5 minutes with … Nathalie Meunier at Premier Modular

Why did you choose construction as a career?

Construction is so much more than working in a muddy field. It’s full of complexity, teamwork and opportunities to learn, and that’s what first hooked me into the industry in the early 1990s.

That, and the people. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made and has rewarded me with a career that has spanned many sectors, cultures and countries – and I’m proud to say that I’m still learning and meeting fantastic new people now, 25 years on.

What are you most proud of in your career to date?

Winning the Women in Modern Methods of Construction Award at this year’s MMC Awards is definitely a career highlight. I’m incredibly proud to be a woman in this industry, to have the career and reputation I have built, and to be just one of the growing number of women paving their way in construction.

We have so much to offer in terms of skill-sets, perspectives and collaborative problem-solving, so it really was an honour to be recognised for my role in furthering that.

What has been the biggest challenge of your career to date?

I have worked all over the world, so it has definitely been challenging to navigate the language and cultural barriers that come with that. I am trilingual – fluent in French, Dutch and English – and have worked everywhere from Belgium to Ghana.

You have to be a quick learner in this industry and get to grips with technical detail fast, whether that is across M&E, transport or structural work. Achieving that in different languages is difficult and rewarding in equal measure.

I have also had to adapt to different ways of working. People do business differently across continental Europe, Africa and the UK, which means you have to be flexible to different approaches.

If you could change one thing about the industry, what would it be?

I would eradicate the misconceptions about the MMC sector. Organisations and businesses across sectors are only going to face more pressure to decarbonise as we move closer to net zero targets.

There needs to be a greater understanding of the environmental value that modern methods of construction can bring to the table and a real acceptance that traditional methods need to change and align with the new. 

What is the most helpful advice that you have been given?

Stay humble and stay hungry.

Name your favourite building in the world?

I have to agree with Pendrick Brown’s choice in his “5 minutes with” piece: the Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona. I visited the cathedral last year and you just can’t do it justice in words. I love the combination of modern and traditional architecture and the treatment of the light.

At different times of the day, the direction of sunlight completely transforms the building. Inside, when you look up, it is like looking up through a vast, carved forest – it’s astounding.

>> Also read: The longest job: Finishing Gaudi’s masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia

Which famous building do you most dislike?

Also an easy choice – the Royal National Theatre in London. As someone who loves detail and natural light, it’s just a big, grey, concrete block.

Which famous building do you wish you had worked on?

Again, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família. The dedication, precision and skill that goes into that kind of architecture is awe-inspiring. To be a part of its creation would have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

What single piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?

Approach the industry with an open mind. There are a whole host of careers that you probably don’t even realise exist, from procurement and ESG roles to CAD technicians and estimators. Be flexible when considering your opportunities and don’t discount anything before you fully understand exactly what is on offer.

Who do you most admire in the construction industry?

Architects. I love the technical precision of design and how architects shape buildings to have a meaningful, long-term impact on people’s lives.

What is it like being you (and doing your job)?

I am a professional plate-spinner. I have always got multiple projects on the go, of varying sizes and complexities, that span different markets. My job is also often about striking a balance between guiding our team to deliver technical excellence and allowing them to bring their own personality and approach to their work.

Do you have a life philosophy?

Keep learning. Ageing is a privilege that brings new experiences and perspectives. It allows you to see the bigger picture and encourage the development of others, particularly when they’re starting out in their careers.

What do you think your best quality is?

I never do anything by halves. I genuinely care about bringing positive change to people’s lives and channel my determination into creating the best possible environments for this very reason.

I want to see children learning in a space that helps them reach their potential and hospital patients cared for in a state-of-the-art facility. Construction is a place for making a difference and I feel my dedication is well suited to it.

What trait do you most dislike in yourself? And in other people?

I can be very direct, which can catch people off guard. Disingenuous people frustrate me – I really value honesty and frankness. It means far fewer problems down the line.

Name three things that you like?

Travelling, immersing myself in different cultures and cooking. Seeing more of the world naturally makes you a more open-minded and accepting person – traits that are useful to have in the business world.

Tell us about a secret skill that we don’t know you have?

I’m a great cook, particularly of French cuisine. My signature dish is pork fillet with an aniseed glaze.

What is your most prized possession?

My phone, but not for social media. I prefer keeping in touch by speaking with people directly, whether it’s my family, colleagues or clients.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird. No question.

What is your favourite food?

Moroccan food.

What would your superpower be?

Saving the planet, which I try to reflect in my every day work. In my own way, I just want to leave the world a better place for my family and future generations.