Alexandra Maslanik
Alexandra Fortier is an accomplished architect and construction administration lead with extensive experience managing critical facility and data center projects. She currently serves as an Associate at Gensler, overseeing construction delivery for the firm’s data center projects across the United States and internationally. Known for her hands-on leadership style, Alexandra is dedicated to turning architectural drawings into built realities, ensuring projects stay on track from groundbreaking to vertical construction. She excels at problem-solving in complex construction environments, holding teams accountable while fostering a positive and collaborative work culture.
Growing up in a small mountain town, Alexandra was introduced to construction early through her father, who owned a tile and marble company, and her parents, who built their own home with him as general contractor. She began interning in high school after completing all available drafting classes, including under a female architect who inspired her in the male-dominated field. Alexandra pursued her passion for architecture at the University of Colorado Boulder, earning her degree in 2008. Over her career, she has worked on a diverse array of projects, with a recent focus on data center construction, and has led teams both domestically and abroad. Her promotion to Associate at Gensler in record time highlights her technical expertise and leadership abilities.
Alexandra is a passionate advocate for women in architecture and construction. She mentors female interns, speaks at schools, and encourages other women to pursue careers in construction management. She attributes her success to her daughter, who motivates her to persevere, and to her parents, whose hard work and example have guided her throughout life. Alexandra emphasizes values of kindness, grit, and determination, believing that success comes not only from professional accomplishments but from enjoying and loving the work she does every day.
• University of Colorado Boulder — Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture
• Made Associate at Gensler in record time
• Speaking at schools to encourage females in architecture
• Mentoring female interns at Gensler
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my daughter - wanting to make her proud of me and wanting to not give up. Architecture's not easy, and it's very easy to quit. In architecture, we have to know twice as much as everyone, and we probably get paid half of what the contractors and other professions make. So my daughter keeps me going, and my parents too - they've always worked hard toward their goals, and that example has driven me.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
It’s okay not to know right away what you want to do. Figure out what truly makes you happy, and you’ll be successful. Success isn’t only defined by financial status—if you love what you do every day, it won’t feel like a job. I want to inspire others to not get discouraged and to keep going.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Being a minority as a woman in construction is both a challenge and an opportunity. It requires you to be twice as prepared, know the drawings thoroughly, and hold people accountable, but it also opens leadership opportunities and pushes you to achieve more.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Kindness, hard work, grit, never giving up, doing what it takes to get the job done, and maintaining a positive spirit with smiles and laughter.