Tamika Hooks
Tamika Hooks, MCP, is a seasoned Construction Code Inspector with over 15 years of experience in regulatory compliance, property inspection, and construction management. Currently serving as a Combination Inspector at Lourenco Consultants, Inc., Tamika brings exceptional expertise in analyzing construction plans, conducting detailed inspections, and ensuring adherence to local and international building codes. She has a proven track record of streamlining plan review processes, improving workflows, and implementing technological solutions to increase organizational efficiency.
Tamika’s career spans several leadership roles, including positions with the Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) and Arlington County Government, where she conducted inspections across residential and commercial projects, coordinated with multiple stakeholders, and promoted transparency and compliance within the construction industry. Her professional achievements include advancing lines of communication between agencies and contractors, expediting inspection processes, and mentoring new inspectors. Tamika is recognized for her ability to deliver practical, results-oriented solutions while maintaining the highest ethical standards.
A licensed Master Code Professional with multiple ICC certifications—including Residential Combination Inspector, Commercial Building Inspector, and Plan Reviewer—Tamika combines technical proficiency with strategic insight. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Howard University and has leveraged her architectural knowledge to enhance her hands-on approach to construction inspection.
As a woman navigating a historically male-dominated industry, Tamika has broken barriers through determination, resilience, and continuous self-learning. She is passionate about empowering other women in construction, demonstrating that with skill, dedication, and confidence, anyone can rise to the top of their field.
• Howard University - BArch
• VBCOA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success in construction to resilience, continuous learning, and staying firm but fair. Since starting in 2005, I’ve navigated challenges without a mentor who looked like me, but I found strength in purpose, a handful of true allies, and a commitment to growth. My drive has always been rooted in protecting people, ensuring safety, and leaving behind spaces built to last.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received was simple but powerful: “Stand firm in who you are, but stay open to what you can learn.” That reminder taught me that credibility doesn’t come from trying to fit in, it comes from being consistent, fair, and true to yourself. At the same time, no matter how much experience you have, you should always stay teachable. Construction evolves, codes evolve, and people evolve, so you can’t stop growing. That advice has carried me through the tough days, the moments of doubt, and the milestones of my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering construction is to own your space and never shrink yourself to fit in. Be firm but fair, set boundaries, hold high standards, but treat people with respect. Stay curious and teachable, because this industry is always evolving, and seek out true allies, even if they are few. Most importantly, remember your “why” your work has the power to impact lives and communities, and that purpose will carry you through challenges.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in construction is keeping pace with evolving codes, technology, and a shrinking skilled workforce. But this also creates one of the greatest opportunities to embrace diversity and bring new voices into the industry. By opening doors for women, people of color, and younger generations, we don’t just fill gaps, we strengthen the field with fresh perspectives, innovation, and equity. The future of construction depends on both technical excellence and inclusive leadership.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me both in work and in life, are integrity, respect, and growth. Integrity keeps me grounded, ensuring I lead with honesty and accountability no matter the situation. Respect allows me to be firm but fair, treating others with dignity while holding high standards. Growth reflects my belief in always learning, evolving, and helping others do the same. Together, these values guide how I show up as a professional, a wife, a mother, and a woman committed to leaving every space stronger than I found it.