Her Story
About Tia
Tia is an accomplished design professional with a unique career journey that spans both construction and engineering design. After spending nearly a decade as a mechanical insulator in the construction industry, she recognized the need to adapt during the economic recession and made the bold decision to return to school. Earning an Associate’s Degree in Drafting Technology from The Art Institute of Phoenix in 2014, Tia successfully transitioned from the field to the design side of the industry, combining her hands-on construction experience with technical expertise in drafting and building systems design.
Since joining TJK Consulting Engineers, Inc. in 2015, Tia has played a key role in coordinating and developing plans for mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), and low-voltage systems using Revit and CAD technologies. Her work has contributed to a variety of high-profile projects, including the Choctaw Casino in Oklahoma, AT&T Plaza in Texas, and the Star Wars Galactic Cruiser in Florida. Known for her ability to establish project frameworks and identify design challenges before construction begins, she helps teams transform concepts into practical, buildable solutions while fostering collaboration and innovation throughout the design process.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tia is passionate about teamwork and believes the best results come from bringing together diverse ideas and perspectives. A proud mother to her son, Jadyn, who serves as her greatest inspiration, she values family, friendship, and maintaining a positive outlook in life. Known among those closest to her as the one who can always find humor in any situation, Tia believes laughter is one of life's most powerful remedies. When she is not working, she enjoys spending time at home, taking Sunday drives, and appreciating life's simple pleasures.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tia
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to being adaptable and willing to pivot when a path is no longer serving my goals. I've learned that every decision, even those that don't work out as planned, can lead to new opportunities and valuable growth. I also believe in saying "yes" to challenges that push me outside my comfort zone, as some of the most rewarding experiences and achievements come from embracing the unfamiliar.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received is that you learn more from failure than you do from success. Failures provide valuable lessons, build resilience, and often become the foundation for future growth and achievement.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be intimidated by being the only woman in the room. That's okay. Be ready to back it up when you don't agree.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my greatest strengths is the unique perspective I bring from spending ten years as a mechanical insulator before transitioning into design. That hands-on field experience gave me a deep understanding of how buildings come together, allowing me to approach design coordination with practical insight and identify challenges before they reach the job site. When the recession changed the industry, I saw it as an opportunity to reinvent myself, return to school, earn my degree, and build a successful career in design and leadership.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
One of the values that is most important to me is maintaining a healthy balance between my professional and personal life. I believe that giving meaningful attention to both family and work leads to long-term success and fulfillment, and that avoiding burnout allows me to be fully present for the people and responsibilities that matter most.
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