Every nail driven, every blueprint drafted, and every project managed tells a story of skill, determination, and vision. During Women in Construction Week—celebrated nationally by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)—we’re proud to shine a spotlight on a few of the impressive women who are part of our team. From the field to the front office, these professionals bring expertise, creativity, and a collaborative spirit that helps shape the homes and communities we build. This week is both a celebration and a reminder of the vital role women play in an industry that is stronger, more innovative, and more dynamic because of their contributions.
In honor of Women in Construction Week, here are some Q&As highlighting four of our invaluable female employees and their significant contribution to Richmond American Homes’ success:
Paula Hinman (Senior Land Project Manager – Tucson, AZ)
How did you get into the construction industry?
I started in homebuilding 28 years ago in the Customer Service department for a national homebuilder. I knew nothing about homebuilding at the time, but I spent most of my time in the field working side by side with our construction team, learning the building process. Eventually, I transitioned into writing training manuals for both construction and home care.
What inspired you to start?
I really enjoyed working with people and was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time when the homebuilder came to Tucson and began building its service department.
What keeps you inspired as you continue this work?
There is real joy in presenting someone with their new home. Now, working in land, I also experience that excitement when opening a new community and seeing others thrilled about something you’ve worked hard to create. Every day brings a new obstacle, but that’s what keeps things exciting and makes the final delivery worthwhile.
What is something interesting you learned on the job that you didn’t know before you started?
There are so many details involved in opening a new community—it truly takes an entire team to do it well. The land team starts the process by purchasing the right parcel in the right location and developing a beautiful community. Purchasing secures the right trade partners for construction, who then build an amazing home. Finally, the sales team brings in wonderful neighbors, and together we create a new home for each family. It takes everyone working together to make it successful.
What makes Richmond American Homes unique?
I’ve been here for more than 18 years because of the fantastic team I get to work with. I truly love both the work I do and the people I work alongside. There are always ups and downs, and every day is unpredictable, but that’s what makes it interesting and unique—and what makes you want to come back each day.
Angela Lin (Construction, Purchasing, and Options – Irvine, CA)
How did you get into the construction industry?
I entered the construction industry with a strong desire to understand how homes are built and to be part of the process from start to finish. Watching an empty lot transform into a place a family will call home is incredibly fulfilling. Knowing that the work we do creates the foundation for lifelong memories gives my role real purpose and meaning.
What inspired you to start?
I was inspired to pursue construction because I wanted to learn every phase of the homebuilding process—from foundation to final walkthrough. The coordination, craftsmanship, and teamwork required to bring a home to life fascinated me. I was drawn to an industry where collaboration and precision come together to create something lasting and meaningful.
What keeps you inspired as you continue this work?
What motivates me most is the team I work alongside every day. We collaborate closely, support one another, and hold ourselves to high standards. Construction comes with challenges, but our shared commitment to quality and accountability drives us forward. I’m proud to be part of a team that consistently works together to deliver homes families can trust and enjoy for years to come.
What is something interesting you learned on the job that you didn’t know before you started?
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the depth of expertise each trade partner brings to a project. Every phase of construction plays a critical role, and each trade contributes specialized knowledge that ensures the integrity of the home. Seeing how all components must align seamlessly has given me tremendous respect for the craftsmanship, coordination, and professionalism required to build a quality home.
What makes Richmond American Homes’ construction process unique?
Richmond American Homes construction stands out because of its unwavering commitment to quality and homeowner satisfaction. We take pride in delivering homes that reflect care, attention to detail, and strong craftsmanship. Our team is dedicated to ensuring every homeowner feels confident and proud of their investment. Being part of a company that values excellence, teamwork, and accountability is something I’m truly proud of.
Jenny Tan (Senior Vice President of Land Acquisition – Bay Area, CA)
How did you get into the construction industry?
I have always had a passion for real estate and construction. Since I was young, my favorite game has been Monopoly—owning Park Place and Boardwalk was always my metric of “winning.” I also loved building with Legos—the ability to take simple building blocks and construct something to be marveled at. Naturally, the intersection of these two interests led me to focus on Real Estate Development and City Planning.
After graduating from the National University of Singapore, I began my career as a City Planner with the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Singapore before my personal life brought me to the United States. Here, I transitioned into the homebuilding industry after completing my MBA. I started as a land acquisition analyst with a large national homebuilder. Since then, I’ve witnessed both the boom and bust of the industry—from the Great Financial Crisis to the more recent impacts of COVID. It’s been an exciting ride, and I look forward to seeing how our industry adapts to the emerging paradigm shift driven by AI.
What inspired you to start?
Although I always knew I wanted to work in real estate, it wasn’t until I moved to the United States that I realized homebuilding was where I wanted to be. I came to understand the American Dream and how it is anchored in the stability and pride of homeownership.
There is real satisfaction in transforming raw land into a vibrant neighborhood where families can plant roots and build their futures. In land acquisition, I am involved at the very beginning—envisioning the community and helping develop the roadmap for its buildout. What is most fulfilling, however, is seeing our team’s collective efforts culminate in a thriving community filled with homeowners.
After each completed community, I often find myself driving back to take another look, experiencing the quiet satisfaction of seeing families settled into their new homes. Our mission at Sekisui House is to make home the happiest place in the world, and seeing that mission realized is incredibly meaningful.
What keeps you inspired as you continue this work?
I believe my natural curiosity and my tendency to see each project as a puzzle to be solved are what drive me. No two projects are exactly the same. This industry is ever evolving, and I am continually learning how to navigate different regulatory environments, adapt to unique environmental considerations, and explore emerging construction technologies.
I’ve had the opportunity to expand my learning since Sekisui House acquired Richmond American Homes. The company is working to bring its proprietary seismic-resistant, fire-resistant, and environmentally sustainable building technologies to communities in the United States.
Being part of that advancement—and continuously learning—keeps me deeply engaged. I find tremendous fulfillment in the challenges, the required mental agility, and the teamwork necessary to bring a community to fruition. While each project presents new lessons, the goal remains the same: positively impacting the lives of the families we serve.
What is something interesting you learned on the job that you didn’t know before you started?
Growing up in Singapore, I was accustomed to masonry, reinforced concrete, or steel-frame construction. Wood is rarely used as the primary structural framing system. When I began working in California, I learned that wood-frame construction with weather-resistant barriers is common practice. I came to understand that these differences are shaped by economic, regulatory, and environmental realities. That contrast reinforced an important lesson: home design and capital allocation decisions are deeply influenced by local constraints.
What makes Richmond American Homes’ construction process unique?
Richmond American Homes stands out because of its ability to translate what homebuyers want into floor plans that are both efficient to live in and efficient to build. We are one of the most methodical homebuilders in the industry. We understand our core competencies and leverage them effectively.
Beth Brookehouse (Departmental Coordinator – Nampa, ID)
How did you get into the construction industry?
I have a 40-year career that began in hard money lending, followed by residential and commercial real estate sales. I later transitioned into escrow and title to better understand those processes, where I gained exposure to parcel maps, lot lines, and setbacks. I also worked with a large bank, where I learned about mortgage loan modifications.
Moving to Idaho felt like a natural progression. I had the opportunity to work for a real estate agent who was also involved in remodeling and construction, which further expanded my industry knowledge. Through this experience, I became familiar with Richmond American Homes and Sekisui House U.S., Inc.
What continues to inspire me is that I am still learning something new every day. I genuinely crave knowledge and am committed to ongoing education. Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to meet many generous professionals who have taken me under their wing and helped me grow.
Women in Construction Week is a moment to pause and recognize what we’re fortunate to witness every day—talented, driven professionals doing extraordinary work. The women featured here represent the best of what our industry has to offer, and their stories are a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose. As the construction industry continues to evolve, we’re proud to be part of a future that is more inclusive, more diverse, and more inspired than ever before.
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