Danielle Pemberton graduated from college with a public relations degree but soon learned it was not what she wanted to do with the rest of her life.
“I decided to go back to school for a degree in urban planning and quickly realized my love for the built environment,” she said. “While I was in school, I started work at the NYC Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) which solidified not only this, but also my dedication to public works and finding innovative ways to support and enhance our city.
“I am continuously inspired by the work I do. I focus almost exclusively on public works projects, and my passion for improving and inspiring people's lives through the built environment is what motivates me every day.”
Pemberton observed while there are many barriers that women are still facing in this industry, a significant driving factor is the lack of female role models.
“Getting more women elevated into senior leadership positions will allow younger generation to see career progression options,” she added.
A project that stands out to Pemberton as one of the most meaningful in her career was during her time at the NYC DOB where she had the opportunity to work on a historical design competition to design an innovative sidewalk shed. It would be an alternative to the standard (at the time) blue sidewalk sheds that stretched on every corner of the city.
“The design competition, called urbanSHED, was a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a design firm to truly change the face of the city,” Pemberton said. “The winner of that competition, Agencie Group, developed a stunning design called the Urban Umbrella. The design — a sidewalk shed alternative that brought light and air onto the sidewalk below — was a welcome alternative to the claustrophobic and sometimes unsafe-feeling sidewalk sheds.”
The design was fully approved for use through NYC DOB technical and is being used on countless projects throughout the city.
“For me, this moment showed me how efforts that seem small can have huge, positive, long-lasting impacts on a much larger scale,” Pemberton said.
Organizations that have helped Pemberton in advancing her career include the Women Builders Council, Building Contractors Association, the Design-Build Institute of America and the Project Management Institute.
“All these organizations have provided me tools and resources to support my work,” she explained.
As for when she is not working? “I am a mother of two spunky little ones who keep me on my toes when I am outside of the office.”