Right Choice Construction is a female-owned, Houston-based commercial general contractor that specializes in corporate interior and exterior remodels and build-outs, retail spaces, shopping centers, and industrial projects.
Welcome to My Weekly “Women in Construction” Blog!
I’d like to talk about the “aesthetic” side of construction. Our buildouts and renovations often involve more than creating blank spaces for our clients to furnish and decorate. From retail construction to restaurant construction to tenant improvements, our job is to execute a vision well beyond hues of paint and shades of tile or carpeting.
In fact, this past April, Right Choice Construction celebrated Interior Design Day from both a retail construction and office construction angle, showcasing some of our recent projects. Take a look at our Duck Camp buildout in the Rice Village District. I was asked by Duck Camp management to design the entire store, which turned out to be a real sportsman’s paradise!
Putting the Aesthetics in Commercial Construction—An Eye for Detail
You really have to invest more than blood, sweat, and tears to become a trusted construction firm in the Houston area, especially when it comes to commercial remodeling. You have to invest in acquiring and executing architectural know-how that works hand-in-hand with interior design.
I find a vision for each project by carefully listening to my clients and thoroughly researching concepts. I look for daily inspiration too. In fact, I encourage women in the trades to dive into YouTube, Vimeo, and other platforms to learn more about the aesthetic side of our ever-evolving industry.
That’s the key — discover, sketch, experiment, and put together an interior design plan that reflects your client’s tastes, preferences, and brand.
A Beautiful Construction Walk-Through
Below I share one of my favorite Right Choice Construction videos that highlights a bold and beautiful construction project we executed on behalf of a prestigious client. We gutted an entire 8,000-square-foot space and built back a contemporary and elegant office buildout. It’s one of many office renovations we’ve delivered through the years.
For any up-and-coming women in the trades who dream of one day owning a commercial general contracting business, this video is for you! I filmed it myself without any bells and whistles, but it gives you an idea of our workmanship and the pride we have in these types of projects.
Take the tour with me!
When a Plan Comes Together
When I’m asked what sets my company apart, I answer that skill, work ethic, and passion are all factors.
But between my husband, James Wright, and myself, we’ve poured more ingredients into the mix, bringing two generations and 25 years of accumulated experience to each job site, and a lot of self-directed research and studying to keep on top of — and ahead of — industry trends.
We were named in GC Magazine among the Best Tenant Improvement (office) Contractors in Houston due to our unrelenting drive for quality craftsmanship, the best use of square footage, and embracing the workspace needs of office employees. The overall ambiance is key in office and retail environments, from the flow of shared spaces to artwork to desks, chairs, and credenzas.
What’s my Advice for Women Who Want to Enter the General Contracting field?
Find a mentor who will take the time to teach you the principles of business and best practices in the construction and interior design sector, whether commercial or residential. A mentor can also be someone who shares information online (for instance, a blog or on YouTube). Then surround yourself with people who have proven talent and believe in the old-school principles of honesty, hard work, and a desire to learn something new every day!
Until next time, be bold and beautiful!