterford Crystal blower, and her mother, constantly redesigning their home, laid the foundation for Brenda’s creative instincts. By the age of 17, she had designed her first coffee table, an early sign of her talent, even though she didn’t fully appreciate the significance of this achievement at the time. At EliteX, we are proud to have Brenda Sorensen as part of the edition: Impactful Women in Construction, 2024.
However, societal trends led Brenda down a different path. She enrolled in a computing course in 1994 but left it unfinished as family responsibilities took precedence. It wasn’t until 1999 that Brenda’s passion for design resurfaced. She found her calling at Limperts Academy of Design, excelling in her studies, earning a Distinction, and seeing her work displayed at The National Art Gallery in Ireland. This pivotal moment set the stage for her career in construction, where she could combine creativity with practical skills to create beautiful spaces. In 2006, Brenda took on her first project in the construction industry—a large hotel group hired her to design, project manage, and fit out a new hotel. Although new to the industry, Brenda embraced the challenge head-on. The experience was both rewarding and tough, particularly as she navigated a male-dominated environment. Despite the emotional hurdles, this project toughened her, teaching valuable lessons and coping mechanisms she continues to use today.
“I want to leave a legacy as a woman who never gave up, showing others that it’s never too late to achieve success.”
Since entering the construction industry, Brenda has witnessed significant changes. When she first started, interior design primarily focused on soft finishes and aesthetics. However, as the industry evolved, Brenda recognized the importance of understanding more technical aspects, such as electrical and plumbing specifications. She re-educated herself in Interior Architecture and worked closely with tradespeople to deepen her knowledge. Through perseverance and a genuine interest in learning, she gained respect in an industry traditionally dominated by men. One of Brenda’s proudest achievements came in 2017 when she was tasked with designing and project managing a new restaurant in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford. At the time, she was returning to the design field after five years working as a buyer and store designer. The project, which spanned 11 months, was a significant undertaking that tested her skills and determination. By the end, Brenda had not only crafted a stunning restaurant but also forged stronger relationships with various trades, solidifying the importance of teamwork in the construction process.
Despite the progress made in recent years, Brenda acknowledges the ongoing challenges women face in the construction industry. A major hurdle is the lack of female role models and mentors, which can discourage women from pursuing careers in this field. Additionally, societal norms often guide women toward more traditionally female-friendly careers, further limiting their exposure to construction roles. Brenda has navigated these obstacles through resilience, self-belief, and an unwavering commitment to stepping outside her comfort zone. Her hard work and dedication were recognized when she won the Business Owner of the Year award at the Women in Construction Awards. This accolade stands as a testament to her success and a reminder that women can excel in the construction industry. Brenda’s journey, marked by perseverance, passion, and growth, continues to inspire others, proving that gender is no barrier to achieving greatness in a male-dominated field.
“Success in construction is not solely measured by professional achievements but also by the ability to nurture relationships and well-being.”
Brenda Sorensen, a passionate advocate for women in construction, believes that creating pathways for more women to pursue careers in this industry begins with education. Her recent MA dissertation shed light on the glaring lack of opportunities for young women to study construction-related subjects in Irish schools. Out of Ireland’s 125 female-only schools, only one offers construction studies as a Leaving Cert subject, and just a small fraction teach Technology and Design and Communication Graphics (DCG). In stark contrast, many male-only schools offer these subjects in abundance.
To Brenda, the key to fostering a more inclusive construction sector lies in introducing construction studies into both primary and secondary education. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, the construction industry, and government agencies to smooth the transition from education to careers. Brenda also highlights the need for recognizing female leaders in construction, as they not only challenge traditional norms but also act as role models for future generations. Promoting gender diversity, she insists, isn’t just a matter of fairness but a way to strengthen the industry by diversifying perspectives. Mentorship has played a significant role in Brenda’s own journey. Among the many inspiring women she’s met, Niamh Higgins, Managing Director of Tap Creative, stands out as a profound influence. Their shared experiences and Niamh’s story of resilience have left a lasting impression on Brenda. Whenever she faces struggles, Brenda draws strength from Niamh’s example, reminding herself not to let anxiety or self-doubt hold her back.
Brenda believes that success in the construction industry requires a strong blend of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills. Understanding construction methods, materials, safety regulations, and building codes is fundamental. Additionally, project management skills, clear communication, and problem-solving abilities are crucial for effectively leading teams and overcoming challenges. Adaptability, networking, and perseverance are traits she encourages women to cultivate as they navigate an industry that’s continuously evolving.
Balancing her career with family life has been a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Brenda, alongside her husband Barry, is a proud parent to four children and a grandmother to one. Maintaining harmony between her personal and professional life requires careful prioritization. She firmly believes in setting aside dedicated family time and ensuring her own mental well-being through self-care. By creating clear boundaries between work and home life, Brenda not only fosters deeper connections with her loved ones but also sets an example for her children that success includes nurturing relationships and personal wellness. For young women considering a career in construction, Brenda offers a message of encouragement. She is passionate about showing women that they can be valuable assets in the industry. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and designers is to embrace lifelong learning, seek out mentors, and surround themselves with supportive networks. She urges women not to shy away from high-profile projects and to focus on empowering others in the field, believing that nurturing talent will strengthen the industry as a whole.
Brenda’s dedication to supporting women in construction extends beyond her company, Aspect Interior Design Ltd. She actively reaches out to schools and organizations, sharing her real-life experiences to inspire the next generation of female leaders. Additionally, Brenda mentors interior design students from Irish universities, helping to shape the future of the industry by guiding young talent. Diversity and inclusion, particularly gender diversity, are essential to the construction industry’s success, Brenda asserts. By improving career guidance in Irish schools and challenging gender biases, the industry can foster a more balanced and innovative workforce. Brenda remains committed to promoting gender diversity, ensuring that the future of construction includes more opportunities for women to contribute and thrive.
“Promoting gender diversity isn’t just about fairness; it’s about strengthening the industry by diversifying perspectives.”
Looking ahead, Brenda sees a bright future for women in construction. As the industry embraces new technologies and sustainable practices, she hopes that more women will take on leadership roles, breaking down barriers and stereotypes along the way. She envisions a construction sector where diversity and inclusion are the norm, empowering women to make significant contributions. Ultimately, Brenda’s legacy is one of perseverance, passion, and empathy. She hopes to be remembered as a woman who never gave up, inspired others, and contributed to the construction industry with integrity. For Brenda, the greatest success is knowing that her husband and children are proud of her achievements.