Máire Lenihan tells Building Magazine about her purpose-driven career journey
March 20, 2026
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Building Magazine interviews UK Water operations director Máire Lenihan for a special report on women in construction
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Growing up in a rural community in Ireland, Máire Lenihan developed an early connection to nature that would shape her entire career.
This fostered a curiosity about how engineering could both enhance communities and protect the natural world. It led her to study environmental engineering and ultimately to a career at Stantec.
Máire is Stantec’s UK and Ireland operations director, based in Ireland but primarily supporting the firm’s UK water business. Her role is strategic and forward-looking, focused on growing Stantec’s national presence at a time when the sector is delivering some of its most ambitious programmes.
As part of Building Magazine’s launch of the Good Employer Guide, she was profiled by the publication, appearing in a special report looking at inspiring women in construction.
In this write-up, Máire explains how she is continually inspired by the people around her, talks through some of her favourite career moments, and discusses how her professional development journey led to dynamic professional experiences.
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