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This article is one of the series of conversations with women leaders in the construction industry. Click here for past discussions.
Liz Fung did not imagine what technology would play a role in his career when he first enrolled as a sheet apprentice 13 years ago.
The head of integration of operations of the Mechanical Contractor of Seattle, Macdonald-Miller, said that he imagined to carry out traditional tasks in the field or the purchase of the HVAC or the architectural works. He did not provide for the experience he gained in the technological aspects of the industry, including software and technology management, process development and coding.
For his work, which takes advantage of construction technology to advance the industry, such as helping the transition from his company to paper without paper, was recently appointed the innovative of 2025 by the sheet metal and the contractors of the air conditioning.
“Liz is a prominent member of our community who is an expert and proactive,” said Linda Jennings, Executive Director of Innovation, Integration and Learning at Smacna. “It is a recognized authority on various technological platforms and an expert in the field that stands out when developing strategies that minimize interruption and maximize the results.”
Here, Funga talks about the immersion of construction about the work he likes, why he attracted a construction career and the importance of technology in the industry.
This interview was published by brevity and clarity.
Construction Division: What led you to choose the construction for your career?
Liz fungus
Permission granted by Smacna
Liz Fung: After initially pursuing the university route and, finally, continuing a postgraduate program, I finally decided not to continue on this path. However, I was still looking for a race that would allow me to build something in the long term and fulfillment. In addition, as I approached my 30 years, financial safety became a priority.
It was when a friend introduced me to Oregon Tradeswomen, where I first exposed to shops and the idea of construction as a race. I found the practical nature of the work, the diversity of operations and the really attractive growth potential.
Equally attractive was the structure of the learning “which wins-learning” and the tall floor established by unions, which not only provide constant work, but also strong benefits and a clear path for long-term advancement.
The shops and the construction seemed like a perfect adjustment, offering both the stability and the variety he sought.
Why do you like to work specifically in the sheet industry?
The diversity of shops has always appealed to me. When I was first exposed to multiple operations through Oregon’s commercial women, it was the variety of the sheet that led me to pursue -on the others.
In the subsequent 13 years, he has not disappointed, though not always in the ways he expected. What he did not foresee was to go to software and technology management, process development or coding.
My responsibilities began to manage our authorization software model, which allows users to create BIM models, their associated databases and customizations, and since then have been expanded to influence integrations throughout the life cycle of model data, which covers the manufacturing store, field operations, logistics and even extending to estimate.
And now, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Although I am no longer practical with my Tradecraft, it is a privilege to support my family of shops and facilitate their success.
What are some of the projects you liked most about working and why?
Some projects that I especially liked to work because of the sense of trust and responsibility they gave me, as well as the opportunity to develop new skills.
As an apprentice, a project that stands out is the Via6 Towers in Seattle, for which I played almost all the sets of Louver Plenum in two buildings of 24 floors. Despite far from the glamorous, the manufacturing process was specific and it differed from the traditional manufacture of behaviors he had done to this time, which made it a special experience for me as a first-year apprentice.
Another memorable project was the Yakama Casino of Toppenish, Washington, which was my first detailed project. It marked a fundamental moment in my career as a springboard to use technology in my work.
This transition allowed me to take advantage of my commercial experience as I deepened in the broadest field of manufacturing processes and technical work flows, not only for sheet metal, but also for shops of plumbing and pipes.
As for the development of the flow of work, I really enjoyed contributing to our transition to the manufacture of paperless sheet. This project consisted of collecting and transforming data for various purposes, from the management of inventories and the order of materials to facilitating specific activities of the stores.
It was a great way to apply my experience with the manufacturing content of Autodesk, the VDC manufacturing workflows and the store, while exploring new areas such as SQL and Pwerapps. The project was a challenge and a rewarding opportunity to expand my set of skills while improving the general efficiency of our team.
What are the benefits of working on construction?
One of the most rewarding aspects of construction work is the tangible nature of the final product, whether your main tool is a hammer or a computer. It is incredibly satisfactory to see the direct impact of your efforts on a project, knowing that you have helped to create something significant.
The work offers variety, which requires a diverse set of roles and skills, and since the industry is always evolving, there is always something new to learn. This maintains interesting things and helps to avoid the monotony found in other fields.
In addition, construction offers stability. As a member of the union, I enjoy working safety, competitive wages, strong advantages and a clear path for long -term advance. The learning structure “learning while you win” is a huge advantage, with a low barrier at the entrance that makes shops accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds.
What tips would you give to young women considering construction as a career?
For anyone who takes into account a degree in construction, my advice would be to adopt the opportunities offered by the industry, even if at first it feels intimidating. Do not let stereotypes or obsolete perceptions prevent you from pursuing shops or limiting the understanding of construction in manual labor.
With the advancement of technology and increasing security emphasis, there is a place for everyone in all aspects of construction, from the field to the office and everything that is in the middle.
You know that your unique perspective is valuable and vital to the success of any industry. Diversity brings new ideas and approaches, which are central to innovation and creative solving problems. The construction industry offers the possibility of building a career that is not only full of personal, but also provides long -term financial security and growth.
